Logistics major poised for African growth

United Parcel Service (UPS) has high expectations for growth in Africa for 2014 as it is home to many emerging markets that are attracting international interest and investment. “Businesses of all sizes in Africa are, and will be, looking to continue to trade with the United States and the Americas, as well as internationally, and they will need a reliable partner to help them successfully reach their customers,” says Jasen Smallbone, country sales manager for UPS South Africa. The rapid growth of emerging economies – with roughly one billion people now entering the market for industrialised goods and services – is one global trend that will provide extraordinary opportunities for UPS, Smallbone said. “This, combined with the rise of global e-commerce as internet penetration deepens across the globe providing increased access to goods and services, will shape UPS business for years to come. The glue that binds this type of operation together is logistics and that’s why I feel we’re in an excellent industry,” he says. Smallbone believes the nature of the logistics business requires good infrastructure and the continued maintenance and improvement of it is always a worthwhile investment and an ongoing challenge for the industry. “More also needs to be done to encourage small and medium enterprises and large businesses to export their products. Facilitating trade through simplified and streamlined customs processes is one way that this can be achieved,” he notes. INSERT & CAPTION Business in Africa will be looking to continue to trade with the United States and the Americas. – Jasen Smallbone