INDUSTRY FOCUS: LOGISTICS

Driving efficiency will come in the careful organisation of routes and clear planning. “The fertiliser and soft commodities will give us bidirectional flows that we need to make us more competitive when compared to others moving along that same corridor,” says Burger.

The UN highlighted, in a recent report, the importance of building strong value chains in Africa’s battery minerals industry. The DRC produces 70% of the world’s cobalt, and southern Africa is well-known as the go-to region for graphite, platinum metals, and more. The global electric vehicle industry, which relies on these minerals, is expected to hit values of $46 trillion by 2050. By investing in value chains to ensure efficiency across the market, Africa can overtake international rivals as the chosen source of eco-friendly minerals.

“We have seen a lot of positivity on the copper corridor,” says Schmidt. “Those commodities are in huge demand and lithium is only just starting.”

Burger adds that in difficult times, the company has remained resolute and committed to its strategy. “There is a lot of opportunity to be had in a tough environment. The strength in the coal space comes as a result of challenges in Europe. South Africa is exporting a lot of coal and, as a transport company, that creates an opportunity for us.

Copper is booming in China and that creates an opportunity to tap into that market. All of the fertiliser that we shipped to Zambia comes as a result of ports being congested. We do understand the market and that allows us to tap into the positives.”

‘NAVIGATE AROUND IT’

To access the opportunities, there is a need to overcome challenges that very clearly exist. Tengwa is no stranger to bumps in the road and calls on deep experience from a 100-strong team to navigate complex situations. “The environment we

Continues on page 30

BREAKING BARRIERS: DELIVERING INNOVATIVE SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS

The Santova Group is a leading logistics and supply chain service provider, headquartered in South Africa and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Santova utilises the Group’s intellectual capital and technology, together with the resources and capabilities of specialised logistics service providers, to design, develop and execute end-to-end supply chain solutions for clients. These solutions including innovative structured products, such as vessel chartering and breakbulk shipping solutions, to offer flexible routings at a reduced transit time and cost.

Our local know-how an extensive experience in African enables us to offer comprehensive cross-border road freight solutions. A recent project involved Santova Logistics SA providing a logistics solution to a US AID contractor involved in building temperaturecontrolled, prefabricated medical clinics in sub-Saharan Africa. The clinics were prefabricated in South Africa and transported to various locations in Africa, where they would be assembled on-site.

Santova Logistics was tasked with managing the entire logistics process, including loading, transportation, customs clearance, delivery and unpack of the clinics to their respective destinations. In order to effectively manage the project, Santova Logistics deployed a team of experienced logistics professionals who were familiar with the local terrain and had extensive knowledge of customs regulations and clearance procedures at destination. The team worked closely with the US AID contractor to develop a comprehensive logistics solution that would ensure timeous and safe delivery.

To overcome the challenge of poorly maintained roads, Santova devised fit-for-purpose vehicle packing solutions and utilized specialized vehicles suitable for the harsh African terrain. They also collaborated closely with local customs officials to ensure timely permits and documentation, avoiding penalties and delays. In addition to the transportation and delivery of the clinics, Santova provided warehousing and inventory management services to ensure the clinic components were accounted for and correctly stored until assembly.

Owing to the proficient capabilities of Santova, and its collaborative approach with both the US AID contractor and local authorities, the project was a success, and has granted thousands of people in Africa access to quality healthcare services.

Contact Santova Logistics SA for innovative and reliable logistics solutions:

Website: www.santova.com | www.santova.co.za

Ocean Freight Estimates: estimates@santova.co.za

General enquiries: info@santova.com

Air Freight Estimates: airfreightestimates@santova.co.za