SA companies stake their claim in West Africa

Infrastructural developments and investments in West Africa are generating demand for SafmarineMPV’s Multi-Purpose service between South Africa and West Africa – and the line expects to see a continued call for its SAFWAF service. “South African companies are well positioned to gain a stronger foothold in the West Africa market – and a perfect example of a company doing just that is Gauteng-based Dominex which provides infrastructure parts and manufactured goods to railway and mining companies in Africa,” says SafmarineMPV’s James Lewer. Earlier this year Dominex was awarded a tender to supply Angola’s major railway line, Caminho de Ferro de Benguela (CFB), with 11 rail wagons following a global tender process. The CFB is a very important and strategic rail link, not only providing access to the inner part of the country but, more importantly, linking to the copperbelts of Katanga province, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. According to Dominex’s Kirk and Nico Christodoulakis, “Angola is rebuilding and upgrading the railway infrastructure for the future, responding in particular to the demand from the emerging and growing middle-class for more executive rail transportation and accommodation. “Having access to a reliable and frequent shipping service is obviously key to making it possible for companies such as Dominex to take advantage of the significant business opportunities in West Africa.” Other examples are the revenuedriving industries like oil and gas and mining as well as the market for finished goods, foodstuffs, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and agri-machinery and supplies. Safmarine MPV’s Pamela Yerushalmy agrees the African market has good potential and possibilities for business. “Simply put, the potential and possibilities are endless relative to the diverse needs of West Africa.” A recently launched agricultural initiative aimed at establishing future production of fertiliser in the DRC for local usage is another good example of expertise and resource sharing between South and West Africa. SafmarineMPV was able to facilitate sea transportation of related machinery as well as structural steel and start-up materials. “Similarly, local steel manufacturers have been appointed for production of components and equipment necessary for energy exploration. These manufactured items often require the type of specialised transportation that SafmarineMPV has on offer,” she said. The South African SafmarineMPV team has, in turn, focused on its priorities for the multi-purpose market. “Whether it’s adding another vessel to meet cargo demand or using private terminals to avoid congestion issues, SafmarineMPV is committed to meeting the changing needs of our customer base and to helping South African companies grow their business with West Africa by providing the appropriate services and customised care needed to transport diverse cargo types.” CAPTION 1 Dominex’s Nico Christodoulakis was on hand to oversee the shipment of nine rail wagons to Angola. CAPTION 2 An executive rail coach is loaded onto the Safmarine Longa under the watchful eye of Safmarine MPV staff and crew.