DHL-GF sharpens focus on Africa

DHL Global Forwarding has integrated Sub-Saharan Africa into one region with South Asia Pacific, and the company will now invest further in Africa to boost its established position in the region.

DHL plans to leverage the expertise built in Singapore in sectors such as oil & energy, life science, automotive, technology and aid & relief logistics, to strengthen its operations in Africa.

Having opened dedicated operations in all important African economies during the last few years, DHL-GF has committed to further invest and expand its human resources, finance and sales & marketing teams to support further growth in the region.

According to Hermann Ude, CEO of DHL-GF, the company sees a lot of potential in the African continent. "The triangle of trade between Africa, the Middle East and Asia will shape the future of global trade, and our investments in people and processes will ensure businesses have access to world-class logistics operations across Africa."

Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL-GF – Africa & South Asia Pacific, said: "The economic emergence of Sub-Saharan Africa presents significant opportunities, especially in the energy and mining industries. Eleven African nations now count as the top ten sources of mineral exports, while the African continent will account for 13% of global oil production by 2015."

According to The African Economic Outlook report for Q1 2010, Africa’s commodity export sector will drive its growth in the near-term, and African governments are investing in infrastructure to meet the continent’s long-term development needs.