Forwarders benefit from tide of investment in Botswana

Botswana has plenty of opportunities, especially with the boom in projects currently under way in the country. “Volumes were down last year, but we are seeing a definite increase especially with the new projects in the country,” Zebra Shipping managing director Tsimane Brixton Mogami told FTW. And ultimately the entire Botswanan freight forwarding industry will benefit. “This is a stable country with a stable government which has resulted in a stable economy. Our currency is also strong. These are all good attributes for investment.” Oduetse Makgane, director of strategic projects for Zebra Shipping agrees, saying that the freight forwarding industry is benefiting immensely from the projects and the tide of investment in the country. “There is one project for example where 2 000 Chinese will be brought into the country – that is extremely good for local business as these people will be living in our town, buying here. That means more imports.” Makgane says freight forwarders who are keeping their ears to ground and are committed to their clients will reap the benefits of the project boom. “It is all about knowing your client, understanding their needs and meeting these timeously. This is a small country and a bad reputation is not so easy to lose. Good marketing is also essential in these times.”