New leadership … new opportunities

Mitchell Cotts Zambia is
reinventing itself under
the leadership of Tony
Kangote, who is now “flying
solo” as general manager after the
retirement of Alex Mashano.
The company has a strong
brand, which combined with fresh
energy to tackle new challenges
and help clients exploit fresh
opportunities, positions it strongly
for growth, he says.
Areas of opportunity include
the opening up of the historic East
African trade corridor through to
Zimbabwe, Kenya and Malawi,
the export of agricultural products
and cement from Zambia, and
the importation of equipment,
vehicles, consumer goods and
electronic equipment to feed the
growing Zambian economy, he
says.
With the potential of cement
exports into the Great Lakes,
Kenya and other neighbouring
countries, there is an opportunity
for exporters to sell into Zambia
or route their cargo through the
country.
“We are looking for back loads,”
he says.
The company has its own
storage yard with a rail siding
in Ndola, so cargo could be
transhipped onto rail from there.
One of the indicators of growth
is the opening of banking branches
at a number of Zambian border
posts.
“The banking systems are
coming back, and we see a lot
of activity in the market,” says
Kangote.
For clearing agents like Mitchell
Cotts and its clients, the presence
of the banks at the borders helps
speed up crossing time.
It also reduces the risks to
drivers, who do not have to travel
with large amounts of cash.
Mitchell Cotts has a presence
at all the major Zambian border
posts. All the offices are run by
people who have at least 10 years’
experience working for Zambian
customs.
“They understand the
regulations and procedures, and
know who to contact if there is a
problem or query,” he says.