Opportunities for freight forwarders and shippers

"West Africa presents significant growth opportunities for freight forwarders, driven by its status as an emerging market with ongoing infrastructure development and increasing trade activity,” Martin Schulze, chief executive officer of Contra Consolidations, told Freight News.“Many West African countries are still in the early stages of developing modern transport and logistics infrastructure. “This creates opportunities for freight forwarders to partner with governments and private entities on logistics planning; to offer value-added services such as customs brokerage, warehousing and inland transport solutions; and to help bridge infrastructure gaps with efficient multimodal solutions where ports, roads or rail are underdeveloped,” he added.Contra Consolidations offers weekly, fortnightly and monthly direct services to Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Namibia and Nigeria directly from South Africa, with further connections to the region via Hamburg or Rotterdam.Schulze’s advice to shippers is as follows: “West Africa presents unique opportunities but also specific challenges that require careful planning and regional understanding. “It is important to partner with experienced regional partners who can plan for infrastructure-related delays, ensure complete and accurate documentation, understand local port procedures and fees, factor in informal costs and ensure that your cargo is secure.” Contra Consolidations has an office based in Tema in Ghana. “We provide on-the-ground expertise and the local knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of shipping in West Africa, even under challenging conditions,” said Shulze.Asked about the political and social instability in some parts of the region, he said: “At Contra Consolidations, we take a proactive, solutions-driven approach to ensure freight continues to move smoothly, even in the face of regional disruptions and operational challenges.“We actively monitor political developments across West Africa and maintain contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted operations. “Our team is equipped to make rapid, informed decisions as conditions evolve.” ER