The continent’s logistics ecosystem has long been a labyrinth of inefficiencies. Moses Enenwali, the founder of Topship, understands this better than most.
Moses Enenwali’s journey into logistics began at 18 when he was importing coffee beans from Nigeria to the U.K. It was then that he saw the complexities of international shipping firsthand—a fragmented, opaque system riddled with inefficiencies.
Years later, after working with companies attempting to innovate in the space, he launched Topship as a response to an unexpected opportunity during the pandemic: the realization that passenger planes could be repurposed for cargo. What began as a crisis-time experiment has since evolved into a leading tech-driven logistics platform, bridging the gaps in international trade for businesses across the African continent.
“The provider that helps you import raw materials from China may not be suited to deliver finished goods to customers in the U.K. or the U.S.,” Enenwali explains.
Topship solves this by offering businesses a unified, tech-enabled platform that provides optimized shipping solutions based on cost, speed, and customs requirements.
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The company has also addressed regulatory bottlenecks, recognizing that over 80% of customs delays stem from improper documentation. By integrating a smart documentation system, Topship has significantly reduced delays, allowing businesses to focus on scaling rather than shipping headaches.
But, the true magic of Topship is in its technology stack. Inspired by consumer tech experiences like Uber and Airbnb, Enenwali’s team has built an integration layer that simplifies an otherwise chaotic industry.
“Most would see ten different players, endless calls, and paperwork nightmares; we saw an opportunity,” he says.
The platform connects budgeting systems, real-time price discovery engines, air and sea freight carriers, and customs clearance protocols. This ensures that businesses—whether a startup fashion brand in Lagos, Nigeria or a growing agribusiness in Accra,Ghana—can move goods globally without friction.
Expansion has been strategic rather than aggressive. Rather than chasing geographical footprints, Topship prioritizes trade routes with high demand but low technological penetration. This approach has fueled its growth, including its recent foray into China, an essential market for African businesses sourcing raw materials. Strategic partnerships have also been key.
“No single player can provide every service in this industry. That’s why our partnerships with DHL, FedEx, and Flexport are critical. We integrate their strengths into our platform, making international shipping seamless for African businesses,” Enenwali says.
With a $3 million investment led by Y Combinator and Flexport, Topship is poised to become a dominant force in Africa’s trade infrastructure. Enenwali sees his company as more than a logistics provider; he envisions it as a catalyst for Africa’s trade renaissance.
“In the next five years, we’ll see more African countries exporting finished goods to global markets. We want to be the infrastructure that powers that shift,” he says.
For aspiring tech founders, Enenwali’s advice is clear: “Everything is up for disruption. The problems that seem insurmountable today are the opportunities that will define the next decade. Stay optimistic, because we’re living in the most exciting time to build.”
With Topship, he isn’t just saying it—he’s proving it.
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