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  • From Slaved Africa to Technological outburst

    Making path to make the trade area fast and reliable

    The Africa we see now didn’t exist some years from now. It was slavery and atrocity everywhere and no one imagined at that time that it will become a free continent, with global trade spreading its wing in the territory.

    The good thing about this continent is that people are open to change and advancement especially in terms of Cargo technology. It is one of the countries with a fast-growing middle class which means a rise in purchasing power.

    They are not only taking tools to a higher level of foreign help, internal development is also striving hard to be of service. This gradual progress has made it possible for the worldwide retailer to reach the new customers and it will certainly put a positive influence on the economy. Not only that the locals can avail overseas products, the regional goods can reach the international market.

    Warehouse Mechanization

    This is the most important area from the trade point of view. Anything which enters a territory stays in the warehouse for approval from the customs or until unless the consignee comes to claim it.

    It has been predicted that the growth of e-commerce is going to be 40 percent in the coming time. And the area which needs most of it is trade and warehousing. Air Cargo to Africa is providing a welcoming setting for automation of warehouses using robotic technology.

    For example, South Africa is already using Drone-Scan for the purpose of identifying and adding new arrivals to the data. There is a sensing device attached to the Drone to scan the barcodes of even the hard reach shelves. This way they facilitate their human workers to ease off some burden.

    Address Finder Application

    There should be an address present to locate the delivery point especially when you are ordering online. This is the biggest problem in Africa that there is no address located.

    For this, an address finding application has been introduced to solve the problem. Kenyan startup OkHi is a unique function which has resolved the problem. By using it the program sends a coordinated route map to the dealer and the front view of the house.

    Through this information, it becomes possible for the sender to deliver exactly to the target. Not only this, there are more expertise like the end-to-end delivery system and online bidding platform for transparent pricing which are serving the people successfully.

    Up ranking Ports and Railways

    Although seen as traditional ways of transport but it is a must for any era. Developing a strong infrastructure in this respect is unavoidable and has to be done to make the regional or even among country link stronger.

    To initiate well-built relations among the African countries it is a crucial step to be taken. Seven Trans-net Port Terminals are working in Southern Africa for providing a proper tracking system and any update on the terminal.

    This is not it, there is more to add in this respect. Some of the computerization has taken place and more is on the path of completion. Africa Govt. is succeeding in progressing from every aspect for becoming a flourishing economy.

    Recommended: The holiday destinations in Africa.

  • Africa’s Top 5 Largest Ports

    Check out Africa’s Top 5 Largest Ports

    Have a look at the ports Africa uses to handle more than 90 percent of its cargo. Let’s dive into Top five!

    The African continent uses sea cargo to handle more than 90 percent cargo and its imports and exports from across the globe. Being an exceptionally large content out of the seven in total, Africa has many exceptions, where Suez Canal in Egypt is one of these exceptions.

    It is a 102 miles long man-made channel connects two seashores and used for cargo ships coming from Mediterranean sea and red sea region to Arabian sea. This canal saves hundreds of miles travel for those ships.

    Going forward, the majority of countries in the African region are not that developed in the many fields of life and need innovation to be done, the maritime field is one of them. It needs development and innovation.

    Africa is more than 6 percent of the total surface of the planet earth and more than 70 percent states in African region are directly connected to the sea and this way they hold more than 6 percent waterways of the maritime industry.

    More than 6 percent of total traffic out of which half of the container traffic of the world cargo intercepted by the African ports. We have listed top 5 ports of Africa with lots of information about the ports and their facilities and definitely their capacity is also stated below. Let’s see what these ports are and which countries are hosting them.

    Port of Durban, South Africa

    Country: Republic of South Africa

    Province or District: KwaZulu Natal

    Town or City (Closest location): Durban

    Port’s Complete Name: Port of Durban

    Managing Company or Port Authority: Transnet National Ports Authority

    Average vessel calls per year:  4,554

    Container Traffic (TEUs):  40,477,697

    Bulk (Million Tons / year):  34,205,900

    Conventional Berths; 31

    Berth sizes: 228-meter x 9.6 meter deep berths

    Container berths: 10

    Berth sizes: 295-meter x 11.9 meter deep berths

    Bulk Liquid handling Berths: 9

    Berth sizes: 228-meter x 12.8 meter deep berths

    container Facilities Available: Yes

    Container Freight Station (CFS): Yes

    Refrigerated Container Stations: Yes

    Daily Takeoff Capacity (Containers per day): No

    Number of Reefer Stations (connection points): 80

    Cooling chambers: 11 x 27,000 m³

    Pre-cooling funnels:  69 x 9,500 m³

    Open storage:  4,000 m³

    Multi-Purpose Terminals:

    Total Storage capacity = 42,000 m³

    Load rate (Agricultural) = 500 MT / hr.

