Whether shipping to Africa or seeking to utilize the services of a courier company inside the African continent, the small business owner should be aware of their options. Courier services in Africa range from small local outfits to international companies.

Courier services in Africa operate very similarly to delivery services worldwide, so the usual rules of choosing established companies with solid reputations still applies. When researching small package delivery in Africa for beginners:

1. Know that major American based companies provide international shipping to Africa

2. Understand that delivery of small packages in Africa by domestic companies offers customers a local relationship

3. Realize that rules of shipping to Africa can differ between countries

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick American international companies for Africa package delivery services

A number of American based companies offer courier and shipping services across Africa, making access to rural communities and unfamiliar territory a little easier. Most small packages shipped from the United States can arrive in Africa the next day. Each country has its own customs issues, fees and other considerations, so it's important to ask questions based on destination.

I recommend: FedEx offers service across the continent from any country to any country. United Parcel Service of America, better known as UPS, offers delivery to several countries in Africa, but with different import and export availability. Click on the country of delivery for delivery specifics and any country restrictions for both carriers.

Consider small package shipping in Africa a local affair

Sometimes an international client prefers to work with regional companies. There are several well established African shipping companies that offer credit accounts as well as domestic and international delivery.

I recommend: Airfreight Africa is a South African based courier service offering both domestic and international shipping services. They are a well established company in the region and offer accounts to both domestic and international clients. The Courier Link CC is also in South Africa and offers same day domestic services in addition to international shipping.

Research the customs specifics for Africa courier services

Finding information on Africa delivery companies for specific countries is important to successfully shipping packages to, from and within the country. Whether it's courier services in Nigeria or Egypt, an overview of import and export laws, as well as custom regulations, will aid any beginner in dealing with shipping needs to and from Africa. Getting the best value for money in your African shipping needs is also important to your success.

I recommend: Africa Business Pages offers a guide to import and export regulations and fees for South Africa. Parcels Packages.com Africa is a database that allows the small business owner to type in any country in Africa and compare the rates and fees of shipping and delivery companies.

Small package delivery in Africa is necessary for many companies in this age of international business. Any industry with customers anywhere in the African continent can find themselves needing to ship products rapidly and safely. However, the delivery of small packages in Africa can be much less straightforward than similar shipping in North America or in Europe.

Shipping to Africa isn’t too hard if you know what you’re doing. The major international delivery services, like FedEx, UPS and DHL, service cities across the continent and can get your packages to their destination as fast as possible. There are also many local and regional courier services in Africa, too. These services are especially useful in deliveries to remote or rural areas.

Keep the following steps in mind for your delivery of small packets in Africa:

1. Know the international shipping rules for the country you need to send products to.

2. Compare prices from different Africa courier services to get the best rates and delivery times.

3. Make sure your delivery service can reach the required destination.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use regional Africa courier services

Courier services in Africa are better-prepared to handle the specifics of shipping to Africa than the major international services may be. Also, regional Africa delivery companies may offer better service to some countries than the international services.

I recommend: Airfreight Africa and NightwinG Couriers are both courier services in South Africa that offer domestic delivery and courier services as well as international delivery options. Especially for the South African region, these companies offer rapid delivery in days or even hours. Africankiosk offers delivery of items to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.

Check out larger shipping services for their policies on the delivery of small packages in Africa

The major international shipping companies can provide international shipping to Africa, especially if you're delivering products to a major city. Make sure you know the details of the company's policy on the delivery of small packets in Africa for the particular country you are sending a package to.

I recommend: FedEx, UPS and DHL all provide forms you can use to calculate rates and delivery times around the world.

Gather information on small package delivery in Africa

Unlike shipping in North America or in Europe, there can be a lot of problems when shipping to Africa. Read up on international shipping information and specifically on shipping in the appropriate country.

I recommend: WorldTrade Magazine offers an article on general international shipping of small packages. UPS’s Global Advisor service gives detailed information about international shipping worldwide. DHL’s international shipping page offers a wealth of information for anyone looking to ship packages.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Services for the delivery of small packages to Africa vary widely between rural and urban regions, as well as from country to country. Many Africa package delivery services only function in the cities, and if you're sending a package to a rural area, your best bet might be to send the package via the country's postal system.