Import, Export and Trade With West Africa
Capital Africa supports trade between West Africa and international buyers and sellers with sourcing support, counterparty and document checks, and coordination with independent testing, storage and transport providers. Commercial terms are agreed by the trading parties.
Documents and terms
Most disputes in cross-border trade start with a document or a term nobody checked. Agreeing the trade terms, the inspection point and the paperwork before anything ships protects both sides.
Checks before anything moves
We confirm who the counterparty is, check that its documents can be verified with the issuing authority, and coordinate independent testing where the goods call for it. Our engagement records the checks and coordination completed.
Questions People Ask
What documents does an export shipment from West Africa usually need?
Usually a commercial invoice, a packing list, a bill of lading or air waybill, a certificate of origin, and any permits or certificates the product needs in the exporting and importing countries. Requirements vary by product and country, so confirm them with customs and a licensed agent before shipping.
What are Incoterms?
Standard trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce. Each one sets who pays for transport, insurance and duties, and where the risk passes from seller to buyer. Our article on documents and Incoterms explains the common ones.
How do I check a trading counterparty?
Confirm its registration and licences with the issuing authorities, check who owns it, ask for references you can contact independently, and never pay for goods that have not been inspected. Capital Africa runs these checks and shares what it found.
Prepared by Capital Africa. Written 28 October 2026. General guidance, not legal or investment advice.
Talk to Us About Your Plans.
Tell us what you are working on. We will tell you plainly what we would check first and how we can help.