    Draught available = 9.6 m

    Let’s start with Africa’s most popular and most active general cargo port and it is situated in the South African region, it is Durban port. The Durban port is known as the port of the Durban and situated in the central business region of the Durban. This port is the most important seaport of South Africa and plays an imperative role in the economy of the region.

    The port of Durban is Africa’s largest container ports and handles the most amount of sea traffic than all other seaports of South Africa. On average, the port of Durban hosts more than 4,500 container ships and 996,000 containers every year. More than 45 billion dollars in-out comes through the port of Durban.

    According to the Durban port management authority, the port of Durban handles more than 44 million tons of cargo every year and it is increasing every year. It is one of the most active ports in the African region and operates 24/7-365 and its channel depth is just under 13 meters on the entrance and it is more than 220 meters wide at the same time.

    The width has been widened to 222 meters at the tiniest point. Recently the entrance has been deepened to 19 meters while shallowing to not less than 16 meters inside the bay to handle larger vessels.

    The regular callers on the Durban port are 300 meters long and 37-meter beam carriers, they regularly call on the port. In the daylight, port authority restricts the ships to 243m and 35m due to lower draught levels, reduced to 11.9m to 12.2m.

    During the night, restrictions changed to 200m and beam height to 26m when draught remained to 11.6 meters. The larger vessels carrying around 230,000 dwt can enter the Durban harbor region but the ships larger than 230,000 dwt handled by the outer anchorage.

    The largest vessel handled by the Cargo to Africa is the ULCC tanker weighing 564,650 dwt. This vessel has a length of 458 meters and height of 69 meters received underwater repairs in the outer anchorage region. The terminals and cargo anchorage have different capacities to handle the cargo. There are two types of cargo terminals including one for general purposes and other for grains and bulk handling.

    Multipurpose Terminal:

    The city terminal or the Multi-Purpose Terminal is known as the Maydon Wharf 5 used for the bulk loading and unloading facilities on the port. This port has following capacities

    Total Storage capacity = 42,000 m³

    Load rate (Agricultural) = 500 MT / hr.

    Draught available = 9.6 m

    Subjected to the port authority approval, the vessels also use the rising tide for loading. On the other hand, grain and bulk handling terminals have following facilities. The Maydon Wharf 8 is a dedicated elevator agriculture grain and bulk cargo handling facility for grain products.

    Capacity = 34,560 MT

    Loading rate = 1,200 MT / hr.

    Draught = 10.3 m, 11.5 on rising tide

    Discharge rate = 275 MT / hr.

    Being the largest container port in the African region, it is necessary to discuss the container terminals as well. The container terminal has been upgraded recently and the terminal capacity has been optimized with more sophisticated equipment. The terminal has 20 straddle carriers and three quayside cranes. The upgrade has increased the capacity to 1.6 million tons from 1.3 million tons every year.

    African Seaports are bit slower in the operations and they normally work on 7 to 20 moves per hour, however, the global standard is a bit higher than these cranes. Global standard is 25 moves per hour per crane. Durban port including the South African ports handles more than 23 percent of the total container cargo in Africa.

