DHL Express, a global logistics firm, signed a deal with the Rwanda government, in which it will invest 3 million euros to build the logistics facility at the Kigali International Airport. The project that starts next month looks to increase the country’s connectivity and access to quality logistical services. Charles Brewer, the managing director for DHL Express sub-Saharan Africa, shared with The New Times' Peterson Tumwebaze about the project and the logistics sector in Rwanda and Africa generally:

DHL is perceived as a high end-brand; do you plan to reach out to small businesses (SMEs)?

We recognise the need to develop more products that can benefit SMEs. For instance, recently we launched a new product in Rwanda called ‘Express Easy’ that targets SMEs.

However, there is a need for all stakeholders to recongnise the importance of SMEs towards economic development and support them to grow and become sustainable.

What should Rwanda do to develop its logistics sector?

Logistics infrastructure is a key component in economic development that should be taken seriously. That’s why it is essential for Rwanda’s public and private sectors to work together, especially on infrastructure development, for the sector to attract big investors and grow. This will also help reduce the cost of doing business.

From your experience, what would you say are the major challenges hindering growth of the logistics sector in Africa?

Africa, just like Rwanda has a lot of challenges, including infrastructure and logistics bottlenecks. The ease of moving good in and out of the country is still low, which frustrates businesses.

However, if the public and private sectors work together and put in place the requisite facilities and services, these challenges will cease.

So, we should look at how Rwanda as a country can devise mechanisms that will support sector players to find solutions to the challenges the logistics industry faces.

However, it will also depend on how the SMEs industry is empowered and supported to thrive and expand by making it easy for them to access world-class services.

This will also help address the challenge of unemployment given the fact that Africa’s manufacturing industry is still young, making the SME industry the best alternative to drive growth.

Rwanda can empower SMEs by doing three things - by motivating them, capacity building, and increasing access to finance. From a DHL perspective, we want to tackle the last two. We are planning to launch in Rwanda and some other African countries a certified international specialist SME programme aimed at educating them on how to embrace best global practices. It will be free for SMEs in Rwanda.

What is DHL Express’ long-term strategy for Rwanda?

We are looking at investing more in the local logistics industry, as well as supporting SMEs to operate businesses sustainably.

business@newtimes.co.rw