Expanding Across Borders: Pigee Invests in African Logistics

In a strategic move to establish its presence in Africa’s growing digital commerce market, US-based logistics technology company Pigee has acquired a 55% controlling stake in Nigeria’s ShipAfrica. The acquisition will occur over three stages within the next 18 months and represents Pigee’s first significant investment in West Africa.

Addressing Key Challenges in African Commerce

The deal aims to address one of the major hurdles facing businesses operating in Africa: fragmented logistics networks that drive up costs and create inefficiencies. According to a World Bank report, bureaucratic delays and hidden expenses can inflate regional trade costs by as much as 25%, particularly for companies seeking to expand beyond their home markets.

ShipAfrica founder Walter Isoko will remain CEO of the company, which employs over 10 people and serves as Pigee’s entry point into Nigeria’s dynamic logistics landscape. The acquisition combines ShipAfrica’s local operational expertise with Pigee’s global shipping infrastructure and technology platform.

Why Africa Matters to Pigee

Pigee was founded in 2022 by Leroy Lawrence, who previously worked in capital markets and built/exited businesses in Africa. The company initially sought to solve a personal pain point – reliably shipping purchases home from international travels. This evolved into a B2B platform enabling merchants to reach customers beyond their physical locations.

“I needed someone who I could trust, who speaks the same business language,” Lawrence explained. “With Walter and ShipAfrica’s existing network, we can build something truly special in this market.” The founders initially connected when Isoko was seeking investment for a prior acquisition target, highlighting the serendipitous nature of strategic partnerships.

The consolidation leverages complementary strengths: Pigee excels in software and international logistics while ShipAfrica possesses deep local operational knowledge and carrier relationships. Together, they aim to create a more seamless commerce experience for businesses selling across borders.