    Port of Kilindini Harbour Mombasa, Kenya

    Country: Kenya

    Province or District: county of Mombasa

    Town or City (Closest location): Mombasa

    Port’s Complete Name: Kilindini Harbour, Mombasa

    Managing Company or Port Authority: Kenya Ports Authority

    Average vessel calls per year:  1340

    Container Traffic (TEUs):  894,000

    Bulk and breakbulk (Million Tons/year):  30,920,900

    Conventional Berths; 23

    Berth sizes: 2080 meter x 10-13.5 meter deep berths

    Container berths: 6

    Berth sizes: 1204 meter x 13.5 meter deep berths

    Bulk multipurpose Berths: 17

    Berth sizes: 2080 meter x 12.8 meter deep berths

    Container Facilities Available: Yes

    Container Freight Station (CFS): Yes

    Refrigerated Container Stations: no

    Daily Take Off Capacity (Containers per day): 670

    Number of Reefer Stations (connection points): 120

    Bagged Cargo stations: 10

    Bagged Cargo Station Area: 90,597 sq. meters

    General Cargo stations: 10

    General Cargo Station Area: 90,597 sq. meters

    Mombasa port is approximately midway between Middle East ports on the red sea and South African port of Durban. The Mombasa port is one of the largest ports in the African region, indeed the largest port in the east African region. The Mombasa port is Kenya’s largest port and works as the main gateway to central Africa and eastern part of the continent. This port serves more than 120 million population of the hinterlands including Burundi, eastern DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, and the northern part of Tanzania.

    With the length of 7 nautical miles and a width of 300 meters, the Mombasa port has a maximum depth of 15 meters and inner harbor tidal range of 3.5 meters. The port has more than 19 berths where different terminals are constructed to handle bulk cargo, grain cargo, and oil cargo. On the other hand, there are 4 container berths to handle container cargo including 20 to and 40 teu containers. At the same time, Mombasa port has 12 berths for general cargo handling as well.

    The recent development work on the port has increased the modern look. Port has new equipment and new main entrance channel to handle larger vessels. The port has the ability to handle most advanced Panamax vessels. The Mombasa port is ranked at 117th and in the African ports, its grade is 5th. There are many bottlenecks which are still restricting the operations of the port.

    • For specialized services port has fewer berths
    • Manual labor affecting quick services
    • Rainy season is a big game changer at the port. It slows discharge operations,
    • Timely clearance required correct documentation
    • Average wait time is still more than 3 days

    The port has six container berths and all these berths have an open seafront of more than 1204 meters where two container cranes have been installed to load and unload containers. These cranes are fully loaded with most modern gears and gadgets to speed up the operations on the port. The modern cranes are capable of making 25 moves per hour and this world standard for fast business operations at the ports.

    Port of Djibouti

    Country: Djibouti

    Province or District: Djibouti

    Town or City (Closest location): Djibouti

    Port’s Complete Name: Port of Djibouti

    Managing Company or Port Authority: Djibouti Ports Authority

    Average vessel calls per year:  1577

    Container Traffic (TEUs):  744,000

    Bulk and breakbulk (Million Tons/year):  3,772,900

    Conventional Berths; 29

    Bagging line capacity: Berth 15.

    Discharge with silo availability option; 7 MT/day

    Average discharge rate: 300 MT per shift

    Warehouse storage capacities: 70,000 MT

    Bulk Fertilizer Discharge Rate; 3.5mt per day

    Silo availability option; Berth 14

    Container Facilities Available 20ft: Yes

    Container Facilities Available 40ft: Yes

    Container Freight Station (CFS) 20ft: Yes

    Container Freight Station (CFS) 40ft: Yes

    Refrigerated Container Stations 20ft: Yes

    Refrigerated Container Stations 20ft: Yes

    Djibouti is an important country in the African region and its importance increased because of military operations through the ports of Djibouti. Djibouti ports own a crucial standing in geostrategic, military and economic terms. The Ethiopian trade and transshipment of goods pass through the port of Djibouti. The natural protection of the Djibouti waters and excellent nautical conditions play an imperative role in the breakwater structure and the coral reef colonies near the port break up the water agitation and resultantly they offer excellent conditions for shipping. They offer quiet and deep water in the port. The anchorage depth of more than 10-40 meters can be used and it is even protected by the reefs. These reefs also protect the coastal areas from pollution and these are the only ports where agents need to send manifest 48 hours before the call of the ship.

    The DP world management has improved the port performance to the utmost level since their partnership started in 2011. They have introduced different management systems and international managerial expertise to handle the port operations, security, and safety matters and the training of the staff. By these efforts from DP world, the Djibouti port has compliant with the ISPS international ship port facility. More than 28000 security accreditations from the register of Lloyds have been received by the port of Djibouti.

