Growing FMCG volumes reflect increased spending power

Growing demand for the transport of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) within Namibia and to neighbouring Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe points to increased disposable income in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries says Willie du Toit, managing director of FP du Toit Transport. The increase is being seen across all of FP du Toit’s services, which include road freight services (FP du Toit Transport), Jet.X couriers, Pro Parcel Distribution and a distribution centre. There is growth in FMCG volumes being handled by the company for both the home Namibian market and cross-border to Zambia and Angola, according to Du Toit. “There is huge growth in the middle class, which is reflected in the increase in disposable income,” he says. Namibia is also starting to diversify its economy. It has started supplying vegetables grown in the north locally, and also exporting to South Africa. “The logistics sector is certainly growing,” says Du Toit. Increasing volumes of freight are flowing along the corridors to Angola, Zambia and as far as Mozambique. “We are growing with our clients.” In order to ensure that it can meet demand the company constantly invests in its fleet. “We replaced 30 truck tractors last year and will invest in another 20 new power units this year,” he says. It has also established its own training school. In addition to technical skills the school focuses on customer care and literacy. “One of our biggest challenges is a shortage of skills,” says du Toit. “We go to schools to promote the industry. The best of the new recruits are put through a training programme which may include bursaries to obtain tertiary qualifications,” he says. INSERT There is huge growth in the middle class, which is reflected in the increase in disposable income – Willie du Toit