DHL takes large strides in Sub-Saharan Africa

DHL the global express delivery service has more than tripled its Sub-Saharan African network in a matter of months. The company has expanded its network of DHL Service Points in the region from 300 to over 1000 to solidify its position as a market leader in Africa.

“In our recent 2012 Global Connectedness Index, which measures the state of globalization around the world, Sub-Saharan Africa remained the globe’s least connected continent,” said Charles Brewer, Managing Director for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.

“However, it did average the largest increase from 2010 to 2011 and boasted the top five ‘gainers’ – Mozambique, Togo, Ghana, Guinea and Zambia. This tells us that there is still major opportunity to improve connectivity across the continent, and access to logistics services and international markets are both key to this improvement.”

A recent study by global information and analytics company, IHS, showed that for SMEs that improved access to international markets was a significant driver of success for small businesses. “The SME is sector is growing at an amazing pace and this investment will help to connect African SME’s to the rest of the world,” notes Brewer.

“Africa is a complex market to operate in but we’ve proven that, with a bit of creativity, you can expand your footprint and provide a way to service the continent’s growth,” Brewer concludes. “Ensuring the people within Africa can access global markets, and transfer skills, goods and information, means we are able to support and spur on the continued African resurgence. Expanding our retail presence is just the first step.”