    Lagos, Nigeria

    Country: Nigeria

    Province or District: Apapa Local Government

    Town or City (Closest location):  Lagos Island

    Port’s Complete Name: Port of Djibouti

    Managing Company or Port Authority: APM Terminals/Nigeria Port Authority{NPA}

    Average vessel calls per year:  397

    Container Traffic (TEUs):  465,000

    Conventional Berths; 4

    Berth sizes: 1005 meter x 10-13.5 meter deep berths

    container berths: 4

    Berth sizes: 1005 meter x 13.5 meter deep berths

    Containers Facilities Available for 20ft & 40ft; Yes

    Containers Freight Station available for 20ft & 40ft; Yes

    Refrigerated Container Stations available for 20ft & 40ft; Yes

    Daily containers take-off capacity of both 20ft and 40ft Between 100 & 300

    Number of Reefer Stations (connection points); 620 reefer plugs that serve both 20’s & 40’s

    The port of the Lagos is the economic hub of Nigeria and it is the main player in the GDP growth of the country. The port of Lagos is also known as the Lagos Port Complex of Apapa. This port is located in Apapa area of Lagos in the south-west of Nigeria. The port operational structure is based on the berths and cargo handling stacking along with massive cargo storage areas.

    The port of Lagos is one of the leading ports in the African region and it is one of the busiest ports as well. The Nigerian port authority controls the port operations by splitting the port into three different divisions. The Lagos port division is the main section of the port and it is a channel next to the Lagos Island. Apapa port is the site for container terminals and tin can port, these sites are located in Badagry Creek.

    Suez Canal, Egypt

    Country; Egypt

    Province or District; Suez

    Town or City (Closest location) with Distance (km); Suez

    Port’s Complete Name; Port of Suez (before Port Tewfiq)

    Managing Company or Port Authority; Red Sea Port Authority

    Vessel Calls; 300

    Container Traffic (TEUs); 4,200,000

    Handling Figures Bulk and Break Bulk; Bulk (MT) 19,154,524

    Conventional Berth; 48

    Berth length; 6532 sq. meter

    Berth depth; 12.81

    Container Berths; 4

    Berth size; 732 sq. meter

    Berth depth; 12.49

    Silo Berths; 3

    Berth size; 695 sq. meter

    Berth depth; 10.00

    The Suez Canal is a canal connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez through its 101 miles length. This is also called a northern branch of the red sea. The port is also located in the northern part of the canal.

    This area is situated in the southern gate if the canal. It is also an imaginary border extending from Ras Masala to Ras El-Sadat along the canal. The northern coast of the area included in the region till the canal starts. The canal was started in 1869 and since its launch; it has allowed ships to use a shorter route between Europe and Asia.

    This canal has reduced thousands of miles distance and skipped the navigation around African continent and reduced the sea voyage between the Arabian Sea and Europe. The SCADA or the Suez Canal Axis development program aimed at the development and the expansion of the canal. This canal will be further expanded under this project to facilitate the sea traffic.

    The passenger vessels transit system has been controlled at the port of the Suez quay and it accommodates all the passenger transit of up to 10 meters. There are no restrictions applied to the 8.2-meter ships and they can enjoy a free float in the canal.

    However, a written application to the SCA needs to be submitted with the number of passengers on board. The canal authority also demands a written proof of the activities of the passengers on the ship in the same application that who they are and why they are on the ship.

    The port authority listens to the ship on the radio frequency of 156,800 MHz for security purposes as there was a threat to the canal in previous years. The port handles more than 970 million tons of cargo on average every year and it is a midway stop to all traffic between Europe and South Asia.

  • Blooming African Cargo Trade

    Signs indicating that Africa is on the rise

    Africa today is not what it used to be. There is progress, trade has increased and still rising, the world is looking towards this continent for opportunities for business growth and developed countries are investing generously in developmental projects.

    It was the foreign investment which proved to be an initiating step for progress in this developing country. In the present time, Government is playing an important role in rectifying the economic situation. Political stability has also improved shipping to Africa which plays a key role in any country’s evolution.

    Moreover, the growing population is inclined towards urbanization which is a good sign showing the flexibility of people for progress. There are advancements in various sectors around the continent which is giving off solid proofs of a better Africa in the future.

    Processing of Raw Agricultural Produce

    At present, mostly raw items are traded by Africa in the international market. But to reach higher markets value-added services are also being introduced. Instead of trading unprocessed commodities which are less preferred, making them acceptable and then presenting for trade is a much better way.

