‘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.”