Turners looks into Africa office

Establishing a satellite office in one of the countries north of Africa is high on the agenda for Turner’s Shipping, according to managing director Blain Kondiah. “Two years ago we set up an office in Hong Kong by developing a mutually beneficial relationship with suitable business in the area. Since then we have seen a steady growth in volumes in the east, so we are looking to replicate that model in Africa.” Tristan Heesen has been appointed to head up the initiative and the company is currently speaking to prospective partners in Africa.” Initially we will be exploring opportunities in Nigeria, Angola, Kenya and Ghana,” he said. Projected growth in the region and the opportunities it offers the logistics sector is the motivation behind the move. Kondiah says that South Africans are quick to look overseas for business. “This may have been true in the past, but countries like Ghana, Nigeria and Angola have booming economies and they are experiencing significant development in their infrastructure and industrial development. Ghana, for instance, has the third biggest stock exchange in Africa.” Turners established an African Desk in 2011 as a specialist service for clients doing business in the SADC region. “It was the first step in expanding our operations and services into other areas of business and we see a presence in the north as part of our growth in Africa.” INSERT & CAPTION " Initially Turners will be exploring opportunities in Nigeria, Angola, Kenya and Ghana. – Tristan Heesen