Infrastructure gets a boost from China, India

It’s all about Africa for DSV which has seen its footprint on the continent grow in leaps and bounds in the past year. According to CEO Warren Erfmann, with the acquisition of Swift Freight just over a year ago, there’s been close co-operation between all DSV offices worldwide, with a genuine desire to grow business in Africa. “We are of course not in every country in Africa, but essentially that means that new areas of interest are continually on our radar screens, and developing these new destinations is part of our strategy.” Dealing with Africa though has come with its own particular challenges, said Erfmann. “Lousy infrastructure remains a major problem. Roads are shocking, port operations are inefficient, and old and outdated equipment and antiquated customs procedures are just some of the issues that one faces every day,” he said. “At the same time the hinterland destinations are extremely challenging because of a complete lack of infrastructure – often they are remote and inaccessible with hardly any equipment available to deliver and off load cargo.” But, said Erfmann, this is all changing. “There are several countries that are making attempts at improving the situation. The likes of China and India are very active on the continent and very involved in infrastructure upgrades.” INSERT & CAPTION Roads are shocking, port operations are inefficient, and old and outdated equipment and antiquated customs procedures are just some of the issues that one faces every day. – Warren Erfmann