TPT team helps pump up efficiencies in Benin

Transnet is pushing ahead with its
diversification strategy in Africa with
considerable success
already achieved in
Benin, West Africa,
according to Karl
Socikwa, chief executive
of Transnet Port
Terminals (TPT).
“We are very involved
at the Port of Cotonou
in Benin where we won
a concession to operate
the port,” he said. “Some
real successes are being
seen here. Management
was recently in Senegal
for high-level talks for a
project. Our goal is also
not just to have advisory
roles in these countries in
Africa and the Middle
East but to build
rail and work in
concessions at the
ports. A number
of diversification
initiatives are on
the cards.”
Socikwa said
growing the
freight utility’s
presence across Africa was a top
priority and 11 countries were actively
being targeted at present.
In Benin TPT had deployed a
highly skilled team in
January this year, he
said, and the port had
since experienced a
20% improvement in
efficiencies, according
to Socikwa.
“We want to be
the leading logistics
service provider in
sub-Saharan Africa,”
he said.
Transnet has assisted
in getting the 40 000-TEU container
terminal in Benin operational. “We also
implemented an operating system with
the intention to expand and overlap
into the multipurpose activities,”
he said. “Our team is placed
on the ground and the
partnerships are proving
to be very successful.”
In Senegal they
are also looking to
get involved in the
container terminal
space while there are
also talks under way
in Tanzania.
INSERT & CAPTION
11 African countries
are actively being
targeted at present.
– Karl Socikwa