Chemicals group ramps up African operations

Diversified chemicals company Dow Africa states that it plans on growing its commercial and manufacturing presence across Africa, with several priority growth areas identified to capitalise on growth opportunities, as it sees significant potential on the continent.

The company recently opened offices in Algeria and Ghana.

“As a chemistry-based science and technology company, we understand the importance of the know-how, especially in modern knowledge economies and intend to bring our expertise, where applicable, to help deal with many of the world’s most challenging problems, such as the need for clean water, renewable-energy generation and conservation and increasing agricultural productivity,” says Dow Africa president Stephane Paquier.

He explains that some of the fundamental growth challenges in Africa are still around supply chain management. “This is an area that is critical to our growth in the region. We are also identifying strong local partners and distributors for certain markets. Working with the right local partners accustomed to engaging with multinational organisations is important to our growth.

“Part of the solution lies in ensuring we get the right people into the right places, but also working with the appropriate authorities to introduce global standards and best practices,” he adds.

The company reports Africa is a continent of 54 countries with one-billion people, boasting some of the most rapidly growing economies in the world – over the last decade, the continent underwent significant transformation.

“We have seen legislative and economic reform leading to the opening up of markets, rising democracies, improved infrastructure and a population with increased disposable income. These factors have led to greater urbanisation in Africa and a growing consumer society, which makes the region attractive to business,” he adds.

In 2007, Dow began to look at the impact of the world’s demographic shift and identified four global megatrends, which today are the focus of its market-driven strategy. These are health and nutrition, energy, consumerism, and transporta- tion and infrastructure.

There is a close alignment between Dow’s solutions and the mega- trends impacting on Africa and this is an oppor- tune time to support the continent’s growth and development, the company reports.

Dow has a long-term commitment to advance interest in, and access to, the quality of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) education. “We are working to build an innovative and competitive workforce, creating a knowledgeable society that values science and technology through our support for Stem.

“We believe it is vital for Dow to have an active role in society by engaging with communities where we have a presence and sharing our knowledge and expertise. We can point to a track record of over 100 years of research and development expertise to spur interest, excitement and growth in sectors such as science, technology, engineering and maths. We believe we can make a difference,” says Paquier.

The company has programmes in schools and universities assisting with fees, student allowances and general maintenance and support of school property to provide a good learning environment through vocational training and internship opportunities, besides many other initiatives it supports.

“We will continue investing in Africa to connect chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address some of Africa’s pressing challenges, such as the need for clean water, renewable-energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity,” he concludes.