Look for integrated WMS with real-time inventory, pick-and-pack and kitting, order accuracy guarantees, returns processing, cross-docking, and carrier connectivity. Ensure the 3PL provides documented SLAs for lead time, picking accuracy, and damage rates.

Niamey benefits from road corridors to coastal ports and regional capitals and air cargo for time-sensitive freight. Seasonal road conditions can extend transit during rains, so plan buffer inventory and select carriers experienced in Sahel routing to maintain service consistency.

Key cost drivers include land/lease rates, labor, utilities, customs fees, and inventory carrying costs. Control spend by negotiating soft-costs in contracts, optimizing SKU mix, using bonded storage for duty deferral, and selecting performance-based pricing tied to throughput.

Bonded warehouses allow deferred duty payments until importation into Niger or re-export. Work with 3PLs that provide licensed customs brokers, pre-clearing documentation, and electronic manifesting to reduce border dwell time and simplify cross-border compliance.

Require API or EDI integration for order, inventory, and ASN flows, role-based dashboards, automated alerts, and periodic KPI reports (OTIF, inventory accuracy, lead time). A roadmap for future integrations and sandbox access for testing are also important.