Moving goods to and from Europe has always been a challenging task for African merchants. A tech entrepreneur with ties to both sides of the Mediterranean decided to launch a solution to solve the problem.

Cloudfret is a digital solution developed by a Moroccan startup. It allows African merchants to quickly contact carriers to send or receive their goods from Europe.

The solution claims to be “the first digital platform that links the two shores of the Mediterranean by connecting shippers to an extensive and reliable network of carriers from Europe and Africa.”

Through its mobile (iOS and Android) app, users can set up their accounts and create freight orders in just a few clicks. They can also book trucks and track their goods in real time. In its bid to make life easier for both merchants and transporters, the solution sets up an environment where merchants can trust the transporters they are booking and are also ensured of getting the best rates. It also boosts transporters’ income by optimizing “empty truck returns” and ensuring them fast payments.  Indeed, the solution uses an algorithm to identify empty carriers on their way back, therefore ensuring good deals for merchants while allowing carriers to monetize the empty returns.

In addition to road transport, it also offers sea transport on demand. To facilitate the process, it requires transport documents to be digitized.

According to PlayStore data, its Android app has been downloaded less than 100 times, which hints that the app is not yet quite popular. Nevertheless, in May 2022, the startup raised $1 million to support its growth in Africa and Europe. Also, in 2021, it was among the 16 finalists of the VC4A's Venture Showcase.

Adoni Conrad Quenum