Global DHL CEO optimistic about Africa’s potential

·         Kenya seen as a strategic business hub for DHL business in Africa

·         DHL Express posts EBIT of EUR 1.11 billion in 2012

·         Concedes infrastructure is the major area of focus for Africa to become globally competitive

DHL Express, express and logistics provider will leverage on the strategic position of Kenya as a regional hub to grow its business in Africa.

DHL Express global Chief Executive Officer Ken Allen while on a business visit to the country said Kenya will play a major role in the general growth of business and investment in the continent.

Allen however said infrastructure development on the continent must be prioritized if the growth is to be realized.

“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.” said Allen.

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 increase its already vast footprint into the far-flung, rural areas. The global head will also attend DHL’s internal employee celebration in Livingstone, Zambia, which acknowledges the company’s ‘superstars’ from over 60 countries.

Allen’s visit follows the March 5^th announcement by Deutsche Post DHL that the DHL Express division made an EBIT contribution of EUR 1.11 billion in 2012, a 21 percent improvement over 2011.  He is also upbeat about commerce in Africa and eager to use this proven global business approach to further entrench DHL in the continent, spurring on trade and connecting the markets to increase the continent’s global competitiveness. 

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

“Much has been said around Africa’s potential and, while it currently only contributes 3 per cent of the global GDP, it is still the fastest growing continent. We have seen positive economic indicators from countries across Sub-Saharan Africa – Nigeria, Cote 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.”

He continues, “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 3 and 9 times more expensive than road or rail. For Africa to become competitive, this situation needs urgent review, with a strong focus on the developments of the transport infrastructure.”

He said the company’s major focus over the next few years will be to continue motivating and engaging 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 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.” he said.