A range of initiatives
that directly
address some of the
biggest challenges
in the region are creating an
enabling business environment
in
West Africa, says DSV business
development manager for
Africa, Adrian van Niekerk.
Infrastructure investment,
Customs improvements and
the creation of a West African
regional zone are good news for
companies doing business in
the region, he told FTW.
“At present Customs
processes are manual and
tedious in a large part of
the sub-continent,” he said.
“The issue is compounded by
unscrupulous importers and
Customs officers while there is
much ignorance of processes. A
further lack of knowledge from
shippers and forwarders causes
incorrect perceptions as to the
complexities of importing into
these emerging markets.”
But, he said, the constant
improvements by many
governments in the region and
the simplification of processes
for imports and exports have
already changed the West
African continent. He believes
this will improve investor
confidence as mining activity
booms and consumer demand
for services and consumables
increases.
“There are Customs
improvements earmarked for
most of the region that will
make it much easier to do
business, while the possible
creation of a West African
Regional Zone, similar to the
SADC, is to be welcomed.
This can only stimulate the
opportunities and play a major
role in the stabilisation of the
region as a whole.”
Warren Erfmann, DSV
Africa CEO, said the positive
growth being
experienced
throughout the
West African
region was cause
for optimism.
“Investment in
infrastructure
is creating
positive
pressure on
the supply
of materials
and thus
the freight
forwarding industry. Mining
and exploration have
significantly changed the
supply chain environment and
prompted the infrastructural
changes,” he said.
According to Erfmann, DSV
remains highly involved in
the West African market with
offices already established in
Togo, Ghana and Nigeria, while
they have a presence in several
others through dedicated
agents.
“In Nigeria specifically we
are moving consumer products
for several customers as well as
providing retail platform supply
chain solutions – including
distribution.
CAPTION
Mining and exploration
have significantly
changed the supply
chain environment
and prompted the
infrastructural
changes.
– Warren
Erfmann
