Lower manufacturing & raw material costs compared to Asia and South America
World's largest free trade area with preferential tariffs across 54 countries
Exclusive access to African commodities: cocoa, shea butter, coffee, minerals, textiles
Rapidly expanding manufacturing sectors in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Morocco
Specify product, quality standards, volume, budget, and delivery timeline. Write a clear Product Specification Sheet.
Use Gloseg marketplace, trade directories, trade shows (Intra-African Trade Fair), and African Export-Import Bank resources.
Check business registration, factory certifications (ISO, HACCP), export history, and Gloseg verification badges.
Order production samples (not showroom pieces). Test quality, packaging, and labeling against your spec sheet.
Agree on unit price, MOQ, Incoterms (FOB/CIF), payment terms (LC/escrow), and delivery schedule.
Start with a smaller order to validate the supplier's reliability before committing to bulk.
Book pre-shipment inspection (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek) before goods leave the factory.
Coordinate freight forwarding, customs documentation, and cargo insurance.
Release payment via escrow or LC after verifying goods match the order and inspection passes.
Provide feedback, plan regular orders, and develop the supplier into a long-term partner.
Request quotes from multiple suppliers for the same product. Compare pricing, MOQ, lead time, and certifications before choosing.
A 15-minute video tour of the factory tells you more than 100 emails. Insist on seeing the production line, not just the showroom.
Formalize every agreement with a signed purchase contract. Include quality specs, delivery dates, penalties for delays, and dispute resolution.
Never send full payment upfront via wire transfer. Use Gloseg escrow or irrevocable Letter of Credit for first-time suppliers.