    The need is being promoted in Cargo to African countries for many years and it is successful in most of the cases. Still, there are more opportunities for investment in this sector. What happens due to the process is that only fresh and high-quality goods reach the market and the value increases.

    Otherwise, the purchaser gives less money for low-quality which reverse the situation and the owner have to face loss. In turn, no improvement takes place at the root. For a positive route towards prosperity, it is necessary that change takes place at the base of a system.

    Local Manufacturing

    For a much better scope of trade globally, it is needed that local market advances at a steady pace. Currently, most of the products which are in demand by the growing population are traded.

    Over the past few years, businessmen in the region have started manufacturing with available products which can prove to be a starter in this direction. Trading inland creation will generate more revenue as the manufacturing cost will be paid back and profit graph rises as a result.

    This initiative is seen by an optimist as a rush of gold and the sector is sure to gain popularity by the profit level it is going to give back.

    Export Market Being Improved

    For a long time it was impossible for African market to meet the international standards but now efforts are being made in this respect to improve the exports.

    The best advantage for this land is its richness in food growth and with such a large rise in the world’s inhabitants the danger of food shortage is building up. African countries can positively play their role in providing eatables to the world when such a situation triggers. For this side to stay positive the standards should keep on getting higher to deliver internationally what is needed by most.

  • Kenya is Expanding Trade Abilities

    Kenya & UK improving trade relations

    African countries apart from South Africa, are also trying to make themselves capable of trading globally on independent bases. The emerging countries are now well aware of the fact that for their development trading on exchange bases or independent bases is necessary for the growth of an economy.

    Kenya is already an important Cargo trade partner to many countries and in specific to the UK. The basic work that is being carried out in Kenya is for the expansion and facilitation with respect to trade.

    One project is a 10-year lease of the international warehouse and the second one is the construction of Lamu Port. Both these projects will further facilitate the trade and in turn, the conditions in the country on whole will improve largely.

     Lamu Port

    This port is being constructed to harmonize the port of Mombassa. The main cause of this construction is to enhance trade with other East African countries. The port will also open up the route for landlocked countries like shipping to Ethiopia and South Sudan. The work on its first berth is in progress.

    The authorities say that 20% of the work has been done by now and the first berth is planned to complete by June 2018. Other two berths are to be completed by 2019 and 2020 respectively.

    Not only work on the berth is being completed, side by side a cofferdam and a causeway are also underway. Then a search for a proper channel and land recovery are also taking place.

    Kenya’s warehousing 10 years Lease

    African Logistics Properties (ALP) has signed with Kenya its first ever, largest warehouse which will be used as an international hub for receiving cargo. The warehouse is located in Nairobi and the work on it is being done with fast pace.

    There is no proper place for logistics and distribution in Kenya for now and with the inset of this warehouse, it will be a great achievement. The ALP is well experienced in its work and has handled many major projects till now.

    The company is well equipped and is making the warehouse installed with all modern facilities so as to satisfy all the international standards and make traders believe that their cargo will reach destination safe and sound and on time.

    It will be like a central place for the international as well as regional trade partners. The hassle to fetch the cargo will end with a warehouse which will have a great capacity to accumulate any volume of goods.

    A Step Ahead

    Both these projects are not only important internationally but also they will facilitate the national trade which is very important to stabilize the region. The malnutrition and reliance on food which is being suffered by the people of Africa have to end and they have to produce job opportunities and better living conditions for the citizens.

    Such projects give a hope to the people that they are going towards progress and their future population will have a better place to live. UK and Africa capable countries are playing their role well in helping the governments to improve their lands.

  • Things to Consider for Business in South Africa

    Prepare yourself before hand for choosing Africa as a Business destination

    South Africa is considered as a very fruitful business destination. Especially when we are talking about UK trade with the region, South Africa becomes prominent. As it is the major trading partner with UK in Africa. This does not mean that UK is not in trade with other areas as there are new markets emerging in sub-Saharan region and Kenya, Nigeria already in trade relation with UK.

    But as South Africa gets the largest share of trade, it has become prominent in Cargo to Africa. This region is very rich in agriculture and also the environment for doing business is favorable which attracts the investors.

    How the Task is done?

    Visiting a new country, unknown people, economic system and infrastructure, all become a big hurdle. To overcome all these difficulties, UK government appoints parliamentarians from among the political parties to lead business delegations to other countries where Britain wants to boost trade and business for bilateral relations. With this facility, present making place in the new environment becomes easy. Same is done in case of Africa but keeping in mind the trade area and its need.

