Logistics operators move in on oil and gas boom

The booming oil and gas sector in Africa continues to offer major opportunities to South African project specialists. According to Willie Kriek, regional director projects mining for UTi, with exploration projects under way along both the East and West coasts of the continent there is major potential in this sector. “Mining is also doing very well and we are seeing projects on the increase as countries diversify their economies and extend their reach. We have also seen a major infrastructure investment drive in Africa and there is scope for work across several sectors – from transport to energy to communications.” He said while some countries were more active than others, the continued focus on Africa was good news for South African businesses which have the expertise and the knowledge to work in Africa. “Funding can be a problem when getting projects off the ground and sometimes results in the commencement dates shifting, but for the most part we are definitely seeing an increase in projects on the continent.” Kriek said there was also a renewed focus on the oil and gas sector in South Africa, which was seeing an increase in the movement of project cargo. He said in light of the diversified projects on the continent, the company had taken the time to diversify its skills set in order to work across sectors. “We have always been very involved in the mining sector but in recent years have diversified and expanded to build and increase our oil and gas expertise as well as into the energy and other sectors,” said Kriek. “This allows us to operate across sectors offering a holistic basket of skills and experience in multiple industries. And if one looks at not just the South African but the African project sector it becomes clear that being able to work across industries is the way forward.” INSERT There is scope for work across several sectors in Africa — from transport to energy to communications. – Willie Kriek CAPTION Projects on the increase as countries diversify their economies.