S hippers in Zambia can make significant savings on logistics and storage costs if they take a critical look at their logistics chains, believes Grant Lendrum, who has returned to Zambia after a break of ten years. He has taken over the helm at Manica Zambia after helping one of South Africa’s leading retailers to save millions through supply chain optimisation – and he is keen to use the lessons learned in Zambia. “Supply chain optimisation needs a mindset change to deliver the best savings. As someone who has worked in the region for 30 years, I understand the way business thinks and what works. It is exciting to be part of the waking of the sleeping economic giant that is Zambia,” he says. The necessary technology and skills are available through the AMI group, which has taken over Manica Zambia, Lendrum believes. “AMI is investing in Zambia and we are building on the strength of the Manica team. We have a good blue-chip client base,” he says. The group is particularly strong in the Middle and the Far East, and there is now a drive to build up its connections in East Africa. This will help Zambian importers and exporters doing business with India, China, and East African countries. “AMI is able to offer full supply chain clearing, forwarding, and warehousing services,” he says. Lendrum adds he is “impressed” with the development in Zambia since he last worked in the country a decade ago. The road network is now one of the best in Africa, and there is ongoing investment which will help speed up the movement of freight.
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Supply chain optimisation needs a mindset change to deliver the best savings. – Grant Lendrum