The outbreak of Ebola in the
Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC) – at the time of writing 69
people had died from the disease
but it had been contained – has
affected trade to the country, said
DRC-based Nik International
Logistics’ Christiaan Tshiabuta.
“Although the DRC outbreak
was quickly contained, most
transporters have ceased
operations from South Africa and
other neighbouring countries,
resulting in major business
setbacks,” he said. However,
despite the crisis around the
outbreak, which has caused a
short-term setback, Tshiabuta said
intra-trade with neighbouring
countries was increasing.
“75% of commodities imported
into the DRC pass through
Tanzania, which offers a natural
intra-trade opportunity for us,” he
noted, adding that as a result there
was strong demand for Congolesebased
companies to facilitate the
free movement of goods. “The
regional trade facilitation bodies
such as the Southern African
Development Community (SADC)
have stepped up their efforts with
intra-trade facilitation and work
hard to ensure stability for the
region, which also boosts trade,”
said Tshiabuta.
He told FTW that one of the
biggest obstacles to intra-trade –
infrastructure – was slowly being
addressed. “Even the network and
systems problems, which cause
frustrating delays at border posts,
are being addressed and I am
positive that soon trade will move
through the region, and the DRC
in particular, much faster.”
INSERT & CAPTION
75% of commodities
imported into the DRC pass
through Tanzania, which
offers a natural intra-trade
opportunity for us.
– Christiaan Tshiabuta
CAPTION
The populous city of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania offers
strong opportunities for intra-trade with the DRC.
