Logistics platform for landlocked Uganda
India-headquartered Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale), an IT solutions provider in logistics, has partnered with PSFU (Private Sector Foundation Uganda) to offer a logistics e-marketplace in the landlocked African country. The e-marketplace is an online portal for booking door-to-door cargo transportation services.
“Trade in Uganda is concentrated in western and central corridors with ports anchored in Kenya and Tanzania, respectively,” said Vineet Malhotra, director of Kale Logistics Solutions. “The sector is fragmented and the cost of logistics high, hovering between 18 and 20% of the sales cost. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the monopoly of the neighbouring regions."
The system matches companies looking to ship freight using one or more modes of transport with service providers, digitising the entire shipment process, including rates, schedule, booking, contracting, delivery, invoicing and payment.
More integrated transport services will help to optimise the use of road, air, ocean and rail services and further help Uganda to achieve its potential to become a strategic logistics hub for the East African Community (EAC).
Along with adequate transport infrastructure, the logistics e-marketplace will also enable access to ports in neighbouring countries. (sh)