‘Investment in infrastructure is crucial’

Africa, with its vast natural resources and minerals, offers significant potential to investors, says Chris Chiinda, director of Cee Cee Freight and Suppliers, but unlocking the continent’s potential is key to its success. “Foreign investment into Africa has been increasing in recent years and we have seen major growth of African markets. But there are still some challenges to overcome if we want to continue seeing economic development and really unlock the true potential.” Chiinda, who runs the Zambianbased freight logistics company, offers services that include customs clearing and logistics throughout South East and Central Africa. “The appeal to governments across the continent is to invest in infrastructure – especially the road sector, to improve the main and feeder roads connecting the large cities across the countries. As a developing continent it is essential we are able to move freight effectively and timeously,” says Chiinda. But Africa still faces many challenges, with many countries still recovering from civil wars while others are trying to find political stability after years of war, he points out. “There are areas that are still deemed unsafe and which people do not want to enter – and that is hampering development. The challenges we have are to secure penetration to these isolated markets in Africa to see all sectors of business grow.” Trumpeting the success of regional bodies such as Comesa and SADC, Chiinda says it is by working together that a difference is made. He says border congestion remains problematic as it causes major delays. “It is one area that we have to address and find ways to improve efficiency.” Having seen some positive growth in the past few months after a slow start to the year, bigger warehouses are on the cards for Cee Cee Freight in 2011. “We are definitely looking at introducing warehousing and storage facilities as an added service to importers. These are all signs that there is growth in Africa and that there is plenty of opportunity.”