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.