Depressing, but as somebody who has had to deal with various customs agents both in Africa and worldwide ( had a customer who spent a few months in jail because the customs guys could not actually read the declaration) that can be a major pain. Sending with courier can be very expensive, but the regular post often works out the cheapest, and sea is the cheapest for heavier things. Sent a lot of stuff that way, just takes time. Send and get a thank you about 3-4 months later.