Prioritize network reach and carrier partnerships, dock and handling capacity, IT integration (WMS and EDI), contingency planning for terrain-related disruptions, and transparent SLA metrics for lead times and inventory accuracy.

Strategies include regional consolidation hubs, cross-dock scheduling to reduce handling, modal optimization to South African gateways, inventory segmentation (safety stock closer to demand), and negotiated carrier contracts to smooth capacity and rates.

Look for flexible racking, proven reverse logistics, pick-and-pack scalability, climate-controlled zones if needed, robust WMS, and clear SLA reporting for order cycle times, accuracy, and on-time dispatch.

Key factors are customs clearance processes, transit documentation, bonded warehousing options, seasonal border flow patterns, and the presence of logistics providers familiar with national and regional compliance to minimize delays and cost.