The funding marks a significant milestone for the startup, which aims to redefine the freight forwarding industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Founded in 2021 by Moataz Khamis (CEO), Mahmoud Khaled (CTO), and Ahmed Emara (COO), Nowlun offers an online platform that provides customers with instant access to competitive ocean freight rates, shipment management tools, and real-time cargo tracking.

By integrating with major shipping lines, the platform enables businesses to compare services, streamline their logistics processes, and make informed decisions more efficiently.

The newly secured funding will support Nowlun’s expansion plans and accelerate the development of its technology-driven solutions.

The platform’s capabilities, including its real-time visibility features and proactive issue management, aim to address inefficiencies in traditional freight forwarding practices.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, CEO and co-founder Moataz Khamis emphasized the team’s mission to simplify logistics through technology. 

“Throughout my decade in logistics, I’ve witnessed the daily inefficiencies shippers face. This funding will empower us to further simplify the shipping process and make shippers’ lives easier,” he said.

Mohammed Alzubi, founder and managing partner at Nama Ventures, praised the startup’s market traction and domain expertise.

“We were impressed by their deep domain expertise, strong traction in the Saudi market, and clear vision for disrupting the logistics space,” he remarked.

Since its launch, Nowlun has rapidly gained recognition in the MENA logistics sector, leveraging advanced tools to offer transparency and efficiency across supply chains. 

The funding was unveiled during President Biden’s visit to Angola, marking a significant commitment to supporting African nations in their fight against hunger and related challenges.

The aid package includes nearly $823 million administered by USAID, with over $202 million sourced from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation.

An additional $186 million will be distributed through the U.S. Department of State.

This announcement builds on the commitments made at the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, where President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ dedication to addressing food insecurity across the continent.

Africa remains the region most affected by hunger, with the United Nations estimating that one in five Africans—almost 300 million people—faced hunger in 2023.

The number of individuals experiencing acute food insecurity continues to rise, driven by factors such as armed conflict, extreme weather events, and natural disasters.

“Armed conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis,” the statement noted.

“This funding demonstrates our firm resolve to help save lives and alleviate suffering among the continent’s most vulnerable populations.”

The aid will enable U.S. humanitarian partners to deliver critical services, including emergency healthcare, water and sanitation initiatives, and programs to prevent infectious disease outbreaks.

It will also provide for other essential needs, such as protection, mental health services, education, and shelter.

A key portion of the funding, facilitated by the Commodity Credit Corporation, will support the purchase, shipping, and distribution of U.S. agricultural commodities.

These resources, sourced from American farmers, will directly address acute food insecurity in East and Central Africa.

Despite the United States providing nearly $6.6 billion in humanitarian assistance across sub-Saharan Africa in Fiscal Year 2024, President Biden emphasized that the scale of the crisis requires greater international collaboration.

“We urge other donors to step up in this time of historic need,” he said, calling for expanded efforts to address the growing demand for life-saving aid across the continent.