‘People on the ground’ are key to overcoming challenges

New routes and hubs are on
the cards for Africa as the
world turns its eyes to the
continent after two years of
one of the worst economic
downturns in 75 years,
says Tony van Aswegen,
managing director of
Intraspreed.
“Africa is growing. We
are very confident for 2011
as volumes have already
started to increase,” he
said. “New routes and hubs
are starting to develop for
potential new business
on the continent and we
have therefore looked at
re-developing our operations
in several of our African
offices to ensure we are
ready and in a position to
benefit from the interest in
the continent.”
Having re-developed
its operations in Kenya,
Tanzania and Uganda,
Intraspeed has also
restructured its offices at
Entebbe Airport, in the
Kampala city centre and
in Mombasa and Dar es
Salaam. “We have also
developed some new routes
along with our partners.
These include Entebbe in
Uganda, Juba in Sudan and
Kigali in Rwanda.”
The rising demand for
freight as a result of the huge
investments in infrastructure
in Africa has its rewards as
well as its challenges, says
Van Aswegen.
“Things are never the
same in Africa and this has
taught us that it is extremely
important to be proactive
and know what customers
are looking for at all times.
The ultimate challenge and
aim is to get the required
goods to customers with as
few delays as possible.”
A challenge, most will
agree, on a good day
in Africa, with the lack
of proper facilities and
equipment – as well as
corruption.
Van Aswegen said the
lack of education and
strict guidelines also often
caused hassles.
“This has a direct effect
on the entire supply chain
which directly affects the
end user and his products.
Some of the challenges have,
however, been overcome
by developing extensive
market knowledge and
partnering with local agents
who know and understand
the intricacies of working in
specific African countries.”
Van Aswegen says for
successful dealings it is
therefore important to have
people on the ground at
each and every destination
to check and re-check cargo
and confirm all goods are
received and in good order.