Some experts have suggested that the economic future of the African continent will largely revolve around getting logistics right, but the reality is that, just like several other businesses, many logistics companies are springing up and dying off yearly. This is because of several business processes that take up their time leaving them with little time to focus on their core business – logistics. It is to take care of these services that Zido Logistics exist.
The founder, Samuel Akinniyi Ajiboyede, explained on the Nairametrics Business Half Hour that the business was born out of his experience in a logistics business he had earlier founded.
“I knew from my experience, how much I lost within the last year because I could not find something or someone to leverage on. The challenges in the value chain of logistics in Nigeria are much. From the bad roads, to orders not being processed by customers, to empty return trips for the vehicles, people are losing a lot of money.
“You have to worry about funding, getting resources, documentation processes, insurance, risk management and so many other things. That was why I decided to create a leverage platform that allows managers to focus on their core logistics business while we handle the rest,” Ajiboyede explained.
Zido prides itself as Africa’s number 1 logistics and freight broker, with a digital supply chain platform that links operators to customers, and helps the operators deliver value to customers within the value chain.
“Last year was an interesting one for us. It was the time we tested our model to see what fits. The way we are designed is to partner with everyone within the value chain. We have the franchise model for partners that are not interested in promoting their brands but simply want to make profit. We also have the joint-operation model for those that want to promote their brand using our resources. This way, we are all working together to move the logistics space forward. It is not about one brand dominating the space, but about all the players delivering great value to customer,” Ajiboyede explained.
The business started with last mile deliveries in 2017, and in 2020, Zido Logistics ventured into supply chain logistics. The company has also created a new direction in freight management, shipping and logistics, using technology to simplify the process of cargo transportation for shippers and transporters to enhance efficiency and cost management from end to end.
What this does for regular transporters is to create increased income and efficiency through proper utilisation with return trips. It also creates operation financing for them as well as Process Automation, and access to insurance services.
For Cargo Owner, there are now better verification and on-boarding processes, speedy deliveries, automated waybill and invoicing, stage-by-stage shipment tracking, analytics and insights to provide better control and management.
On one arm, Zido handles a lot of supplies, distribution and logistics on a B2B level. On the other hand, Zido provides players in the logistics industry with technology, documentation, resources and structure to optimally deliver value to customers. From 2017 when it was founded, Zido has covered over 6 million kilometres on road, also covers inland waterways logistics in West Africa and handled deliveries of over 16.8 million Kilograms. Outside Nigeria, the company has presence in other African countries, as well as countries like China, and the US.
“Through the combination of a thorough on and off site operations team, advanced technology, and customer service system, we provide peace-of-mind, confidence and efficiency to companies and transporters across the world,” the company website reads.
Due to the kind of model the business operates, Zido Logistics has a light structure in terms of hiring but, the partnership system allows many players as possible into the field.
Funding
Quite unlike many other businesses that start off by looking for financing partners, Zido Logistics started on a zero financing model.
“I first set out to create demand for the service and it was on this ground that the business kicked off. As a business person, I believe in zero financing. If you get all the financing for your product or service, and you do not have a single demand, you will still find yourself stuck. But creating the demand means that once the money comes in, there is already a market ready for you,” Ajiboyede recounted.