    As people are now aware of their purchasing power and decision making has become strong for trusting or liking a product. So, hitting the right market is very important to be successful to improve air and sea cargo growth.

    Current Exports of UK to South Africa:

    At present, the major exports of UK to South Africa are fuel, machinery, vehicle, medical, pharmaceuticals, and food. There is plenty of scope for UK businesses in areas like energy, transport, health care and education sectors. Africa is not a fully developed region, and hence requires help from outside its premises for keeping things going and at the same time, help is needed to make the situation better in every sector. Trade is the best way to do this as you get something of your interest in return.

    For example, it is being said that after Brexit, there are chances of increased imports of fruits and vegetables from Africa which is the demand of UK at present as their own production has fallen to a large extent, and thus they are relying on imports for fulfilling the need of their people.

    What the newcomer has to face:

    As any other region, there are obstacles that can stop or slow down your efforts of establishing a business in the land. There is a high rate of unemployment in the country and people are not assured of getting a job and maintaining it for longer. Then the poverty factor also becomes a challenge for the businessman as the power of purchase may not be as it was expected. Another very important factor is the skill and capacity shortage, which is there due to less opportunity.

    Lack of infrastructure is also a big problem that makes it difficult to adjust in this region. There are no solid and proper working departments for resolving energy, water and transport areas. High crime rate becomes another problem the businessmen have to face while doing business and keeping a close check on such activities is necessary. Then there is legislation, the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment; which the investor has to tackle while setting a company.

  • How Britain is tackling African Migrants and exports to the region?

    Permanent steps are indispensable in the present condition to ensure stability

    Africa is not a place where the population is well fed and has plenty of opportunities to earn their lively hood like Cargo to Africa is a big opportunity to grow the business. Instead, it is a land where poverty rules and children and older sector dies of lack of nutrition. In such a case, people who educate with lots of hard work and facing a bundle of problems do not want to remain in the continent or in their respective country and migrate to other areas which have more opportunities.

    In this situation, the welcoming country and in this case Britain is facing problems and they are now starting to think over the situation to improve this crisis which is making their own citizens suffer.

    Main Reasons for Migration:

    No one wants to leave the place where he/she is born and live alone while facing trouble and devoid of a decent living place. But not only Africa, other poor countries lacking jobs and decent workstations put their occupiers in such a situation. On one side the job seeking personals are growing and on the other hand, prospects are becoming less and less. In such circumstances, people either go to another country in the continent or travel towards another continent. Lack of industry joblessness is making the people flee from the land because no one can see their family die due to lack of necessities of life which is their right.

    Ray of Hope:

    At present, the only hope for the people is the increasing trade international market. But the problem over here is that exchange of goods is not profitable till now as the money earn is again spent to trade for the essential items that are needed for leading a decent life.

    So the trade is a positive thing for small Logistic businesses but the overall situation remains the same on the national level and when this condition will improve only then change in the living standard of the citizens occur.

    Lack of Infrastructure and Common Welfare:

    These two things are the main hurdles which are responsible for poor economic conditions of a country. These problems result in lack of communication and hence no one wants to work for the welfare of a common man, instead, everyone struggles for filling their own pockets. An Intelligent decision by the government of African countries would be to look for flaws within and rectify them to decrease pressure on themselves and on the helping country.

    Direction Britain is following

    The UK government is not forcing the immigrants out of its boundaries but it certainly is considering to tight the border conditions for permitting migrants in the country. The country is already in a state of uncertainty due to Brexit due in 2019 and is simultaneously dealing with many affairs and this crucial matter is making things difficult to be handled. Also, UK is urging the African authorities to reach the root cause and eliminate the reason for fleeing of its population.

    Industries should be put up to increase job opportunities so that the fresh graduates have a livelihood whenever they finish their university. This permanent solution is the only way which can reduce immigration as handling such a big number of immigrants from every country is not affordable.

