CFR hints at expansion in Africa through investment

South Africa’s role as the springboard into the rest of Africa will continue to provide growth opportunities for the industry – and independent groupage operator CFR Freight is no exception. “African business is growing without a doubt,” says managing director Martin Keck. “Transhipments from Asia into Africa have increased significantly and it’s a service we provide for our global partners in the WorldWide Alliance.” CFR offers a roadfreight option into neighbouring countries Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Namibia as well as Swaziland and Lesotho subcontracting to preferred suppliers, and its own seafreight consolidation services to Maputo, Beira, Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, Luanda, Lagos, Tema and Abidjan. “Sea and air is our core business, but roadfreight is an add-on option,” says director Peter Schmidt-Löffler. “We’re not chasing roadfreight business but will provide it on request.” CFR is however looking at expanding in Africa through investment wherever viable business opportunities arise that would facilitate growth of LCL and airfreight business into the region, said Schmidt-Löffler. “Through our memberships of the WorldWideAlliance and Air Cargo Group, we would be able to feed business through our network.” While the strong rand is a detractor for exports into the region in general, transhipment opportunities will continue to provide significant growth into the future and South Africa will remain a strong option for African buyers even with a stronger currency, says Keck.