74 freight forwarder companies to make it to Africa Logistics Network

Sept 22, 2016 - The second annual meeting of Africa Logistics Network will be held in Agadir, Morocco from October 1-4.

Africa Logistics Network is a community of professional Freight Forwarding companies, the first who target to cover the entire African Continent with reliable and professional Freight Forwarders, in order to link them to a worldwide network of equally qualified agents: medium sized Freight Forwarding companies, trustables at both sides. “One of the logistic problems in the African market, is the reliability of small and medium sized companies – said Alessandro Saponaro, chairman of Africa Logistics Network-. ALN works to recognize the most professional ones, by linking them to the Network. As a result, this increases their competitiveness and, at the same time, reduces transport costs in Africa. Alessandro Saponaro founded the network one and half years ago and the first meeting is being held in Bergamo (Italy) in 2015 where Saponaro founded his group. The growth of the network in one year has been significant: 184 members in five continents, 65 members in Africa, 100 managers from 74 companies attending the annual conference. The strongest growth in Africa and many are the African CEO attending the meeting: from Sudan, South Sudan, Cameroun, Namibia, Nigeria, Ethiopia; Senegal, Kenya, DR Congo, Mauritania, the whole North of Africa. “We didn’t expect such a significant development – says Alessandro Saponaro. In just one year since the first meeting, we have almost reached complete coverage of Africa: 90% of the Countries, 97% of population, 96% of Continent surface. Only a handful of nations still has to be selected their own members, but we are sure that the meeting will attract the growth of the network into the Countries in which it isn’t present like Gambia, Guinea and Central African Republic. “The network – adds Alessandro Saponaro – was born by our awareness that Africa is the future for development. Within and in trading with the rest of the world. And Africa’s development is growing at the same time with the level of education, professionalism and social cohesion. In a small way we are happy to lend a hand in this and also to be able to create new opportunities for our members, because Africa is a continent inhabited by a billion people and has begun to grow, often in double figures, and to see established a new middle class and widespread professionalism. Regardless of the persistent – at times huge – economic, social and political problems”. The main part to the meeting is dedicated to one-to-one talks between participating members of the Network but there will be many opportunities for socializing and strength the friendship. An important moment is the Africa Logistics Awards ceremony that will be held during the farewell dinner. Three companies, members of ALN, will be awarded for each of the three categories: Network best performance (3 winners) Inter-Africa business best performance – Special award for Africa members (3 winners) World shipping to/from Africa best performance (3 winners) After the three days meeting, about 20 participants will attend a two-day trip in Marrakesh.