DHL Express puts focus on Africa

   DHL Express officials said a portion of the company’s good fortune in 2013 — Deutsche Post DHL posted a 55-billion-euro profit ($76.55 billion) last year — can be attributed to its work in Africa and other emerging markets.
   DHL Express will open a number of facilities in sub-Saharan Africa this year and has planned to expand its holdings in Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, according to Charles Brewer, DHL Express’ managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa. The company will also add a Boeing 737 and other planes in East Africa.
   “More than ever, companies are now looking to expand into Africa,” Brewer said in a statement. “More than ever, companies are looking to invest in its diverse markets. More than ever, commercial opportunities abound across the continent. It’s clearly time for Africa.”
   Brewer said DHL Express is the market leader in Africa. Last year, he said, the integrator pushed further into sub-Saharan Africa, investing in facilities and expanding its fleet of vehicles and planes. Brewer said this attention is justified due to the International Air Transport Association’s prediction that Africa will be the fastest-growing region for the airline industry during the next three years.
   He also pointed out that the International Monetary Fund has pegged economic growth in 2014 at 6.1 percent in sub-Saharan Africa. Brewer said routes to Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria will experience the biggest growth in 2014, propelled by e-commerce.
   “Buying and selling online is growing year on year in Africa, which includes a big shift towards e-commerce in South Africa,” he said. “Other factors that will likely influence trade are developments in technology, healthcare, construction and services, as well as the increase in manufacturing in Africa.”