For a first order from an African supplier, FOB at a named port of loading is usually the right default. It puts the supplier in charge of getting the goods through export clearance and onto the vessel — the part that needs local knowledge — while leaving you control of the freight, the insurance and the arrival timing, which is the part that determines your landed cost. The alternatives each carry a specific trade-off. EXW gives you maximum control but makes you responsible for export clearance in a country where you probably have no standing, which is why EXW quotes often turn out to be undeliverable in practice. CIF is convenient because the supplier arranges freight and insurance, but you lose visibility of the freight rate and the insurance cover is minimum-level unless specified. DDP looks simplest since the supplier delivers to your door duty paid, and it is the most likely to be quoted by someone who has not priced the destination duty correctly. Two rules regardless of choice. Always name the place, not just the rule — FOB Tema, not FOB — because the rule without a named place is ambiguous. And never compare quotes across different Incoterms: the same shipment quoted EXW versus DDP can differ by 20 to 45 percent of goods value without either supplier being dishonest.