This article is presented by the M9 Logistics Germany Office:
Optimized shipping solutions for your business needs in Africa
Shipping from Europe to Africa requires a strategic approach, incorporating air freight, sea freight, and container load options. Businesses and individuals must evaluate their shipping needs based on factors such as cost, transit times, and the type of cargo being transported.
Key departure hubs in Europe include:
- Germany: Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich
- France: Paris, Marseille
- Netherlands: Rotterdam, Amsterdam
- Belgium: Antwerp, Brussels
- Spain: Barcelona, Valencia
- Italy: Genoa, Milan
Major destinations in Africa are divided into Northern and Southern Africa:
Northern Africa (closer transit times, strategic ports for trade):
- Egypt: Alexandria, Port Said, Cairo (Tambo International Airport serves as a transit hub)
- Morocco: Casablanca, Tangier
- Algeria: Algiers, Oran
- Tunisia: Tunis, Sfax
Southern Africa (longer transit times, key for industrial and mining shipments):
- South Africa: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg (Tambo International Airport)
- Angola: Luanda
- Mozambique: Maputo, Beira
- Namibia: Walvis Bay
Types of cargo shipped from Europe to Africa
- Consumer Goods: Electronics, fashion, home appliances
- Industrial Equipment: Machinery, tools, spare parts
- Automotive: Vehicles, tires, spare parts
- Pharmaceuticals & Medical Supplies: Vaccines, hospital equipment
- Food & Agriculture: Dairy, packaged foods, fertilizers
- Dangerous Goods: Chemicals, batteries, fuel components
- Live Animals: Pets, livestock transportation
- High-Value Goods: Luxury items, jewelry, artwork
Businesses can choose Lufthansa Cargo for air shipping to fast-track urgent deliveries, while shipping containers via sea freight remain a cost-effective solution for bulk orders. Selecting the right method ensures smooth customs clearance, optimized shipping costs, and efficient delivery to the final destination.
M9 Logistics Frankfurt – partner for cargo delivery from Europe to Africa
At M9 Logistics Frankfurt, we provide comprehensive freight forwarding solutions for businesses and individuals shipping cargo from Europe to Africa. Whether you require air freight for urgent deliveries or sea freight for bulk shipments, our expertise ensures a seamless, cost-effective, and compliant transportation process.
Why Choose M9 Logistics Frankfurt?
Certified & Compliant
We hold IATA Accreditation, IATA-DGR Certification (for dangerous goods handling), and ATLAS-Ausfuhrverfahren (customs export procedure), guaranteeing smooth, compliant, and efficient global freight forwarding for import and export services.
Europe-Wide Pick-Up
Our logistics network allows us to arrange fast and secure cargo collection from any location in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Italy, ensuring a streamlined export process. We offer door-to-door services, ensuring smooth transportation from any origin in Europe to your final destination in Africa.
Customs Clearance & Regulatory Compliance
We navigate complex export procedures and handle all customs documentation, ensuring your shipment moves efficiently through Germany Frankfurt and major European ports.
Real-Time Tracking & Expert Support
Our team provides end-to-end shipment visibility and 24/7 support, giving you full control over your supply chain from origin to destination.
With extensive experience in international logistics, M9 Logistics Frankfurt is your trusted partner for cost-effective, reliable, and fully compliant freight transportation from Europe to Africa.
The overall price of shipping from Germany to South Africa depends on multiple factors:
- Type of cargo (e.g., general goods, live animals, or dangerous goods)
- Mode of transport (air vs. sea)
- Dimensions and weight of the shipment
- Origin and destination
- Customs clearance fees and duties
For businesses, optimizing the supply chain and working with trusted suppliers can help manage expenses and improve efficiency.
Contact us today for expert advice and a tailored shipping solution!
Air Freight from EU to Africa
While Germany serves as a key air freight hub, we offer a comprehensive logistics network that allows cargo pick-up from any European city. Whether your shipment originates in Paris, Madrid, Milan, Amsterdam, or Brussels, we ensure it is efficiently transported to Germany Frankfurt Airport (FRA) or other major cargo terminals for export to Africa.
Once in Germany, our logistics team handles customs clearance, packaging, labeling, and airline coordination, ensuring smooth and compliant air freight forwarding.
Benefits of air cargo:
- Speed: fastest transit time – shorter delivery times compared to sea freight, ensuring urgent shipments reach their destinations within days.
- Security: air transport offers better protection against theft, damage, and delays, making it ideal for high-value cargo.
- Wide Network of Airports: departures from major EU cargo hubs to African business centers such as Johannesburg (JNB, Tambo International Airport), Nairobi (NBO), Cape Town (CPT), and Lagos (LOS).
Shipping cargo from Europe to Africa via air freight is the ideal solution for businesses requiring speed, security, and reliability. With M9 Logistics Frankfurt, you get certified expertise, customized logistics planning, and cost-effective freight solutions tailored to your needs.
