Mining projects provide lucrative niche market

Finding innovative solutions to Africa’s unique trading problems is what Aero-Link Consulting is all about. With at least 75% of its business transacted across the continent, this is a necessity, says managing director Jeremy Anandkumar. “Most probably the biggest challenge working in Africa is the lack of communication and the speed at which accurate information is received. It is therefore necessary that we always find ways to overcome these challenges – and our innovative staff play a key role in our success.” Anandkumar believes that understanding the vagaries of moving cargo on the continent is crucial. One of the company’s selling points, he adds, is the fact that they ‘control’ the aircraft based in Nairobi. Established in 2001 primarily as the cargo GSSA and handler for Safari Express Cargo, Aero-link Consulting has seen tremendous growth in recent years, said Anandkumar. “We now represent four carriers on the GSSA side and two on the cargo handling side and are growing brand awareness.” He says the client base has expanded to more than 250 agents. The company recently implemented Cargospot software and has fully computerised the business across all levels, he added, with more to come. “We have achieved niche market success in mining projects, primarily in East Africa as well as telecom projects into various parts of Africa.”