Evaluate multimodal access (road and rail), proximity to the Maputo port and the Lebombo border crossing, on-site container-handling and dock capacity, bonded warehouse capability, and frequency of scheduled trucking to Gauteng and regional hubs. Verify customs expertise, clearance SLAs and the 3PL's experience with cross-border documentation.

Lower regional rents and handling costs can reduce fixed and per-unit expenses, while labor productivity influences pick-pack costs. Cross-border duties, transit times, port demurrage, and brokerage fees are variable drivers—model cost-to-serve across scenarios, include duties and transit risk, and test assumptions for volume tiers.

Require real-time inventory visibility via a robust WMS, API/EDI integrations, SLA-backed order accuracy and OTIF, scalable pick-and-pack capacity, returns processing, and capabilities for bonded or temperature-controlled storage if needed. Confirm reporting, exception workflows, and outage recovery plans.

Include KPIs for order accuracy, OTIF, inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock timing, average fulfillment cycle time, and claims resolution. Define service credits/penalties, onboarding milestones, audit rights, data integration requirements, and escalation procedures tied to measurable performance thresholds.