Global DHL CEO optimistic about Africa’s potential

By Bernard yaw ASHIADEY

Africa is the last bastion for business globally, and over the next few years will prove its potential as a stable, lucrative continent for international commerce, says Ken Allen, Chief Executive Officer of global express and logistics provider DHL Express.

Allen is in sub-Saharan Africa to visit countries including Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa as the operator continues to expand into the continent and spread its already vast footprint into far-flung rural areas.

He will also attend DHL’s internal employee celebration in Livingstone, Zambia, an event that acknowledges the company’s “superstars” from over 60 countries.

Allen’s visit follows the March 5 announcement by Deutsche Post DHL that the DHL Express division made an EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) contribution of €1.11 billion in 2012, a 21 percent improvement over 2011.

Allen is upbeat about commerce in Africa and eager to use a proven global business approach to further entrench DHL on the continent, spurring trade and connecting markets to increase the continent’s global competitiveness.

“Much has been said around Africa’s potential and, while it currently only contributes 3 percent of global GDP, it is still the fastest-growing continent. We have seen positive economic indicators from countries across sub-Saharan Africa -- Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and Uganda, to name a few -- and I believe we will continue to see Africa improve its standing on the international business stage.

“The major challenge for Africa and primarily for us as logistics operators is to improve infrastructure -- whether this is road infrastructure or air capacity.

“Current road conditions are responsible for approximately 40 percent of transport costs in coastal countries and 60 percent in landlocked countries, and we know that transport costs can make up 50 to 75 percent of the actual retail price of goods in countries such as Malawi, Rwanda and Uganda.

“We are currently transporting over 80 percent of our cargo by air, which can be between three and nine times more expensive than road or rail. For Africa to become competitive, this situation needs urgent review, with a strong focus on the development of transport infrastructure.”

He added that his focus for the next few years will be continuing to motivate and engage employees in both Africa and abroad.

“We have seen the culture of DHL Express reformed and reshaped through employee engagement and training, and the financial turnaround of the business is a testament to this. Putting your human capital at the centre of your company leads not only to great service, but loyal customers and unparalleled business returns.”

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