Economic diversity boosts growth

Diversification of
African economies and
the resultant increased
intra-Africa trade was
the only long-term,
sustainable solution to
airfreight growth, said
Tleli Makheta, general
manager: cargo at South
African Airways (SAA).
He told FTW that the
growing middle class in
Africa represented major
exporting and importing
opportunities on the
continent. “But that is
dependent on offering a
wide range of products
and we hope that
countries will put more
effort into stimulating
manufacturing diversity,”
said Makheta.
He believes that if the
continent focuses on
product diversification
and improved intra-trade,
this will also address the
imbalance of trade f lows
into the region.