Adding value to the logistics chain

Global best practices in
value-added logistics are
helping companies operating
within Mozambique to become
more competitive, according
to Grant Lendrum, managing
director of UTi Mozambique.
With a presence in
Mozambique for more than 30
years, UTi Mozambique has
more than 100 employees, and
operations in Maputo, Beira,
Nacala, Pemba,
Tete and
Vilanculos.
Companies
supplying
goods into the
Mozambican
market, or
which are using
the ports as
transit hubs,
are making use
of local supply
chain specialists in order to
manage costs, he says.
Customs processes at the
borders – although improving –
remain “cumbersome” and need
to be managed by experienced
operators.
“We are, however, seeing
changes for the better that
will make the corridors more
competitive,” he adds.
Imports through South
Africa are growing as retailers
set up new shops across the
country.
UTi is handling distribution
for “a growing number of
clients” in Mozambique, as
well as running specialised
warehousing operations,
Lendrum says.
The company’s facilities in
Beira have been upgraded
and UTi is now able to accept
bulk cargo, pack and unpack
containers, store, weigh, tally
and test cargo.
The company’s secure
facilities, inside and outside
the port,
facilitate both
the inbound
and outbound
movement of
freight.
There is also
a rail-accessible
warehouse in
Beira, with
extensive space
undercover, on
hard standing
ground and on open land.
“Beira is growing, and we
have confidence in the future of
the port,” says Lendrum.
UTi is planning to open
dedicated distribution centres
at major trade hubs elsewhere
in Mozambique.
According to the company,
“Mozambique has continued
to adopt generally businessfriendly
economic policies and
has made efforts in recent
years to streamline customs
procedures, standardise legal
and regulatory protections, and
stamp out corruption.”
INSERT & CAPTION
Customs processes at
the borders remain
cumbersome.
– Grant Lendrum