  • UK Commitment Towards African Trade

    Building a strong relation around the world

    Minister of State for Trade Policy Lord Price visited South Africa and Namibia to meet trade ministers from the Southern Africa Customs Union. The main reason is to discuss ways for avoiding any kind of hindrance in trade between the two regions. As the current issue is exit of UK from European Union because the main thing involved in it is trade, which now a day build a strong portion of economy for any country. So is the case with UK cargo and Cargo to Africa. Both have strong relations as being the members of EU and both parties want the relation to be the same and even more propelling than ever. These meetings are a part of the agreement that has to be reached before Brexit and then making the implementations from the agreement a real and final deal.

    UK’s Contribution to African Development:

    Another positive view that has been put forward by UK Minister of State is that Britain never wants to back up from the development programs that are going on in the region with their collaboration. No matter what the conditions are they will always continue the support system they are providing for the progress of the underdeveloped parts of the continent.

    A free trade with no or less restrictions give a free hand for exporting necessary machinery for developing structures and food items or medicines for leveling up the health of the citizens. The progress will stop if any problem occurs while shipping things from one side to another. Check out Cargo to Africa from UK for cost effective and reliable cargo services.

    What is intended of the new free Trade Deal?

    Africa struggled for almost ten years to reach an agreement between EU and Africa for a free trade. This deal is between the countries that are a part of EU and Africa. UK is a prominent trade partner of Africa and in no way it wants UK to get separated from the free trade deal. So, efforts are being made to implement the same basic structure of the EU free trade agreement with some minor changes according to the states and conditions.

    This will help out both the countries to work with each other on familiar grounds and not create a new situation which will take time to set in. In the mean time both the sides will formulate a new free trade agreement and replace the old one for anew era to finally start.

    Important Matters for Africa:

    There are other important areas of African trade that are intended to be discussed before any final agreement is drafted. Of them, one is the agricultural quota of duty free trade among the two sides. In the SADC-EPA South Africa negotiated larger amount of agricultural products to be traded on duty free basis. The same quota Africa wants to set in the new agreement.

    There is a large amount of African wine already being sent to UK from South Africa, and the wine traders are hoping for a large quota in the new trade agreement. Another issue is of importing parts from other countries to assemble a final product and still have a duty free trade for it. This rule will be meant for both the sides and not any one of them.

  • Africa is Emerging as a Growing Economy

    Struggling hard for extending the trade internationally

    The continent which was once a severe depiction of poverty and lack of food combined with basic necessities of life missing, is now striving hard to reach the point where stability to some extent is being administered. There are now many countries apart from South Africa that are straightening up their matters to take part in the global trade and take it to the track of development and advancement. In the past, only 5 countries had stock markets and now 16 of them have established stock markets individually in the sub-Saharan region.

    Where the rest of the world is seeing a downfall in economy, one may think that how nay one be can interested in investing Africa stock markets. But this is not the case, instead the investments have risen since last few months and they are still going upwards.

    How Global Trade Influence Living Standards:

    Why a country should open its borders for international trade and why take this hectic job. When a country starts trade globally, new opportunities starts to open. They are not in the shape of jobs, the access to new products and ways become available. Services can be exchanged not only in the shape of new technologies also in respect of banking and trading documentation.

    Same has been happening in Africa. As global access to new services and products become possible Africa is improving itself gradually. Also the student exchange program that result from the regional trade depicts a total new image of a country. The educated class of Africa is presenting Africa in a totally new way and the International community is building faith in investing. Still it is a long way to go for Africa but in the present circumstances at least the signs are showing off.

    Why to Invest in Africa:

    There are some very simple and straight forward reasons for why the international community should invest and increase trade in Africa. One reason is its rich soil which can produce some very tasty foods and by introducing projects for agriculture one can benefit from it. This will not only benefit on local basis but it will also increase global trade. Another reason is its richness in minerals and chemicals, in which many countries are interested for their use. As Africa has an international language in most areas and their way of doing business also tally, the European countries find it easy to adjust. Although the factor of risk is there, but then, risk is a part of business.

    What is the reason of growth?

    The main reason of growth is the growing middle class in Africa. The consumer spending is increasing as the middle class is contributing more and more. The analysis shows that even the minerals and resource demand do not give that much GDP as this investment by this class. And on the other hand which stops all the advancement and development process is the factor of corruption, lack of infrastructure and government instability. Despite of being rich in natural resources, this vast land cannot prosper due to these serious issues.

  • New Developments in UK Africa Trade

    In what direction the two trading partners are heading?

