Africa Proving itself as an Investment Haven

Hopeless is not a word for African Economy any more

Some ten years ago Africa was considered as a land with despair and broken economy. With every severe condition a region can face Africa was fighting desperately with its internal weaknesses to raise its standard in the global market. But now what we see is Africa every one is longing to do trade with. It can be rightly said that Cargo to Africa is a land that raised itself from the adversities and gave birth to new opportunities.  Its rising standards, improved facilities and easing cargo transport policies all are leading the continent to become attractive for the investors

Economic Growth

. As Asia, Africa is now one of the leading trade destination globally and marking its strong position in the line-up. At present there are some seven countries that are ranked 10 in the world’s fastest growing economies. Africa has indeed put forward itself as an example to what heights a county can rise from 0 to the top.

The Triggering Point

There is always an act, a special incident or a happening which make way for a positive turn. And for Africa that turn was when multi-national companies started to lay down their interest in the land for infrastructural development. The intensive involvement of China for the development of transportation networks coalesced with favorable regulatory and policy support brought Africa to the global trade competition. From then on Africa kept its presence in the global market whether with a rise or decline in the trade graph. The advancement is showing itself with moderate pace in all the segments and slowly the population is moving towards a better Africa with stable economic conditions. Send CHEAPEST SEA CARGO SHIPPING TO AFRICA

Mighty Initiatives

What has been done in the past decade is of special emphasis as these projects further took the territory towards a steady tempo towards upward climb.

Sea and Air Cargo

The growing intra and inter-country rail and road connections added with escalating road constructions having cross border access, larger sea ports and airports are major involved elements that are making the environment more encouraging for trade. Free movement of goods across the continent, continental free trade area, common market for Eastern and Southern Africa, East African Community and Southern African Development Community are the steps directed towards setting the stage for further improvement.

Improving the Aviation

Aviation segment is becoming a popular means for cargo transportation. The countries that lead international air trade are South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and Ethiopia. The largest year on year increase in demand was reported in March 2017 with a figure of 33.5 percent which is a big success for Africa. Air freight is a key enhancer of international trade. Air transport has gained an essential part especially for fragile goods that need to reach the destination with a fast pace. In Africa the development of air freight depends on factors like technological modernization, regulatory reforms and investments in infrastructure related to aviation.

Air Cargo

In this regard passable and rapid release of goods through trouble-free trade facilitation and quick custom clearance procedures are to be followed. By value 35 percent of trade in the world is being carried out by air, so, making this area fully capable is an inevitable task to be accomplished.

UK Improving Trade relations with Africa

Strengthening trade relations with the world is the best way to compensate the EU exit

As it is a hot topic these days related to UK relations with the rest of the world, Brexit is taking to limelight many things that are either for or against the country. There are a lot of things going on at the same time to prepare the country for EU exit. On one hand, UK is dealing with migrant’s problem and on the other side there are extensive meetings and arrangements going on to move the country towards a confident Brexit so that the people can remain safe from the effects of Britain leaving EU. UK wants to build a friendly, independent and direct trade tie internationally so as to not isolate itself in any situation which is yet to come. And as Africa is a prominent continent in UK trade, establishing a more strong relation will be a one step ahead for the policy. Continue to read more about UK Trade relationship with Africa must visit, Cargo to Africa first.

Trade relations

Help Build Strong Regional Trade:

One of the best ways to increase trade is to develop a strong tie within the continent. A supportive argument for this action is that by enhancing regional trade the exposure to other countries and the opportunities for further business will increase. In this way, UK companies can reach out to the vast unrecognized Africa and give it opportunities to not only excel within the region but internationally as a developed and business oriented trading partner. Introducing fresh industries will be in long term beneficial for the trade and also for the regions. Already UK is contributing in developing African countries; this step can further take the projects to new heights.

Air Cargo

Defining Standards:

There are some very strict laws the countries have to abide by when they are a member of EU. Being an independent state will give the opportunity to reject those standards, the EU has set and make new ones. But this can or cannot be a wise step as making new laws requires time and effort which can become a halt in the trade. UK can re-establish standards with African countries so that the already present agreements are not violated and can be molded with some changes for use. Working with African states in defining food and hygienic standards will prove beneficial for mutual trade as well as Africa itself for raising its standards. Before hiring any Air Cargo to Africa from UK service, contact Cargotoafrica.co.uk.

