Africa Global Logistics (AGL) recently sponsored a session on the fundamental role logistics plays across the continent during the Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2023 conference.

During the panel discussion, participants examined the efficient services being provided by the energy sector with Dennis Malkoc, the business development manager at Universal Africa Lines. The discussion noted how bureaucratic red tape, inefficient corridors and administrative hurdles were limiting Africa’s economic growth.

"Planning and efficiency are key,” Malkoc said. “By working closely with partners and authorities, we aim to reduce costs and ensure smoother logistics operations. Africa is going to experience significant growth in these sectors, and the more exploration takes place, the easier our job becomes to connect the different countries through transport.”

Koen Rombouts, the managing director of AGL, said that many countries still had a long way to go before they would see free-trade agreements ease Africa’s logistics challenges.

“We are optimistic that with the right commitment, Africa's interconnectivity will significantly improve. It is important to support it, support the authorities to make it happen,” Rombouts said. “Africa is not one country, the regulations change rapidly, and as the economies are developing, the regulations need to be adjusted. If we don’t invest in the right infrastructure, then we will not be able to develop trade. All this will connect Africa, this is the only thing that will ensure economic growth.”

Still, Rombouts said that the future is bright for Africa, adding that AGL “will invest further, strengthen our position and relationships with local partners and our employees to grow with the energy sector.”