Issue 22
Zenufa Group of Companies
Affordable, Accessible, Availing Zenufa Laboratories has replicated its early healthcare and manufacturing successes in DRC, into Tanzania and looks forward to the next stage of its geographical and product expansion Writer Matthew Staff Project Manager James Smith Rising from a small trading company in the DRC in 1976, the Zenufa Group of Companies has grown into a dynamic, medium sized, international conglomerate over the years to satisfy the emerging and diversified market demands within the East & Central African region. While also involved in business activities that reach as far as India and Canada, it is the company’s influence in the pharmaceutical industry from which it has made its name and built its strong reputation over the years; its migration into Tanzania being the business’s groundbreaking strategic move up to this point. “The Group has pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities located in two strategic locations within Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Kinshasa, and Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania, with an additional ground distribution presence in five countries,” Zenufa Tanzania’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Harvinder Alag explains. In both cases, “the manufacturing facilities were founded with the primary objective of providing a wide variety of pharmaceutical preparations, manufactured under a hygienically controlled environment, with a promise of consistent guaranteed quality and affordability”, the CEO continues. Continuous Improvement The diversification of the wider Group, incorporating Zenufa Laboratories more than 15 years ago, has enabled the business to enforce its continuous improvement strategy throughout challenging market conditions, becoming a leading importer and distributor having represented a portfolio of prestigious global companies…
Tuskys
Pay Less, Get More Everyday Tuskys supermarkets are the most pronounced chain stores found in Nairobi city centre and the surrounding areas Writer Emily Jarvis Project Manager Callum Philp Supermarkets are rapidly penetrating urban food retail in Kenya and spreading well beyond their initial market niche among the urban middle class and into the food markets of lower-income groups. Having penetrated the processed and staple food markets much earlier and faster than fresh foods, they have recently begun to make inroads into the fresh fruits and vegetables category. East African supermarkets, such as Tuskys, already buy about half the volume of produce exported, and thus represent a significant new ‘dynamic market’ opportunity for farmers. The important changes in their procurement systems bring significant opportunities and challenges for small farmers, and have implications for agricultural diversification and rural development programmes and policies. African Supermarkets Supermarkets are very demanding customers. They require higher and more consistent quality, consistent year round delivery, larger volumes, more stringent payment terms, and so on. Suppliers who are successful in meeting these criteria face great growth opportunities, but those who can’t make the grade are likely to be dropped. As the market share of supermarkets in food retailing grows, the effects of this supplier rationalisation process will not be marginal. This has raised considerable concern on how small producers, processors, distributors and retailers will adapt. They may not adapt, leading to exclusion. Alternatively, some small firms and farms may adapt, through collective action, investments and learning, taking full advantage of the growth opportunities…
J.M.V. Textiles
A tight-knit focus on Customer Satisfaction JMV Textiles Group continues to invest and expand in line with its flexible, entrepreneurial approach to maintain its position as an industry leader Writer Matthew Staff Project Manager James Smith JMV Textiles Group has established itself as one of South Africa’s leading textiles and clothing manufacturers over the course of its 43-year history, but continues to overcome challenges and industry fluctuations through its dedication to customer satisfaction and an entrepreneurial spirit. In an industry which has seen numerous changes over the past 20 years, the company which started from humble beginnings has been forced to diversify, expand and invest over the years to ensure its ongoing success, and has done so to now comprise three subsidiaries; JMV Textiles Ltd, Polydye Ltd and Solar Sports Manufacturers Ltd. Upon its inception in 1971 the company ran as a small, circular knitted fabrics manufacturer with just one machine to its name, making its rise to current prominence all the more impressive. “JMV Textiles now manufactures knitted fabrics and offers screenprinting, dyeing and finishing,” the company states. “Polydye supplies polyester and nylon textured filament yarns - dyed and natural - as well as dyed acrylic, poly cotton, and cotton and viscose yarns. “Completing the picture, Solar Sport Manufactures ladies’ and men’s fashion and sportswear as well as men’s corporate wear.” Across the Group, the goals and ambitions remain the same, and have formed the crux of the business’s continuous improvement strategy throughout its development: to provide a quality service to customers in order to…
Lusitania Food Products
Positive thinking produces positive results Lusitania Food Products continues to increase and diversify its range of products to complement its equally flexible supply chain management strategyWriter Matthew Staff Project Manager Ben Wigger Lusitania Food Products is taking its ‘can-do’ attitude to a wider footprint than ever before as it continues to expand a business which has grown year-on-year in the southern African region since 1997. Bought by East London-based entrepreneur, Tony Cotterell more than 25 years ago, Lusitania Food Products started as a seafood wholesaler and has subsequently expanded its vast portfolio of products to become one of largest national frozen and chilled distributors in South Africa; comprising more than 1,000 lines of branded frozen meat and chicken products, vegetables and dairy goods under its remit. Adding desserts, pastries and cakes to the ever-growing list of offerings to the hospitality sector, Lusitania is now fully equipped to maintain its regional rise, and revenue growth targets, as Branch Manager, Lorette Kotze explains: “With a portfolio of over 1,000 products from a range of suppliers we are able to deliver quality products at competitive prices five days a week in the major cities and weekly in the outer lying areas. “Our growth in the last two years has been above market expectation, and with branches in Johannesburg, Durban & Cape Town, we have a wellestablished footprint in the sector.” A ‘can-do’ Approach Growth has traditionally been achieved within Lusitania via a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions of new customers and distributorships, building upon its extensive range…