Africa Map

Additions in Existing Agreements:

Another very effective solution is to add whatever both the sides agree upon in the existing agreements. This will prove to be a very effective approach for uninterrupted trade. Giving ease to African countries in this respect will not only increase the trade but also it will give them the opportunity to become less reliable internationally for the aids to fulfill the demands of their people for leading a reasonable life. With mutual approval, both the sides can benefit from the trade agreements already present. Making new ones is also not a bad thing but it can wait for a while until UK can settle down with the new change and learn to handle things independently. Gradually, when the confidence level develops among the two parties, new agreements can be made and agreed upon with no fears.

Africa is in A State of what to do and what not to do

Uncertainty is lingering upon African Countries in the Present Situation

UK is going towards a hard Brexit due to what steps its Prime Minister Theresa May took earlier this year. And by hard Brexit means the country is facing problems with EU agreements.

African State

With them there are areas where concessions are present for UK, but after the exit, EU refuses to carry on with those agreements till now and if this so happens UK will be bombarded with trade tariffs. To make a balance in the economy the prices should be raise but this will put a bad impact on the ongoing trade as it will discourage the countries to do business. So, the situation is not only difficult for both sides but it is also putting an extra pressure on the business. Continue to read more about African Countries must visit, Cargo to Africa first.

Prime Minister Theresa May

What Strategy should be followed?

This question is becoming very important for Africa that due to growing tensions between EU and UK what line should be followed. On one side Africa do not want to face the wrath of EU as the economy of Africa depends on trade and due to the member of common wealth Africa gets many benefits and have acquired many advantages due to this. On the other hand UK is a major trade partner of Africa especially South Africa and there are many projects that are going on in the countries of the continent due to the contribution of UK. Africa is facing a major dilemma due to the situation as it does not want to loose either side.

European Union

Comparison of UK Trade with EU and Africa:

If compared the UK trade with both EU and Africa the results are astonishing. The consideration of compensating the trade deficiency that will result from Brexit by the African trade will be a total loss. As if we see the progress of UK-Africa trade in past few years it is been declining gradually and the figures have fallen from 32.1bn pounds to 21.5bn which is a big difference. On the other hand the UK-EU trade figures show an increase from 339.3bn to 382.2bn which is a promising enough increase. So it will be an unwise notion if one thinks that they can cover the trade with EU countries with just one continent Africa. Before hiring any Air Cargo to Africa from UK service, contact Cargotoafrica.co.uk

Air Cargo

African Trade Comparison:

Considering the African trade is also very important in this respect as it will help in understanding that what is important for Africa at this point. Africa’s trade with 27 EU countries reached 259.3bn euros in 2016 and if we compare the UK trade it is hardly 10%. So who is more important from these records is very obvious i.e. EU. 27 countries versus one country, only a fool will not see what can be expected.

Brexit

But the problem is that UK is very important for small countries in Africa as there development depends on the relation. Also a big contribution of UK trade in the economy of South Africa is not a thing that can be ignored. All these reasons demand a steady consideration of the situation to make agreement of future plan. For any agreement to get finalized, Africa have to wait for the Brexit to really happen which will clear the situation fro any further steps.

Jamaica and EU in Trade Relations

Jamaica Government is considering strengthening the Trade Relation with EU

Jamaica & EU Relations

Although already in very good terms with EU countries, the authorities at Jamaica are considering ways through which they can gain more from the CARIFORUM-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement so as to strengthen its trade relationships with the 27-member EU. Before hiring any Air Cargo to Africa from UK service, contact Cargotoafrica.co.uk.

A little Flashback:

The EPA between EU and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) came active in 2009. CARIFORUM represent African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States. This agreement replaces the Cotonou agreement signed in 2000, giving more access for CORIFORUM countries into the EU market. This market access will be more long-term, it also has provisions for cooperation and development support for the Caribbean.

Cariforum

The main Stance:

Jamaica’s foreign affairs and foreign trade minister Senator Kamina John Smith said recently in the third Jamaica/EU Political Dialogue that they are seriously considering ways to gain more from the agreement. The largest trade partner in that bloc of Jamaica is United Kingdom and the consideration is taking place sideways as many new developments are either underway. One of which is the pending departure of United Kingdom from European Union. The Jamaica Senator said that despite their strong relationship with UK, they want to further enhance the collaboration with EU side by side.

Senator Kamina John Smith

For the purpose of reviewing steps that can be taken in the direction, a commission has been established that will look into the relationships within CARICOM and CARIFORUM structure, the report will be ready soon.

