Africa investment continues – even through the recession

Underscoring its
commitment to the African
continent, Bollore Africa
Logistics continued its investment
programme last year despite the
global recessionary climate.
“We have always believed in
Africa,” said regional director
Southern Africa, Philippe Deneve.
“In spite of the world crisis,
this continent has held firm
because Africa will continue to
sustain its growth compared to
the industrialised countries of
the world.”
2009 saw the opening of new
branches, new dry ports and
logistical bases in Africa, says
Deneve. “We have also reinforced
our logistics teams in charge of
supply chain and warehousing
in the mining, oil and gas,
telecommunications and capital
projects industries,” he said.
“While our competitors were
timid in terms of investment, we
reinvested in infrastructure and
equipment and strengthened our
position on the continent.”
While he concedes that 2010
will be a difficult year, he
makes it clear that the company
will continue its investment
programme. “We are confident
that things will start moving
forward this year.”
Pivotal to its future success as
suppliers of custom-made logistics
solutions in the southern Africa
region is its skilled staff. “SDV
has for many years undertaken
internal staff training – and this
will continue going forward. Each
project is different and the teams
are the key to our success.”