Sangio Pipe
SA’s Leading Producer of HDPE Pipe Sangio Pipe is focussed on achieving a leading product coupled with exemplary customer service, which will in turn create a long lasting relationship with the end user Writer Emily Jarvis Project Manager James Smith For many years, Sangio Pipe ran as an entrepreneurial-type medium sized business. In 2013, the company’s previous Managing Director, Gary Warren, unfortunately passed away during the initial stages of a takeover deal with Dawn Group, leaving Sangio Pipe in limbo and without a leader. Now, with Chris Wright at the helm, the company is preparing for a long and prosperous future. “It has been a difficult two years for Sangio Pipe, however the restructure I have implemented is well underway, and I am successfully stabilising the company. Through consolidation of the solid foundations we already have and maintaining customer relationships, I am confident that Sangio Pipe will continue at the high levels it has been known for,” says Sangio Pipe’s new Managing Director. As a result of continued perseverance, the company hope to achieve a profit by the end of the current financial year. “We need to manage the changes so that we can continue to grow going forward. Through intensive training of our staff, we can make sure that the people we have know exactly what we want to achieve and what is involved in achieving our goals. “Being part of the Dawn Group is to be part of one of the top 100 companies in South Africa. To be part of such a group…
Bokamoso Private Hospital
Specialist Healthcare for a Developing Nation Lenmed Health Bokamoso Private Hospital brings a future of good health to thousands of people in the Southern Africa region Writer Emily Jarvis Project Manager Serge Utting Bokamoso Hospital is a facility owned by Bpomas and run by Lenmed Health, an organisation that also fronts hospitals and other medical health facilities in South Africa and Mozambique. Backed by this level of expertise, the hospital is able to bring together an array of industry specialities to offer patients access to state-of-the-art facilities that is matched by a world class service. Quality Healthcare at Affordable Rates With a mission to provide quality and affordable healthcare to all, Bokamoso remain the largest private specialist hospital in Botswana. “And in order to be able to enhance our status, we intend to open a physical rehabilitation centre in 2015, which will equip us to conduct open heart surgery in the private sector,” says Ruben Naidoo, CEO of Lenmed Health Bokamoso Private Hospital. Bokamoso Hospital has a clear target to cater to needs which had not previously been met in Botswana, a country which faces many challenges when it comes to health; burdened by HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The hospital is on the frontline and patients can expect the very best levels of treatment. Now, the facility is equipped with over 200 beds and boasts an incredible 60 specialists who are based permanently on site. Moreover, by choosing to use local suppliers, Bokamoso not only benefit…
Ghana Rubber Estates Ltd : Stretching Across West Africa
The integration of Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) into the community has been successfully accompanied by the reinjection of profits to encourage growth.
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital 2014
Unparalleled Specialists in Children’s healthcare A year on and Gerties continues its adventure, expanding its ever-growing reach across Kenya with the advent of outpatient clinics Writer Emily Jarvis Project Manager Serge Utting Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital is the largest hospital in East and Central Africa that is dedicated exclusively to the care of children. For over 65 years, the hospital has provided high standards of paediatric care for children right from birth to 21 years of age. CEO Gordon Odundo’s care and devotion to providing the best service possible to the country’s children is mirrored in the unparalleled level of care the hospital provides. I previously spoke to Gordon in issue 11 of Africa Outlook and in just twelve short months, the organisation has derived great success from the opening of the Chandaria Medical Centre (opened in November 2013), and its new ventures into developing outpatient clinics across the country. “As a result of the rise in bed occupancy numbers that we have seen this year – from 60 to 71 percent – we have diversified our offering by increasing our number of outpatient clinics, which means that ultimately, we can reach more people,” says the CEO. “The growth in bed occupancy numbers can be attributed to the opening of a surgical ward in the Chandaria wing. We set this up to iron out the processes involved in getting our patients prepped for theatre, and our doctors and nurses are very happy with the efficiencies this brings to the hospital.” The hospital, which is affectionately nicknamed ‘Gerties’,…
Auto Industrial Group
South Africa’s Leading Automotive Component Manufacturer The first port of call for all of South Africa’s major OEMs, Auto Industrial has established itself as a leading market player through ongoing investments and a commitment to quality Writer Chris Davies Project Manager James Smith For more than 40 years, Auto Industrial Group has been an integrated provider of machined and assembly, ductile and grey iron castings as well as hot steel forgings of various automotive components. With a total of five production facilities, which includes two machining plants, two foundries and one forge, Auto In dustrial’s capacity and competency serves all of the major automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who assemble in South Africa. This extensive manufacturing footprint manages to produce approximately four million automotive components annually. Earlier this year, a change of ownership occurred at Auto Industrial. Previously the company operated within the ZF Group, a global manufacturer of transmission and steering systems as well as chassis components and axles. Auto Industrial was considered a non-core business and capital expenditure was very limited. With plans to expand and improve, Auto Industrial proposed that the business be sold and after a lengthy process, Trinitas Private Equity bought 70% of the company’s shares, and management 30% of the shares. This deal was effective from 1st January 2014. Gaining a Competitive Advantage Auto Industrial’s CEO Andrea Moz believes that the company’s ongoing investments, attention to detail and commitment to local businesses and communities make it stand out from industry rivals: “We continually invest in the latest technology and always…
Harlequin International Ghana : Setting the Benchmark
Harlequin International Ghana Limited is backed by a team of experienced, knowledgeable and dependable staff that provide value-add services to its product range.
