What Panafric Global does

Panafric Global is an Ethiopian-headquartered freight forwarding and logistics company founded in 1993, providing air, sea, and land forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, project cargo, and (as of 2025) multimodal transport services. The company operates 13 offices — 10 within Ethiopia and 3 satellite offices across Africa (including Djibouti, which provides port access for landlocked Ethiopia) — supported by 10,000+ sqm of warehouse space, an associated fleet of 600+ trucks, and 200+ employees. Annual throughput includes 5,000+ operations, 6,000+ tonnes of LCL, and 4,000+ TEU. The company holds GSA positions with Turkish Cargo (sole GSA in Ethiopia), Ethiopian Airlines Cargo, and Jazeera Airways, generating revenue through a mix of freight forwarding margins, customs brokerage fees, warehousing rents, project cargo contracts, and GSA commissions.

The customer base is concentrated among multinational enterprises across multiple verticals: FMCG (Coca-Cola, Castel, Diageo), automotive (BYD), energy (Total, Kobil), construction and infrastructure (Webuild / Salini Impregilo, China National Machinery), manufacturing (Dangote, Moenco), and apparel/leather (H&M, Pittards). A 20+ year partnership with Webuild on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project anchors a significant project cargo flow. The combination of enterprise clients, exclusive agency appointments, and a long operating history points to a relationship-driven, project- and account-based go-to-market rather than a long-tail SMB model.

The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified (November 2021), AEO certified (April 2023), holds a Multimodal Operator License (2025), and is a member of IATA, FIATA, IAM, CROSSTRADES, and BIFA. CEO Elizabeth Getahun, who served as President of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) from 2018 to 2024, leads the company. No product technology platform, software, or AI/ML capabilities are documented in the available information; Panafric Global operates as a traditional freight-forwarding service business.

Name

Panafric Global

Legal name

Panafric Global Logistics

Website

https://panafricglobal.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Ethiopian freight forwarding and logistics company founded in 1993, providing air, sea, and land forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, and project cargo services to multinational enterprise clients across Africa through 13 offices and global agency partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Freight Forwarding & Logistics Services

NAICS

Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510)

SIC

Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

Mining, Metals & Bulk Project Cargo (TLACAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Multi-Country Consolidation (MCC) / Regional Hub Consolidation (TLACALAD), Project Cargo Packing, Crating & Securing (Lashing/Dunnage) (TLAIAKAJ)

Keywords

• Freight forwarding services
• Multimodal logistics solutions
• Customs clearance services
• Project cargo handling
• Warehousing and distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Addis Ababa

HQ country

Ethiopia

HQ region

Africa

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Freight Forwarding Services: Core revenue from international freight forwarding including air freight, ocean freight, customs clearance, consolidation, warehousing, trucking and distribution, packing and moving, project cargo handling.
2. Multimodal Transportation Services: Integrated logistics solutions combining multiple transport modes with end-to-end service including road surveys, specialized trucking, port operations, and door-to-door delivery.
3. Specialized Logistics Solutions: Value-added services including project cargo, cool chain, specialized handling for dangerous goods (ADR, DGR, IMO certified), and logistics consultancy.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Panafric Global Logistics is a multimodal transportation and logistics services provider offering end-to-end supply chain solutions including international air freight, ocean freight, customs clearance, LCL/FCL consolidation, 10,000+ m² of warehousing with 24/7 automated security, trucking and distribution via a 600+ truck fleet, project cargo handling for heavy lift and oversized shipments, packing/moving/relocation, value-added services, and logistics consultancy. The company serves enterprise clients across garments/apparel, oil and gas, infrastructure, manufacturing, humanitarian aid, and exhibition sectors, with a focus on Ethiopia and East African trade corridors.

Product overview

Panafric Global is a logistics services provider offering an integrated platform of freight forwarding and supply chain management services. The portfolio centers on multimodal transportation capabilities including Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Customs Clearance, Consolidation, Warehousing, Trucking and Distribution, and specialized Project Cargo handling. Supporting services include Packing/Moving/Relocation, Value Added Services (packaging, labeling, quality checks), Logistics Solutions (consultancy), and Agency representation. The company operates as a unified logistics platform serving diverse sectors including garment/apparel, oil and gas, aid and relief, exhibitions, and project cargo. With over 30 years of experience, the company has expanded from its Ethiopia base to serve international clients across global shipping routes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Air Freight International air freight delivery services for all types of cargo including general, perishable, dangerous goods, and urgent shipments through partnerships with Turkish Airlines (sole GSA), Ethiopian Airlines, and Jazeera Airways.
• Ocean Freight End-to-end sea freight transport services across Mediterranean, Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans with connections to Berbera, Sudan, and Djibouti ports.
• Customs Clearance Comprehensive customs clearance services including import/export declarations, customs invoicing, and compliance with local and global customs requirements, backed by AEO certification from the Ethiopian Customs Commission.
• Consolidation LCL and LTL shipment consolidation services that combine multiple shipments into efficient units to reduce transportation costs and carbon emissions.
• Warehousing Storage and contract logistics services with 10,000+ square meters of space, featuring 24/7 automated security, bonded storage, pick and pack services, and distribution capabilities for sensitive medical equipment and medicines.
• Trucking and Distribution Road freight, haulage, and distribution services with a fleet of 600+ trucks for deliveries across Ethiopia and East Africa.
• Packing, Moving, Relocation Professional packing and moving services for homes and offices including professional packing materials, specialized equipment for large items, furniture disassembly/reassembly, and international relocation support.
• Project Cargo Heavy lift cargo and project logistics services handling transformers, cranes, oversized cargo, mega hydroelectric power projects (GERD, Koysha), and sensitive artifacts with specialized engineers and equipment.
• Value Added Services Additional services including expert packaging (crating, small manufacturing), customizable labeling solutions, quality control inspections, and customized supply chain solutions.
• Logistics Solutions Consultancy services covering supply chain management, professional road and bridge surveys, tailored logistics advice, and project planning to optimize costs and prevent delays.
• Agency Services Agency liaison services functioning as an extension of client operations, handling contract negotiations, shipment coordination, and authority liaisons with compliance and risk mitigation, including sole GSA representation for Turkish Cargo.

