In an increasingly connected world, cross-border logistics shouldn’t be a luxury—but for many Africans, it still feels that way. That’s what Nigerian startup Cargoplug is out to change. With roots in Nigeria and a growing international presence, the company is streamlining the global shipping experience for African SMEs, global brands, and everyday consumers—especially between key hubs like the UK, US, China, Turkey, and Nigeria.
From Frustration to Innovation
The journey began in 2013 when co-founders Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya and Ujama Akpata—both of whom had studied in the UK—struggled to get basic items delivered from British stores to Nigeria. The shipping options available were either overpriced, riddled with hidden fees, or took far too long.
“What we needed simply didn’t exist,” recalls Fola-Ogunniya. “The process was broken—expensive minimum weights, surprise costs, zero clarity. So we decided to fix it ourselves.”
That fix became Jand2Gidi, a personal project turned business. It quickly gained traction by offering fair, fast, and transparent shipping options for Nigerians sourcing goods abroad.
Rebranding for Growth: Enter Cargoplug
In 2023, the company rebranded to Cargoplug, signaling its evolution from a niche courier service to a fully-fledged logistics company with global capabilities. Yet its core mission remains the same: simplify shipping, eliminate unnecessary stress, and empower clients—from individuals to global brands—to move goods across borders with confidence.
Today, Cargoplug offers a range of services including:
-
Air and sea freight for packages of all sizes
-
International relocation support
-
Nationwide delivery within Nigeria
-
Real-time shipment tracking via a client dashboard
-
API integration for business logistics systems
Deliveries from the UK to Nigeria can take as little as 24 hours, thanks to the company’s optimized logistics network.
Tech-Driven, Customer-Focused
With a strong emphasis on transparency and user control, Cargoplug’s online platform allows customers to monitor their shipments, while businesses can seamlessly integrate Cargoplug’s services into their own systems using APIs.
“Our approach is rooted in convenience and trust,” says Fola-Ogunniya. “Clients know they can rely on us, whether they’re moving a single item or managing large imports.”
Bootstrapped to Breakthrough
Cargoplug has largely grown by reinvesting its earnings. However, a recent milestone was its selection for the Techstars DC accelerator, which brought in $100,000 in additional funding and new strategic insights.
The impact? Revenue has doubled in the past two years, the company has surpassed one million deliveries, and it enjoys an impressive 81% customer retention rate.
Scaling the Network: A New UK Hub and a Wider Reach
The company recently launched its first self-run logistics hub in the UK. This move is helping cut delivery times by up to 40%, while also reducing shipping costs and expanding access into broader European markets.
“The UK is a strategic node for us—it connects our African clients to Europe and supports faster, more affordable logistics,” says Fola-Ogunniya.
Revenue Model and Future Plans
Cargoplug earns through per-shipment fees, service charges for procurement support, and pickup services from origin points to its international hubs. While many operations are already profitable, the company continues to pour resources back into technology development, staffing, and strategic partnerships.
“We’re in a rapid growth phase. The demand is real, and now it’s about scaling wisely,” Fola-Ogunniya explains.
Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Ship
Cargoplug is more than just a logistics provider—it’s a bridge between African consumers and the global market. By solving long-standing challenges in cross-border shipping and combining tech with transparency, it’s helping individuals and businesses thrive in international trade.
Whether you’re relocating, importing wholesale goods, or simply trying to get a package home, Cargoplug is making global logistics local, fast, and trustworthy.
