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Archive - Nov 11, 2008

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Logistics in Africa

Posted on November 11, 2008 by Manasi Sharma
Topics: Trade, Imports/Exports, Governance, Economic Development
African roads don't always facilitate the fast flow of goods. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hdptcar/1047758945/">Humanitarian and Development Partnership Team in the Central African Republic (flickr)</a>
African roads don't always facilitate the fast flow of goods. Photo: Humanitarian and Development Partnership Team in the Central African Republic (flickr)

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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