SDV gets more involved in container terminal management

As the developed world battles the impact of the global financial recession, companies involved in Africa have been more fortunate. “2009 has been a good year for SDV,” said Johannesburgbased regional managing director Philippe Deneve. “This year we’ve strengthened our foothold on the continent after winning several tenders for the management of container terminals, the biggest being Pointe Noire in the Congo and Cotonou in Benin,” said Deneve. “And we are working on several other tenders for the management of new container terminals and an inland container depot, both of which we’re confident of being awarded.” While SDV has been involved in these countries in a stevedoring capacity, it has now extended its field of operation. “This gives us stronger control – and the agreements are based on 20-25 year contracts which enable us to invest in modern handling equipment.” The company has also extended its network on the continent with the opening of new offices in Namibia, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia and Mauritania. It now has more than 200 offices in 41 countries in Africa. And while talk of expansion may be unusual against the backdrop of the world recession – there’s good reason for it, says Deneve. “Apart from South Africa, other countries in Africa have no manufacturing capacity, so while there may have been a decrease in the movement of some raw materials, Africa is a net importer of mainly basic commodities. “They have experienced a decrease – but in small degrees – and for the past few months there’s been an upturn in imports and exports.” For the southern region, Deneve points to the improving copper price which has led to new investment in some mines in Zambia and the Congo. “This means people are ready to increase the production of copper – and the same is true of Mozambique and Angola where some big projects will start in 2010. “Africa is a good place to be today and will be a good place to be for the next ten years at least.” Bolloré Africa Logistics, through its main logistics network SDV, has no global competitors on this continent, says Deneve – “only local competitors based in one country or in certain cases a few countries. “With an average of 50 years of experience in West and Central Africa, we have built a very strong network in the French-speaking countries, at the ports and inland destinations. “Based on this solid foundation, we have now developed the same network in the English and Portuguese-speaking countries, with huge investments in the east and the southern region over the past few years.”