July 1 saw the finalisation by AMI Worldwide of its acquisition of Manica Africa from the Bidvest Group.
This closes the loop for the company which in February concluded the shareholding of Manica South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe – but some details and legalities were delaying the transfer of ownership in Zambia and Malawi.
“All issues have now been resolved and all five countries will now form part of AMI Worldwide,” business development manager Hilton Tait told FTW.
Infrastructure development has been identified as a strong focus by the investors in Dubai and the group has already committed to new container handling equipment, trucks and other materials handling equipment.
“In addition to this, Dubai has started to roll out the group IT system so that there is a common integrated system used in Dubai, Africa and other AMI global offices.”
And while Manica has gained a reputation over the years as a respected regional player, the new shareholders want to make it a global player.
“We won’t only concentrate on intra-Africa business or transit cargo but will also develop imports into SA and the region.”
Leveraging its brand strength and market knowledge, the company has launched cross-border road freight consolidations.
It started with a weekly named day road freight consolidation service from Johannesburg to Harare, and it is about to launch a similar named day service from Johannesburg to Blantyre, as well as a triweekly express service from Johannesburg to Gaborone.
Zambia is next on the radar with plans to launch a groupage service from Johannesburg to Lusaka in early August.
“In all cases Manica is able to keep control of the entire chain using their own border offices as exit points from SA, and also as clearing agents or transit agents at destination,” said Tait.
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Plans are in place to launch a groupage service from Johannesburg to Lusaka in early August. – Hilton Tait