European Union as an agent of Development in Caribbean:

Jamaica’s senator also paid gratitude to EU for its tremendous help in the development of Jamaica and in turn of Caribbean and in broader sense in ACP countries. They have also reviewed an EU communiqué which gives the signal to where the relation of ACP countries and EU stands. The relation of EU and ACP is very strong and is growing still further. She said that they want to examine through the commission’s report what can be done to further the strong tie between the two. Not only this, cargo sectors like sea cargo and air cargo also very important in building up relations with the countries.

EU & ACP

Head of the EU delegation appreciated the dialogue between her and the Senator. According to her these dialogues show commitment between the two trading regions. Other issues related to trade and apart from trade were also discussed in the dialogue.

Conclusion:

In general the dialogue between the two representatives is very positive. The discussion points out towards the line on which the two regions are going to be going in terms of trade. It has also been cleared in the dialogue that EU in general and UK in specific both are important for Jamaica or Caribbean or ACP countries at large. As United Kingdom is the largest trade partner its importance cannot be ignored and the contribution EU is making in the development of the ACP region is worth appreciating.

Jamaica & Caribbean

Another interesting thing to be noted is that even if UK is going to get separated from EU, the relation between the three is signaled not to be affected by the separation and will continue to grow. Such collaborations are very positive for the growth of trade internationally and they should continue.

Africa is Advised to Prefer Sea Freighting

Less emission means safe environment that is why ships are preferable transport

We all know what is happening to our environment on daily bases and we are under threat no matter what we do escaping the fact is no use. Advancement in industry and technology has given mankind a far much better living standard, but on the other hand the soil and air are being contaminated heavily with chemicals. To avoid a condition that will make the humans and animals hard to breathe there are some very solid steps that are to be taken to make the situation better.

Sea Cargo

This cannot happen in a flash, but gradually earth can be made safe for living. When air freight increases this means advancement in fast trade, but on the other hand the emissions from the planes are proving to be environment. Preferring sea freight is a green way to do trade and thus it is being promoted these days. Check out Cargo to Africa from UK for cost effective and reliable cargo services. Visit us at Cargotoafrica.co.uk

Advice For the new Traders:

It is trait of the old business men to follow the same path through which they have leaded the way to success. But it is the new ones that have to change the old line and make a fresh start for a safe greener environment. This way one can make the others follow by setting a good example of success. The idea can be presented to convince others to do the same as it can also ensure a successful trading way.

Sea Freighting

Ships omit lesser chemicals in the air than an airplane and thus considered as more healthy for the environment. Africa’s most of the trade is done through sea and globally it is becoming popular to promote Sea Freighting rather than air freight.

Improving Shelf Life:

Following these instructions the shelf life of products can be improved a lot. Also another thing is to do an intelligent survey of the shortest route to reach the destination. The connecting canals are now making the routes shorter for a full month journey shortening it to a seven to eight days time. Also improved engineering has made the speed much better for the ships and it is proving to be a positive point for using this medium. A safe future for the younger ones should be the ultimate aim of those in power of doing this.

What is to be considered for Sea freighting?

Although sea freighting is considered as safe for environment but there are things to be considered which can make this mode successful. Undue delays should be avoided at any cost so that it can become better for the trading purpose. Timing and planning is very important as these can be the only two factors which can make this freight transport a fast way to trade.

Temperature Maintaining

There are now Temperature Controlled Containers that can carry perishable products and shelf life does not make them get rotten after a short while. In case you are to export or import corps, it should be made sure to have them harvested and prepared for shipment as quick as possible and the freighter should start the journey as fast as possible. These things can ensure a successful trade through sea.

Nigerian Authorities should Speed up Cargo dwell time

Advanced technology must be introduced to have a speedy process

Nigeria is ranked to have the slowest clearance process as compared to other countries in the world. This is in no way a positive thing. The process is so complicated that the imported cargo has to pass through many authorities at the port and it is a necessary step to pass through the whole process and get clearance from every authority.

Cargo Shipping

To have an increase in trade a simple one point system is required with modern technology to have the documents checked at one point and let the cargo reach its destination at time. Read more about Cargo Shipping must visit, Cargo to Africa first.

How long is the Duration?

