With this recent expansion, the forwarder will be represented in 18 African countries with offices managed and supported by a control tower in Durban.

K+N says this single point of customer contact will allow for complete visibility across the network, including remote locations, whilst ensuring service standards, data quality, shipment visibility and cargo flow management.

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The company says the expanded Africa network is fully vetted and audited by an external auditing company to ensure ongoing adherence to the highest level of compliance and ethical standards.

Kuehne+Nagel has been actively present in Africa for almost seven decades after opening its first office in Johannesburg in 1954. It provides the full range of international services, including air, sea, road and contract logistics to address the demands of the continent.

“Africa is blessed with natural resources and a young entrepreneurial population. Now is the time to unlock this potential and create growing, thriving economies,” said Lee I’Ons, president of Kuehne+Nagel Middle East and Africa.

“There are many elements to this, one being the logistical ability to connect global markets for end consumers and suppliers. With the new control tower in Durban, we are ready to address this great African opportunity,” I’Ons added.