MIKE HIGLEY Partnerships are essential to overcome infrastructure challenges and promoting greater access to global markets
Delivery multinational FedEx continues to invest in its operations across Africa and is providing time-definite delivery services in more countries, which is an indication of its commitment and its growing network, says FedEx sub-Saharan Africa operations VP Mike Higley.
The company has improved its Southern African network and can move goods between its branches in four Southern African countries and any of its branches across the world within 24 to 48 hours.
“We are attracted to Africa, and remain buoyed in our strategy by the population growth and economic growth forecasts. We believe our role is to serve as a connector for small and large businesses within and between countries.”
FedEx has largely integrated its recent acquisition of courier business TNT Express into its operations in Africa, with its African investments aimed at improving its service capabilities and presence, says Higley.
“Critical to business being able to build a bigger footprint is finding the right partners to collaborate with. “Partnerships are essential to overcome the challenges that the continent faces in terms of infrastructure and promoting greater access to global markets.
“Our freight division, FedEx Logistics, provides land and sea services, which not only complement our ground and air networks but also enable us to provide our full portfolio of freight and delivery services locally for local and international companies.”
Higley says collaboration with FedEx’s network agents remains crucial for the company in Africa, adding that some businesses have been partners for more than 25 years.
To meet the demand for good information flows and traceability, FedEx also helps its partners and agents establish information technology systems to gather and send information regarding goods and freight for clients.
Providing up-to-date information for clients is part of its customer service pledge and supports its work culture. Higley emphasises that information about a package is just as important as the package itself. FedEx works with its customers and network to effectively manage information that customers need.
“Additionally, we remain convinced that a good work culture and good service will serve a company well even during trying economic times, because it is the quality of work that clients remember and return to,” he says.
Further, FedEx prides itself on meeting the needs of large and small businesses and sees its role in Africa as providing a high-quality network especially for small and medium-sized businesses from all industries.
The growth of ecommerce is driving demand for delivery services, while digital economies will provide greater opportunities for companies of any size to market and sell very broadly, which will also require a good delivery and returns network, notes Higley.
The power of technology is making the world more accessible. African businesses have the opportunity to engage in the local, regional and global economies through digital channels using a reliable courier network, he concludes.