Archive - Nov 11, 2008
Logistics in Africa

Did you know that it costs more to ship a ton of wheat from Kenya to neighboring Uganda than it does to ship it across the Atlantic?
According to the Economist, the way in which trade is conducted in Africa is pretty much the same as it was during Colonial times. Bribes, roadblocks, military checkpoints, malarial fevers, broken-down roads and transportation parts and extra-long waiting times are just a few of the continent's trade problems.
Leading the way in constructing "transcontinental logistics networks" is Bolloré Africa Logistics, led by Vincent Bolloré, says the magazine. Bolloré says there's more to gain than just increasing profits.
[Bolloré] believes better logistics are vital to reduce poverty in Africa. A new warehouse for perishable goods, or a new garage for repairing overland lorries, he reckons, create more lasting benefits to Africans than most aid projects do.


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