• Rwanda key to DHL success in Central East Africa 

• The small and medium enterprise (SME) is the engine for growth for Rwanda and Africa

Kigali, 10th June 2014: Leading international express and Logistics Company, DHL Express, has identified Central East Africa and particularly Rwanda, as a key zone for growth within Sub-Saharan Africa. 

This is according to Charles Brewer, Managing Director of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, who is in Kigali to meet with local government, key roleplayers, customers and the media. 

"For the past three years, the East African community has sustained high GDP growth, outpacing a number of Sub-Saharan Africa countries. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecasted a GDP growth of 7.5% for Rwanda in 2014 which reaffirms our belief that the future is bright for the country and the East Africa region as a whole.” said Brewer.

"We’re delighted at the speed at which Rwanda is working to actively improve its business climate and their ambition to become a regional hub for communications services has made it easier to move goods and conduct business across borders.” noted Brewer. 

Mr. Brewer will meet Rwanda’s minister of commerce and industry Hon. Francois Kanimba in an audience that will be attended by officials from the Private sector federation. 

"Mr. Brewer’s discussions with the government officials and private sector will focus on a number of issues including the need to grow small to medium enterprises (SMEs) as significant engines for growth in the region. The express company is doing significant work in increasing connectivity for SMEs, helping them to understand the paperwork, legislation and expertise needed to grow beyond Rwanda’s borders and we also know that SME’s are a focus area for the ministry of commerce and industry” says Julie Mutoni, Country Manager for DHL Express Rwanda.

In addition to SME development, Brewer notes the importance of accessibility. "We have made great strides in making logistics more accessible by expanding our retail footprint across the country. This allows anyone – from a student to a small business – to access our network, and the over 220 countries and destinations that we serve. There are hundreds of SMEs in Rwanda and we need to provide easy access and a team of highly trained Certified International Specialists to lead them to the very obvious opportunities that trading with the world can present. DHL is committed to becoming their provider of choice and as part of that journey we will provide even more access points across Rwanda. 

Outside of the expansion of its retail footprint, Brewer’s other priority is around people development and employee engagement. "Our people are at the very core of our business. The caliber of human talent available in Rwanda and across Sub Saharan Africa is extraordinary and we place great importance on continually developing employees’ talent and engagement levels. If developed and managed correctly, these engagement levels can result in employees offering exceptional service to clients.” concludes Brewer.

Other activities scheduled during Brewer’s 3 day visit include visiting genocide widows and the Kigali genocide memorial center to stand in solidarity with Rwandans during the 20th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi. 

– End –

Media Contact: 

Zachariah Mbanda : Head Sales & Marketing

DHL Express Rwanda 

Tel: +250 78578961

Zachariah.mbanda@dhl.com / rwanda.dhl@dhl.com 

Note to Editors: 

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics Company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 285,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 55 billion euros in 2013.