Why You Should "Go for Africa" in 2016

Q & A with Freight Reach Services CEO, B. Rajagopalan

 What were the greatest challenges businesses faced in Africa during 2015?

 “The fall in the commodity prices effected countries like Zambia , DRC,  and Angola in a big way. The depreciation of African currencies against the US dollar also proved to be a challenge and EBOLA as well as sectarian violence had devastating effects in some regions of Africa.”

Which of the challenges mentioned above do you foresee carrying over into 2016? 

 “Most of them will spill over to 2016 at least in the first half of the year. However, the infrastructure development of Africa in most countries is going on at war footing. This is supported by local governments as well as investments from outside countries such as China. The GDP growth of Africa was 4.5 % in 2015 compared to 3.9% in 2014 and it is expected to be 5% in 2016.”

 What advice can you offer to business executives looking to expand their services into Africa?

 “Go for Africa, as the GDP growth of 3.9% in 2014, 4.5% in 2015, and projected 5% in 2016 is impressive compared to traditional markets in the world. Of course Africa has its challenges, but this is one continent everyone is turning their eyes towards.  Roads, customs, corruption, airports, ports, rail and etcetera are challenges for the logistics industry but at the same time there is an immense amount of money being put into infrastructure and this will bear fruit in the future.”

 For more advice on business in Africa, please FOLLOW the Freight Reach LinkedIn Page

www.freightreach.com

+971 4 (357) 5444