Ujama Akpata, co-founder of Cargoplug, is not just moving goods; she’s moving boundaries. In a male-dominated logistics space, Akpata and her team have built a women-led logistics startup, reshaping how trade flows between the UK and Nigeria, and have officially launched in the UK.
In this interview, Akpata opens up about the power of diaspora-driven trade, the need for policy reform across African logistics corridors, and how Nigeria can unlock new economic opportunities by tapping into an efficient, tech-enabled logistics system. BusinessDay’s Chinwe Michael brings excerpts.
Why was the UK chosen as Cargoplug’s first international expansion market?
Cargoplug’s decision to expand internationally by establishing a presence in the UK was a strategic move rather than just a matter of convenience.
We initially started as Jand2Gidi, and we’ve helped Nigerians in the UK send parcels home, fostering trust and partnerships with customers who became small business owners. The UK’s significant role in global trade and its access to Europe have been advantageous, with substantial goods flow between the UK and the EU. Opening a UK hub has enhanced operational control, reducing delivery times and improving service for customers.
Cargoplug aims to support African SMEs in the growing cross-border e-commerce market, emphasising its commitment to its early partners and the broader mission of helping businesses thrive globally.
Can you provide details about the self-run hub in the UK? What are its capabilities, and what does it offer to your client base?
Our UK hub is fully run by us—no middlemen, no outsourcing. It’s both a drop-off spot for our clients and the place where we prep all export shipments. Everything happens there: we accept parcels, do quality checks, repackage if needed, label properly, and sort out all the customs paperwork, all in one place.
Because we manage it ourselves, things move a lot faster. There’s less waiting around, better tracking, and fewer unexpected delays. Whether you’re shipping by air or sea, we’ve made it more affordable and a lot smoother. Plus, our UK team is on ground and knows the ins and outs of both UK and Nigerian logistics, so you always have someone who gets it when you need help.
How has Cargoplug’s technology evolved over the past decade to support its growth and expansion?
Ten years ago, shipment management relied on spreadsheets and emails. Now, a SaaS platform exists that streamlines everything from customer onboarding to parcel tracking and partner management.
Clients can use user-friendly dashboards for managing shipments and viewing real-time updates. B2B clients benefit from shipping APIs that integrate with their systems for easier logistics management. Our company is also incorporating AI for better forecasting, delivery time predictions, and route planning to reduce delays and costs.
How significant has the rise in UK-Nigeria trade and the growth of diaspora communities been to Cargoplug’s success? Can you provide any data or insights on this correlation?
The growth in UK–Nigeria trade and the rise of Nigerian communities in the UK have significantly impacted Cargoplug’s journey. Initially serving individuals sending gifts and essentials back to Nigeria, the company has evolved as many customers transitioned into business owners importing various goods.
With nearly 400,000 Nigerians obtaining UK visas in the past year, the need for reliable shipping has increased. UK–Nigeria trade reached approximately £7.2 billion in 2024, largely driven by diaspora-led businesses. Cargoplug has adapted by handling more business shipments and assisting with inventory and e-commerce, supporting Nigerian entrepreneurs while maintaining connections to home.
What immediate changes and strategies, from a policy and infrastructure perspective, need to happen for Africa’s logistics sector to live up to expectations?
Africa faces a coordination problem in logistics rather than a logistical one. The inconsistency and outdated nature of customs processes lead to delays and higher costs in trade.
Digitising and standardising customs across countries could significantly improve the situation. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for lasting progress. Cargoplug is actively participating in discussions with government and business representatives to foster partnerships that can drive positive changes in the logistics industry.
As a women-led startup, how have you navigated the challenges of working in a male-dominated logistics industry?
Let’s be real, logistics isn’t exactly the easiest industry for women. It’s traditionally male-dominated, especially when it comes to the hands-on stuff like warehousing, customs, and compliance. So no, the journey hasn’t been smooth sailing.
But we didn’t step into this space to play by the old rules; we came to change the game.
Being women-led has also turned out to be a superpower. It’s helped us stand out in boardrooms, at investor tables, and even at the ports. People don’t expect to see women running logistics, and when they see us doing it well, it flips the script. We’ve shown that you don’t have to be one of the boys to lead with confidence and make a real impact.
Are there plans for further expansion into other European countries or globally in the future?
Cargoplug plans to expand into Germany, France, and the Netherlands, aiming to create a tech-enabled logistics network across Europe that simplifies business between Europe and Africa.
