Transporters should gear up for Africa growth

South African transporters need to be geared and ready if they want to capitalise on the many business opportunities presenting themselves as Africa becomes the world focus for investment. According to Hannes Rust of Namgola, the many projects already under way, along with those in the pipeline, present numerous opportunities for African transporters. “There is so much development and investment happening at present in various countries. We in South Africa have the skill, knowledge and experience to transport the huge amount of freight needed to the various countries, but we must be able to overcome the numerous challenges.” Be it congestion or corruption at border posts, the lack of roads and communication in some countries or the huge security risk faced in others, transporters now more than ever will have to be able to deliver what they promise. Says Ruan van der Westhuizen of Namgola: “In Mozambique, for example, there is so much development at present. From coal projects to power stations to upgrading the road infrastructure and networks. Africa is a drawcard and South Africa is the gateway.” In Rwanda investment inflows are expected to exceed US$600 million this year, while Mozambique expects to invest $350 million to build 500 kilometres of road in the next few months. Chinese trade with Africa alone is to exceed $110bn and Africa is making the effort to be able to improve its trade by addressing its infrastructure and communication backlogs. “Volumes will increase in 2011 and beyond,” predicts Rust. “Africa is the place to be. Nearly every country has work going on and yes there are challenges, but the opportunities are far greater.”