Quantifiable outcome

• Handles over 5000 operations annually with over 6000 tonnes of LCL shipments and 4000+ TEUs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Turkish CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPanafric Global Logistics is the sole General Sales Agent (GSA) for Turkish Cargo, providing exclusive sales and service representation for Turkish Airlines cargo operations across multiple routes.
• Ethiopian AirlinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized cargo agent for Ethiopian Airlines, the pride of Africa with operations to 315+ destinations. Provides daily cargo flights serving clients seven days a week.
• Jazeera AirwayscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSole authorized representative in Ethiopia for Jazeera Airways cargo services, operating from Kuwait International Airport with fleet of 19 aircraft serving 50+ locations.
• FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of global freight forwarding association providing international legitimacy, networking, and best practice sharing. EFFSAA serves as Vice-Chairman of FIATA Regional Africa and Middle East.
• IAM (International Association of Movers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of international moving association providing global network for removal and relocation services.
• IATA (International Air Transport Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIATA certified member with Dangerous Goods (DGR) and IATA recognized certifications for handling hazardous materials by air.
• EFFSAA (Ethiopian Freight Forwarders & Shipping Agents Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive member with CEO Elizabeth Getahun serving as former President (2018-2024) and current President of Ethio Logistics Sectorial Association (ELSA).
• ELSA (Ethio Logistics Sectorial Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEO Elizabeth Getahun serves as current President, actively participating in industry advocacy and corridor development initiatives.
• Webuild (formerly Salini Impregilo)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOver 20-year strategic partnership for GERD hydroelectric project providing customs clearance, freight forwarding, heavy cargo transportation, and specialized machinery. Received Appreciation Medal of Recognition in 2025.
• CROSSTRADEScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of global logistics network platform bringing transporters, traders, manufacturers, and logistics professionals together for worldwide coverage expansion.
• BIFA (British International Freight Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with British freight association including attendance at annual showcase events, meeting with HRH Princess Anne, strengthening UK-Ethiopia logistics ties.
• TransaidcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry charity partnership through BIFA events, participating in annual showcase focusing on logistics and transport sector initiatives.
• Nyala Insurance S.C.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInsurance partner providing coverage services for logistics operations and cargo insurance.
• DP WorldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through Berbera Port operations where Ethiopia has 19% share, Somaliland government 30%, and DP World 51%. Operations connected to Berbera, Sudan, and Djibouti ports.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Expeditors International: Global freight forwarder focused on air and ocean freight with customs brokerage. Direct peer on the asset-light forwarding-plus-customs model Panafric uses for its enterprise (Coca-Cola, H&M, Diageo) customers.
• DB Schenker: Global logistics provider offering air/ocean freight forwarding, contract logistics and project cargo across Africa. Directly comparable on the integrated multimodal forwarding model that includes customs and warehousing.
• DHL Global Forwarding: World's largest air and ocean freight forwarder with active operations across Ethiopia and Africa. Directly comparable across air/ocean forwarding, customs clearance, project logistics and warehousing — the same core service stack Panafric offers.
• Agility: Global freight forwarder and contract logistics operator with significant footprint in Africa and the Middle East. Direct peer on multimodal freight forwarding, project cargo and customs, with comparable role on corridor and adjacent-port activity relevant to Panafric's market.
• DSV: Top-three global freight forwarder (post-Schenker/Panalpina/GIL integrations) operating in Africa with multimodal air/ocean/road forwarding, project cargo and contract logistics. Directly mirrors Panafric's bundled freight-forwarding value proposition at much larger scale.
• CEVA Logistics: Global contract logistics and freight management operator (owned by CMA CGM) active across Africa. Overlapping with Panafric on multimodal freight forwarding, contract logistics and integrated supply chain solutions across multiple verticals including industrial project cargo.
• Kuehne+Nagel: Global freight forwarder with established air, ocean, road and customs operations including significant African presence. Directly comparable on multimodal freight forwarding, customs brokerage, project cargo and contract logistics — the same integrated bundle Panafric sells.

Regional players

• Siginon Group: East African freight forwarder and integrated logistics operator headquartered in Kenya with regional offices. Directly comparable on multimodal freight forwarding, contract logistics and customs — both compete for the same garment, FMCG and industrial flows between East Africa and the rest of the world.
• Africa Global Logistics: Pan-African logistics and port operator (formerly Bolloré Africa Logistics, now within MSC). Overlapping with Panafric on continental freight forwarding, port handling and multimodal logistics across West and East Africa, though Panafric has a deeper Ethiopian industrial-park position.

Broad incumbents

• Maersk Logistics and Services: Global container shipping and integrated logistics company with growing end-to-end logistics and forwarding capability, including established presence at Djibouti — directly relevant to Ethiopian corridor logistics. Panafric partners with Maersk's ocean carrier network while competing for the same Ethiopian importer freight dollar.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@PanafricGlobal
• Facebookfacebook.com/PanafricGlobalPLC
• LinkedInet.linkedin.com/in/panafricglobalplc
• Xx.com/PanafricG

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Panafric Global