Challenge
As global supply chains become increasingly complex, insufficient logistics infrastructure can impede a country’s ability to compete and to access essential goods. Lower-income countries have significantly weaker logistics performance, according to a World Bank analysis, and poverty is often concentrated in poorly connected areas.
Solution and Impact
A DFC partial loan guaranty with Almavest Ltd. (ALMA), in collaboration with USAID Pakistan and USAID Egypt, will help Trella Holdings BV strengthen its fast-growing digital logistics business in Egypt and Pakistan to map more efficient routes and connect more shippers and truckers.
The guaranty will mobilize a $6 million loan from the U.S.-based global sustainable debt lender ALMA to Trella, a digital logistics platform company with operations throughout the Middle East and South Asia regions. The Trella platform links truckers and cargo shippers via a mobile app to provide more visibility into demand for shipping services and help promote fair pricing and improved load utilization. This results in a more efficient transport of goods, an increase in income and faster payments for truckers, as well as a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from empty backhaul.
All of the funds provided under the guaranty will enhance the platform and increase Trella’s ability to reach more individual truck drivers and small and medium enterprises that often face significant challenges accessing steady and fair-priced business opportunities. Trella estimates that by the end of 2024 it will be supporting approximately 250 shippers in Egypt and 120 shippers in Pakistan and facilitating over 100,000 monthly shipments.
The project also advances DFC’s 2X Women’s Initiative for its strong representation of women on staff and in leadership. Women comprise 40 percent of ALMA’s management team.