    Africa UK trade has a long history to trace back. Both are at present members of EU and are one of the leading traders, not only to each other but also with other countries as well. With Brexit underway, the situation has changed and there are some uncertainties as well as confirmations from both the side. But what will happen in actual situation is a question that will be answered only when the Brexit will happen in 2019. There are some changes as well as on the way agreements that are to be finalized but not without considering many more matters that are coming in the way.

    Both the sides are trying hard to have agreements that do not hinder in the way of trade with other parties as it will not be in favor of UK as well as Africa especially South Africa as being a major trading partner. Africa does not want to disturb its relations with EU as well as UK and it is creating a difficult situation for Africa.

    EPA and ongoing Discussions:

    EPA is not an ordinary agreement for Africa. It took almost ten years to negotiate the treaty and six Southern African countries are a part of this. Due to this agreement, the access to EU for South Africa in agricultural products has improved in return of recognition of geographical indications on European food stuff etc.

    What South Africa want is that whatever agreement between UK cargo and Cargo to Africa is going to be, it follows the line of hard-earned EPA. As it is Brexit UK and not Africa is exiting European Union, the situation is complicated and Africa has to maintain a balance between the two as it does not want to leave any of them. British High Commissioner to South Africa Nigel Casey has confirmed that they are not going to allow any gap in the agreement and make it fall away for Africa.

    Time Conscious:

    UK officials are also concerned about time frame before Brexit. The agreements that are going to take place not only concern South Africa but also other southern African countries that are involved in the EPA.

    So, if the talks are going to commence, they have to spread to all the countries and not only to one and the officials intend to do it necessarily. But until unless Britain is a part of EU, these agreements cannot be made effective or reach a final point.

    What more to add:

    Casey said that EPA only dealt with trade of products, but if the talks are going to be only between the two then chances of including services are also there. These services form a large part of UK and African economies and will prove to be beneficent for both.

    But there are constraints that hinder the easy flow of from one end to another and discussions are taking place on the two options present to ease them. One is whether to make government-to-government agreement or the ones that are sector specific. Every effort is being done to achieve arrangements to avoid any gap in the smooth flow of trade during the transfer.

  • Insured Shipping Through Africa

    Reasons why one should have the cargo insured before its journey

    To avoid more cost for shipping like a consignment and cargo to Africa, the sender ignores this very important step most of the times. In the present times, as much positive advancement have taken place, there are many negative aspects that work side by side to take advantage of them for their unlawful activities. A very important thing to consider is that anything can happen in the course of journey to the cargo and one should be prepared to minimize the effect. Insuring the cargo is a smart decision not only for protecting it from piracy, but many other things that can affect the efficient delivery.

    Cargo Damage:

    This is very common occurrence and mishandling can result in the damage of goods. These damages can be related to physical mishandling in loading and unloading the shipment. Then there are temperature related damages that can harm the perishable goods and destroy them before reaching the destination.

    Another type is of shortage of space that results in the breakage or misshaping. In any case your cargo suffers a major quality difference which was actually required by the consignee. Then there is a long list of categories that carries the cargo damage within and is a very strong reason why you should have your cargo insured to avoid any future mishaps.

    Rising Cargo Theft:

    One very major reason of getting your goods secured is to save it from theft. It can be in the form of a pirate attack or container theft by fraud of the transport company or the ship crew. People are getting more fearless these days to commit crime as they know there is always a way out for them especially in the regions where law is not strong for such activities.

    When you insure your sea or air cargo, it means you are securing the financial loss that have the possibility to occur at any time during the shipping process. A businessman risk a major amount of his money when he is involved in the import export business, so it is not a wise decision to make your goods open to such a big loss.

    Consider Natural Disasters:

    Where mankind can do nothing is the area of natural disasters. Whether you are sending your cargo through air or through sea, you never know what can happen next. So if you are a judicious businessman, never send your valuable goods without insurance. These disasters can be categorized as nature related mishaps which include thunder or snow storms or they can be put in a mechanical fault which can occur at any time and this can result in the delay of cargo arrival or loss of a whole container or containers.

    Ensures Total control:

    If you leave the insurance part to the shippers, the terms and conditions can be tempered and all the areas may not be covered due to personal interests or to avoid any responsibility on their part. For this, make your personal presence a must in the insurance paper works so that you have a total control on the protection of your cargo.