Information helps unlock Namibian potential

Namibia’s vision to be a logistics gateway for the region has created opportunities for logistics companies capable of managing freight movements on a global basis. Technology now makes it possible for small and mediumsized companies to compete against global freight forwarding operations, according to Moshe Zulberg, marketing and training manager at Compu-Clearing. He believes the implementation of a system such as ediEnterprise will unlock opportunities for the whole logistics supply chain, including the importers and exporters. “Namibia’s trade routes have been improving for years due to their upgrading of roads, rail and port operations, which connect them to larger regions and ensure a basic level of trade.” In the modern world, physical infrastructure needs to be supported by information systems. “Although the Port of Walvis Bay is proficient and linked to Namibia’s air, rail and road, and is well positioned to facilitate trade in southern Africa, improvements have to be made to encourage clearing agents to use the port,” he says. “The ERP (enterprise resource planning) system a logistics provider uses should suit every aspect of their business. ediEnterprise provides the comprehensive cross-functionality for supply chain providers that is needed, as well as modular functionality, with 24/7 support. Compu-Clearing has developed interface programmes to Asycuda. The benefits are that South African entries can be uploaded into Asycuda, which means less duplicate data capture and enhanced efficiency, he says. Asycuda is a computerised customs management system developed in Geneva by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad). The system covers most foreign trade procedures, including manifests and customs declarations, accounting procedures, transit and suspense procedures. Zulberg says Compu-Clearing is committed to helping the Namibian logistics industry to realise the vision of Namibia evolving as a value-added logistics hub for the region. CAPTION Moshe Zulberg … ‘less duplicate data capture.’