Logistics company DRC and Zambia operations rely on
The SLS trading group business have been trusted for over 18 years
SLS has grown from a specialist cross-border operator to a fully integrated provider across five countries.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Built from the ground up in one of Africa's most complex operating environments
SLS Trading Group was founded in 2008 with a clear purpose: to provide reliable, accountable logistics solutions in some of Africa’s hardest operating environments. The group has grown from a specialist cross-border operator to a fully integrated logistics provider with a presence across five countries.
Today, SLS moves 35,000 MT of freight per month, including copper, cobalt, and other critical mining inputs, and supplies 40,000 MT of essential mining reagents per month, including sulphur, sulphuric acid, and lime, across Central and Southern Africa.
Our headquarters are in Mauritius, with major operational hubs in Kolwezi and Lubumbashi in the DRC, Ndola in Zambia, and Luau in Angola. We operate more than 34,000 square metres of covered warehouse space and a fleet of over 500 trucks, including more than 50 owned vehicles, alongside locomotives and rail wagons.
SLS acts as a single point of contact for the full supply chain, giving mining operators, trading companies, and industrial businesses one accountable partner from port to mine gate, and mine gate to port.
18+
Years of operation
35K
Freight moved / month
40K
Reagents supplied / month
500+
Partner trucks (50+ owned)
34K+
SQM Covered warehousing
7
Countries of operation
Our Growth
Founded. First cross-border freight operations launched in the Copperbelt region.
Acquisition of fleet and warehouse/offices established in Lubumbashi DRC. DRC operational team grows significantly. Volumes surpass 10,000+ mt per month bi-directionally.
Logistics hub built in Kolwezi. Operations extended to Kolwezi Hub. Cross-border customs clearing capability expanded including Local cargo shunt movements.
DRC- Angola corridor established. Full team and facility operations mobilised and set up.
Development of new operational Hub in Zambia. 12,000 m2 warehouse build and commissioned. Volumes increase to 30,000+ mt per month. Group reached 200 professionals across five countries. Tanzania Company established.
Target 50,000+ mt per month of cross border movements. Rail capacity to Angola to be increased. Additional trucking capacity being brought online.
VISION & MISSION
Driven by a sense of urgency and a commitment to delivery
Two principles guide everything we do at SLS Trading. Our vision defines where we are going. Our mission defines how we get there.
OUR VISION
To be the trusted logistics partner of choice across Central and Southern Africa, recognised for our operational excellence, responsiveness, and deep understanding of local realities. We aim to deliver smart, agile, and sustainable solutions with a personal touch that sets us apart. We strive for excellence in everything we do, driven by a sense of urgency and a wish to meet all our customer needs. Our personal touch is our corporate signature.
OUR MISSION
To provide comprehensive, high-quality logistics and supply chain solutions. From inland transport and warehousing to customs clearing, security escorts, and ocean freight, every service is executed with precision and reliability. Our goal is to understand and anticipate our clients’ needs, and to consistently deliver on our promises with professionalism, performance, and integrity.
OUR CORE REGION
Grand Katanga, DRC: the heart of our operations
SLS is the logistics company DRC and Zambia mining operators call on for Copperbelt freight — maintaining substantial cross-border movements in Southern DRC and supporting the region’s mining sector with both import and export logistics.
We are present in all major corridors leading to and from Katanga, via Angola (Lobito and Luanda), Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa. This regional depth is what enables us to offer clients consistent, reliable service regardless of which corridor best fits their shipment.
SUBSTANTIAL CROSS-BORDER MARKET SHARE, SOUTHERN DRC
120
STAFF IN DRC OPERATIONS
19K
SQM WAREHOUSE, KOLWEZI
GROUP STRUCTURE
A Network Of Specialised Brands Across Central And Southern Africa
SLS operates through three specialised brands, each delivering localised precision across its region.
SLS Trading
Mauritius HQ & international cross-border operations.
PURETRANS
Specialised operations in DRC, Zambia & Tanzania.
OPEN CORRIDOR LOGISTICS
Dedicated Angola operations.
INFRASTRUCTURE & ASSETS
Strategic infrastructure at every critical point on our corridor network
SLS maintains offices, yards, and warehouses at the key hub points along its active corridors. Every facility is positioned to reduce transit time and keep cargo moving without unnecessary stops.
DRC · PRIMARY HUB
Kolwezi
- 19,000 SQM covered warehouse and canopy
- 100,000 SQM of land
- Primary Copperbelt logistics hub
DRC · COMMERCIAL HUB
Lubumbashi
- 18,000 SQM of land with offices
- Administrative and commercial centre
- Kasumbalesa border proximity
ZAMBIA · COPPERBELT
Ndola
- 12,500 SQM covered warehouse and canopy
- 41,000 SQM of land
- Key Zambia corridor transit point
ANGOLA · RAIL TRANSFER
Luau
- 2,500 SQM covered and closed warehouse
- Rail transfer point on Dilolo corridor
- Atlantic route access
ROAD FLEET
Trucks & Vehicles
- 50+ owned trucks
- 30 flatbeds, 6 tippers, 3 crane trucks (DRC)
- 500+ partner trucks
RAIL FLEET
Locomotives & Wagons
- 4+ locomotives on Angola corridor
- 100+ rail wagons (Dilolo to Luanda)
- Privately owned land in Dilolo for expansion
CERTIFIED OPERATIONS
HSE & Compliance
Safety, quality and environmental responsibility are built into every operation — certified to international standards.
ISO 9001
Quality Management
Consistent, reliable service delivery and continuous improvement across all operations.
ISO 45001
Occupational Health & Safety
A proactive safety culture protecting our people, partners and assets — Safety First.
ISO 14001
Environmental Management
Responsible operations minimising environmental impact and ensuring compliance.
Talk to our team about your logistics requirements
We cover every major corridor across Central and Southern Africa, from port to mine gate.