Outlook is positive as Angolan mines start to place orders

Few logistics companies can afford to ignore the rapidly growing African market, says Hannes Rust, managing director of Chavda Freight. “Many African countries are recording some of the strongest growth rates in the world and there have been some major developments on the continent that have seen investments from all over the world. All of this is steadily paying off and means that the demand for transport and logistics services throughout Africa is increasing. Which makes even more opportunities available for South Africa as it functions as a hub for the rest of the continent.” Chavda Freight offers a door-todoor service for consignments of any size to anywhere in Africa. “Our area of expertise is Angola and Mozambique, and while it has been quiet lately, the outlook looks bright. Many of the construction companies and mines in Angola are starting to place orders again and volumes are slowly but surely on the rise.” Rust says some of the biggest challenges dealing with Africa include communication, capacity problems, delays caused at borderposts – due to import duties and taxes not being paid on time – as well as the poor state of the roads and the ever-increasing traffic congestion. “It is therefore important that companies employ skilled people who understand the intricacies of working in Africa and are able to rise above the challenges. We also ensure we have people on board at the relevant border posts assisting us with problems that arise.” Another big issue in Africa is security and safety. “We have most of our shipments checked by hand before loading. Numerous photos are taken and the relevant inspection company seals containers. Most of our vehicles are fitted with satellite tracking and we’re also in direct and constant contact with our drivers,” says Rust. “We have also ensured that there are contact people at all the border posts as well as the major cities on the routes we service. All vehicles stop at these points for checking cargo as well as documentation. We also make sure (when possible) that vehicles travel in convoys for added safety and security.”