Infrastructure development is taking centre stage in many African countries, which is good news for the future of logistics.According to Kevin Hogg, depot manager for Lalgy Transport in Mozambique tipper division, road infrastructure is currently being developed on the Mozambique corridor – a move that has been welcomed across industry.“This is extremely important from a safety as well as operational point of view,” he told Freight News. “With wider and well-marked roads we will see improved safety and travelling conditions. These kinds of investments in infrastructure are extremely necessary considering the potential of Africa. The mining sector alone has potential to secure itself the right as the international leader in exports. Our commodities on the continent are in demand.”He said at the Port of Maputo there were ongoing investments that would enhance its efficiency and capability to handle increased volumes of minerals.“The ongoing Performance-Based Standards (PBS) programme running in South Africa has also played an important role in the road transport industry in the region and has brought about some fundamental changes. The positive results with the pilot project are fundamental.”He said the company had therefore opted to incorporate PBS into its own operations. “This will see us effectively transport additional volumes per vehicle, thus enhancing productivity.”Lalgy is also in the process of developing a new depot in Mozambique, fitted with state-of-the-art technolog y.“The new development will allow us to operate the Maputo road logistics chain from one depot, improving our efficiencies and service levels to our clients. We are in the process of refining an automated system that will allow our clients to identify and track the vehicles transporting cargo for them. We have also incorporated a new tracking division to monitor and control all vehicles across the f leet, monitoring speed, location and any violations at all times.”Hogg said the logistics sector in Africa was growing rapidly, making ongoing investments into country and company infrastructure necessa r y.“ We a re seeing real growth in the bulk export market, with the rise in international demand, partially due to sanctions imposed on various regions outside of Africa. This continent has therefore now become the next supplier of resources,” he said. “There is still a trend towards reliable and cost-effective road transport in Africa. We are seeing new-age trucks with less CO2 emissions being introduced, improved fuel consumption and enhanced onboard computer management, as well as innovative designs in trailers with improved capacity. The road transport sector is fast moving towards a cleaner, healthier and safer environment.”Whilst there were numerous opportunities and significant growth in volume, the sector is not without challenges.“Covid-19 has had a serious impact on the industry. We have seen delays at borders, travelling and truck turnaround times have slowed down, not to mention the impact it has had on working conditions, with fewer staff available. It also saw a drop in demand during the heavy lockdown periods.”Hogg said despite the challenges the market was gradually bouncing back.“The Mozambique corridor is, and always will be, a profitable route to market,” he said. “The challenges can be overcome. At present, due to the difficulties affecting rail, the disruptions in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this year, as well as the instability seen in Richards Bay, a number of clients have been redirecting their freight through the Mozambique corridor.”He said while this had put pressure on the system, it had highlighted the capability of the corridor as well.