Popular air routes and rates to Africa
Air shipping Routes from Germany to Africa
| Destination Airport | MIN (kg) | -45 kg | +45 kg | +100 kg | +300 kg | +500 kg | +1000 kg | Airline & Routing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town (CPT) | 200 | 5.51 | 4.96 | 2.61 | 2.41 | 2.41 | 2.41 | Ethiopian Airlines via ADD, LD Cargo |
| Cape Town (CPT) | 350 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.4 | Stabo Air via LGG, LD & MD Cargo |
| Durban (DUR) | 350 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.4 | Stabo Air via LGG, LD & MD Cargo |
| Douala (DLA) | 200 | 5.51 | 4.96 | 4.11 | 3.91 | 3.91 | 3.91 | Ethiopian Airlines via ADD, LD Cargo |
| Entebbe (EBB) | 250 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.4 | Stabo Air via LGG, LD & MD Cargo |
| Entebbe (EBB) | 150 | 3.8 | 3.25 | 2.75 | 2.75 | 2.5 | 2.45 | Other indirect option, LD Cargo |
| Kinshasa (FIH) | 200 | 5.51 | 4.96 | 4.31 | 4.31 | 4.31 | 4.31 | Ethiopian Airlines via ADD, LD Cargo |
| Freetown (FNA) | 200 | 6.11 | 4.96 | 4.21 | 4.21 | 4.21 | 4.21 | Ethiopian Airlines via ADD, LD Cargo |
| Johannesburg (JNB) | 200 | 6.51 | 4.96 | 3.91 | 3.91 | 3.91 | 3.91 | Ethiopian Airlines via ADD, LD Cargo |
| Nairobi (NBO) | 200 | 5.51 | 4.96 | 2.41 | 2.41 | 2.41 | 2.41 | Ethiopian Airlines via ADD, LD Cargo |
Note: Freight rates may vary depending on seasonality, fuel costs, and market demand. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, please contact our managers for a personalized quote and availability.
Sea Freight from EU to Africa
For businesses moving large shipments from Europe to Africa, sea freight remains the most cost-effective and scalable solution. Whether you require a full container load (FCL) for exclusive use or prefer a less than container load (LCL) option for smaller shipments, ocean freight offers flexibility and affordability.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Best for businesses shipping large volumes that require an entire container. Ensures faster transit, lower damage risks, and optimized shipping costs per unit.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
Ideal for smaller shipments that don’t require a full container. Your cargo is consolidated with other shipments, reducing costs but potentially increasing transit time due to multiple handling points.
Both FCL and LCL services are available for a wide range of goods from international shop, including industrial machinery, consumer products, automotive parts, foodstuffs, and dangerous goods.
Key аdvantages of sea freight
- Lower trasportation costs compared to air freight
- Suitable for large shipments and bulk transportation
- Flexible options for both full container load and smaller shipments
- More environmentally friendly
European ports for sea freight to Africa
We provide LCL and FCL services from major European seaports, including:
- Germany: Hamburg, Bremerhaven
- Netherlands: Rotterdam
- Belgium: Antwerp
- France: Le Havre, Marseille
- Spain: Valencia, Barcelona
- Italy: Genoa, Naples
Once the shipment reaches Africa, key ports such as Cape Town (South Africa), Lagos (Nigeria), Mombasa (Kenya), Durban (South Africa), and Abidjan (Ivory Coast) serve as primary gateways for regional distribution.
Transit times and costs for sea trasportation
Sea freight from Europe to Africa varies in transit time depending on the origin, carrier schedules, customs clearance, and port congestion. On average:
- Northern Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Algeria) – 10–20 days
- West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal) – 25–35 days
- East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique) – 30–40 days
- Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Angola) – 35–50 days
While sea freight costs are lower, longer transit times should be considered when planning shipments. Rates fluctuate based on fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, and container availability, so we recommend consulting our logistics experts for the most accurate data.
Choosing the right freight forwarder
Selecting a reliable freight forwarder is essential for smooth logistics. A professional logistics provider can handle everything from pick-up to final delivery, ensuring your shipment reaches its destination without delays.
Key services a freight forwarder provides:
- Customs clearance and regulatory compliance
- Packaging and loading services
- Coordination with carriers for seamless transportation
- Real-time tracking for better shipment visibility
- Advisory services to help businesses purchase the right shipping solutions
Delivered cargo projects by M9 Logistics
Finding the best shipping services
Whether you need air freight, sea freight, or a shipping container, choosing the right logistics solution depends on factors like cost, transit time, and destination requirements.
By partnering with an experienced freight forwarder, businesses can ensure smooth transportation, efficient customs processing, and timely delivery. For tailored shipping services, contact a logistics expert today to advise you on the best solution for your needs.
Shipping from Germany and other European countries to Africa is a crucial part of global trade. With the right logistics partner, you can access seamless transport, manage your import processes efficiently, and enhance your business operations.
Contact us today to discuss your shipping needs and get the best rates for air freight or sea freight from Europe to Africa
Contact Us
E-mail: pricing_de@m9logistics.com
Telephone: +49 0 69 999993350
Location: M9 Logistics GmbH, Cargo City South, Building 638C 60549, Frankfurt, Germany. View on the maps.
