Based in South Africa, the selected entrepreneur provides end-to-end logistics services covering warehousing, bulk freight transportation and clean energy supporting solutions. Its core route connects Sasolburg of South Africa and Mozambique, with an annual transport capacity of 50,000 tons of bulk maize and a single-trip rate of 40,000 South African rand.
The cross-border logistics sector in southern Africa has long faced pressures from high fuel costs and carbon-intensive operations. Against this industry backdrop, Zele positions itself as a green-focused logistics provider, using efficiency optimization and clean energy integration to build competitive differentiation in a crowded market.
This report takes Archibald Zele, a South African entrepreneur and founder of Zele (logistics) Eco-Energy works, as the research subject. The internship commenced on August 24, 2026, with the selected task type being green business model study
This case is chosen for two key reasons. First, Zele’s business integrates cross-border logistics services with clean energy solutions, presenting a genuine example of how African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) embed sustainability into traditional industries. Second, its cross-border operation between South Africa and Mozambique reflects the real-world challenges and growth potential of green entrepreneurship in southern Africa, delivering practical insights for regional industry practitioners.
Core Analysis of Zele’s Green Business Model
Business Context and Market Positioning
Practical Green Strategies
Zele implements its green business model through two major approaches. First, it optimizes operational efficiency by adopting side-tipper trucks, which streamline loading and unloading processes and cut down empty return trips. This design directly reduces energy consumption per unit of cargo, achieving both cost savings and emission reduction without excessive upfront investment.
Second, the company extends its business boundary into clean energy solutions. Beyond transport services, it explores renewable power applications for logistics facilities and fleets, creating a new revenue stream while supporting the low-carbon upgrade of its core business.
Challenges and Growth Opportunities
Zele still faces common barriers for African green SMEs. The insufficient coverage of clean energy refueling infrastructure along cross-border routes increases operational complexity. Meanwhile, the high initial cost of new energy vehicles, paired with limited financing access for small businesses, restricts the speed of fleet green upgrade.
Nevertheless, favorable market conditions are emerging. Deepening regional economic integration in southern Africa drives continuous growth of cross-border trade volume. In addition, global supply chains’ growing demand for low-carbon logistics services creates expanding market space for green-focused local operators.
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates that green business models in Africa are pragmatic, local-driven innovations rather than imported frameworks. Zele’s path – prioritizing operational efficiency first, then expanding into clean energy verticals – provides a replicable template for logistics SMEs across southern Africa.
Through this research, we recognize that African entrepreneurs play the central role in advancing regional sustainable development. Local, problem-solving innovations form the core momentum of Africa’s green transition. Targeted green financing support and improved cross-border clean infrastructure will further unlock the growth potential of sustainable SMEs across the continent.
