Private public partnerships are key to Moz success

Mozambique is gradually
heading towards a better
and brighter future with
big business willing to invest in its
infrastructure.
As the Port of Maputo continues
to be developed, logistics and
transport companies have realised
the potential and have shown
commitment with their own
investments.
According to St John Baxter,
CEO of Trans Africa Logistics, a
division of Super Group Trading,
logistics infrastructure outside
the port is just as important as the
development of the port itself.
“We believe in partnerships and
creating an environment where
business can function effectively
and efficiently. There is a lot of
potential for us as a company in
Mozambique.”
It is for this reason that Trans
Africa Logistics has financed
the refurbishment of 22 flat bed
carriages for the Mozambican
railways, CFM. “Not only does
it allow us to attract and hold
business, but it also addresses the
aged infrastructure issues that the
country is facing.”
With the refurbishment taking
place during October this year, the
new flat bed carriages will enable
the company to load heavier platerated
containers for the export of
chrome for one of its major clients
to the Far East.
“The density of chrome requires a
container that is plate-rated to allow
for the extra weight and we will
now be able to load these heavier
loads on to the flatbeds,” says
Baxter.
With chrome production down
by 50% in some cases during the
global economic downturn, volumes
are slowly picking up again, says
Baxter.
“On our current premises we
can handle 12 000 tons of chrome
per month. We are expanding this
facility to be able to handle 25 000
tons. We have also invested in new
equipment and once our facility
upgrade is completed within the
next six months, we will be able to
handle several other commodities
other than chrome.”