The cargo has to wait 19-25 days to get cleared from the port. The reason for this is the large number of units each government agency have at the port, and the import documents have to pass through each unit for its clarification. The Nigeria Custom Service alone has more than 10 units through which the documents pass, and this is not it, there are more agencies that have the unit count of 4 to 5 and this is a strong reason of the delay.

More Reasons of Delay:

Other than the number of agencies and their units, there are other reasons that account for the delay in the cargo pass out. One is the increase in the number of agencies. Two more agencies namely,

Nigerian Ports

Nationally Agency of Food and Drug Administration Control and Standards Organization of Nigeria have entered the already huge number of agencies making the process more slow and tedious. Also the slow documentation process of each section is very exasperating and by not availing the new system the Nigerian ports are putting themselves in difficult situation.

Why to Decrease the number of Agencies at sea-ports?

For a speedy certification or clearance process the number of agencies must be decreased at the ports. This is not the only reason why this step should be taken, by doing this it will also lower down the level of corruption going on at the site. The more the departments, the more they will ask for bribe to have the document pass from its premises and it will cost the importer more to have the consent for having the imports taken out of the sea port. This is a very tiring and frustrating exercise as the freighter has to do an extra exercise to have his cargo cleared. Although this whole lot of agencies may be there to decrease the illegal transfer of prohibited goods in the country, but it is increasing the problem on the corruption end and the delay discourages the freighters to do business with the country.

What more adds to the Situation?

Not only that the number of days for the clearance of the cargo is very high, the number of free days for storage of cargo is also very less.

Cargo Storage

Only three free days are granted to the importers and then the terminal operators start charging according to the items. These are very odd conditions that the government is putting the traders in the region. The Government of Nigeria should pass a better order for improving the situation on its territory.

Africa’s Waters Polluted with Pirates

Piracy creates an alarming situation in the west side especially

Africa is a continent that has most of its states suffering from draught and food deficiencies. The only region that represents a high economy is South Africa and it covers a major part of this continent’s trade. According to the statistics the piracy has decreased at present but it is still present and if it diminishes from one part the other part starts suffering from it.

African Pirates

The reason may be that a little breech in the security gives the pirates a chance to do their activities in that area. Same has been the case with west side of Africa, the eastern areas has worked to get rid of this problem and they succeeded to a lot extent, but now the problem has started building up on the western side and it is a tough situation those areas are facing. Continue to read more about import your goods must visit, Cargo To Africa first.

What areas are getting mostly affected?

The Somalia region was the one getting mostly affected by this problem and the attacks doubled in 2016, but now there has been a decline in such activities over there. The Gulf of Guinea is the present target of these pirates, and the countries sharing the coastline are getting hit the most. These countries include Nigeria, Benin and Togo; these areas have become the hub of African Pirates and to overcome this situation west can take the example of how east has dealt with this outbreak. But there are many things that hinder in the way of making any step particle.

Somalia Region

The major reasons of this trend:

For a permanent solution the governments of these regions have to see to it that what is troubling their citizens and why they are turning towards this illegal profession.

Decline in Fishes: The first and foremost reason is that the fishing lines are facing a decrease in fish and only small fishes are left for the fishermen for their livelihood. This has created an alarming situation as people depend on fishing for their bread and butter; the decline has affected them very badly.

Cargo Theft

As African countries depends mostly on the ocean for their trade, a very convenient way for having their lives run smoothly these fishermen have turned towards piracy which provides them an easy way out of their situation.

Easy Money: Another reason being considered is that due to the payment of ransom, these pirates are becoming more confident and as they get paid easily they are assured of having money for their families and carry on with their work.

Core Problem: Above all these reasons there are major problems that become an underlying reason of why all this is happening. Corruption, lack of coordination and communication, unemployment and lack of funds for fighting piracy all present a case which is not letting the authorities to take action against this difficult situation.

Easy Money

As it is not clear that who is doing what and who is responsible for the whole problem and if this will be known then another problem stands which is a serious lack of communication. Due to corruption people do not want to further any information until unless it has there personal interest. This situation is very confusing and it is making the trading coasts unsafe and the situation will become grosser if steps are not taken.

African Cargo Companies Are Being Reshaped

Use of Advanced Communication means to cater customer’s needs

Survival of the fittest is true in all walks of life so cargo forwarder of Africa that has moved to IT and modern means do not need to bother about their future. It is an observation by an expert speaking at the recent conference in Johannesburg. So there is need to invest more to remain relevant in this business.

South African Air

Online platforms are now getting more attention and the traditional freight companies are quite aware of the situation so they are willing to move on modern means to keep customers interested in use of their services. With this the african cargo industry would act more smartly and become able to offer cheap services. This would also impact positively at quality of services provided by the same.

Old versus new

There will be a difference between those having knowledge of the procedures and the new comers that are better equipped. But this can be tackled with hiring of experienced staff or they can overcome the shortcoming after a while. Use of information technology certainly fills this gap more quickly than imagined.

African Cargo Companies Reshape

The case with old companies would remain till they adopt new technology for improved functions at all levels. Such a wealth of information about rates and carriers provide them an edge to make most of the situation. These startups have been focusing on different areas to be masters in them and challenge the well established tycoons of the business. This is a good thinking to create space for their ventures and attract customers.

Up starters are concentrating on different aspects

The first group of new freight forwarders is interested in offering competitive prices and to beat others as they want to capture sizeable share without any delay. The other companies are more innovative as they focus on extending facilities that were not present previously as less or easier documentation and quick flow of cargo.

Container Shipping Africa

Good thing about these companies are that they have ideas and capital to invest. But what is missing is no reach at global scale so availability of both earlier described factors does not prove effective. The whole supply chain has not been targeted by them they concentrate on parts so does not pose any threat for old ones.

Focus the whole Market

It is a wide market and addressing the needs of a segment of it is not enough to change the overlook. Airlines also have been renewing partnership and trying to offer what is required by the shippers and forwarders. There are chances of direct relation of shippers and airlines not to minus someone but the later wants to understand the procedures well.

Air Cargo

A workable solution of issues at different levels can be evolved with help and efforts of all stakeholders in the field. It is also good to offer tailor made solutions for different products so that merchants can be satisfied. From United Kingdom to growing market of Africa supply of good is on the rise so people of this very field are rightly conscious about reshaping facilities to match the increasing needs of the continent.

How Can A Cargo Service Excel?

Put your customers first always

Most cargo companies fail because of the harm rates amid the travel procedure, delay and concealed expenses. These are the known reasons and entrepreneurs surmise that by simply wiping out these issues, their cargo organization can be an excellent specialist organization in the cargo business. In any case, they are completely wrong since they simply disregarded the clients as the real partner of their organization.

Cargo Service

The subjected issues are simply some portion of the whole disappointment story, the real issue begins from their front work area where they gather the conveyances. The bleeding edge client staff is the foundation of freight forwarding business and can ruin whole domain of your cargo.

They should confront several clients consistently and each client has an alternate conduct, some may comprehend the issues and acknowledge the recommendations as arrangements however some can be fussy and requesting or may utilize an oppressive dialect.

Show Professionalism

Obviously, at times it is a science to deal with the clients appropriately to get their bundle as cargo relegation. On the off chance that a solitary client rejects the cargo organization on the premise of terrible client administrations, he or she can prompt to difficult issues. However, a magnificent client benefit implies a reliable client until the end of time.

Professional

So being in the cargo to Africa business, any circumstance is at last reasonable by having one mission as a primary concern, to give excellent administrations. Taking after 5 things to be must take after to achieve the outcomes at the front work area.

Customer First

It is the first and most imperative thing that a front end client benefit staff ought to embrace, dependably keep up an amenable and humble grin while being proficient while the trading of thoughts with the clients.

Customer First

On the off chance that the front staff presented to individual assaults on its character, must try to avoid panicking and fight the temptation to respond with damaging and cruel dialect. Simply attempt to quiet down the circumstance by getting another person and escape the circumstance.

Always Helpful

At the point when the clients approach the front work area and straight away ask any question in a harsh way, staff must understand that they are at the front work area to help them in odd matters. On the off chance that the client has any issues with the administrations rendered, attempt to encourage them by tending to the worries in an edified way.

Continuously attempt to comprehend the dissatisfaction of the clients in a way that on the off chance that you were in their position. In the event that the protestation is substantial, attempt to comprehend the issues and apologize for the burden.

Always Helpful

Promise the client that he is imperative and Cargo Company dependably organize them as steadfast clients. More than once educate them that the organization is following up on their demand, if client intrudes on the work offer them a seat and clarify, why it is taking too long.

Honesty is the best policy

Be straightforward and never attempt to feign your way through the circumstance and attempt to determine the issues at the earliest opportunity. Allude to the strategies and get that the organization has made with the client. Deferentially allude the client to the terms and conditions before going into any sort of understanding.