Imperial Logistics
Pharma Focus for an Imperious Future Imperial Logistics’ ongoing acquisitional drive has ventured into new industry territory over the past two years as it continues to diversify its supply chain offering and footprint Writer Matthew Staff Project Manager Arron Rampling Imperial Logistics continues to lead the way in Africa’s supply chain market as a strong 2014 and a concerted focus on further strategic acquisitions prepares the renowned logistics and outsourcing specialists for varying market conditions across Africa.While its influence in South Africa remains dominant – realising six percent real organic revenue growth, as well as minor growth through acquisitions – the business also achieved 23 percent revenue growth for the year ending June 30, 2014 across its entire continental operations; an achievement which Chief Business Development Officer, Cobus Rossouw attributes to the diversification of Imperial Logistics’ operations. “2014 has been another great year for Imperial Logistics in Africa, where revenue, excluding Africa, increased organically by 17 percent in real terms and a further 14 percent from acquisitions,” he says. “Given the scale of our operations, including South Africa as well, overall revenue exceeds R22 billion which is very rewarding.” Rossouw is confident now that the vast array of services within the organisation leaves the company in a prime position to overcome any foreseeable challenges moving forward into 2015. He continues: “The slowdown in growth in some markets is concerning and we need to adapt to that. The increasing cost of logistics, driven by fuel cost and currency devaluation, is placing our clients under even more pressure.…
MRS Oil
Strength of the Stallion Often considered the supplier of choice in the eyes of the customer, MRS Oil tells us more about their growth in Nigeria’s downstream sectorWriter Emily Jarvis Project Manager Arron Rampling MRS Oil is a conglomerate of companies with diverse activities that are focused on capturing the entire value chain in oil trading, shipping, storage, lube manufacturing, aviation, distribution & retailing in West and Central Africa. With a vision to be the leading integrated energy company recognised for their people, excellence and values, MRS are an organisation focused on improving operating efficiencies in all areas of the downstream sector. “With the stallion as our symbol, we’ve lived up to our reputation of excellence through our landmark acquisition of Chevron’s west African assets (Texaco), an achievement that has placed us on the league of global integrated multinationals. MRS Oil is now one of the largest and most efficient downstream players, with solid roots in Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Togo and Cote D’Ivoire,” highlights Paul Bissohong, Managing Director for MRS Oil. As one of the largest and leading marketers of refined products, including quality gasoline, marine and aviation fuels in Nigeria, the company market premium fuels under the MRS brand across hundreds of retail service stations strategically spread across Nigeria. With a wide range of lubricants and industry expertise, the company also offer premium lubricant brands - Stallion and Premier Motor Oil. MRS Oil’s proprietary blending facility and its research and development facilities in Apapa allow them to supply premium quality products, to their esteemed customers.…
Weatherford Algeria
40 Years of Slick Service Quality Weatherford Algeria continues to invest and modify its oil service offering as it prepares for industry fluctuations and stronger market competition Writer Matthew Staff Project Manager Arron Rampling Weatherford Algeria has established itself as major oilfield services provider over the course of its 40-year history in the country, and continues to introduce new initiatives and programmes to prepare for the next 40 years of operations. Growing alongside the sector’s growth in Algeria, Weatherford has been able to adapt and improve its services firmly in line with industry requirements, while adding its own innovative and entrepreneurial approach to go beyond market expectations.“A company objective is to support any type of operations throughout the country,” says General Manager, Olivier Konig. “Weatherford activity in Algeria was initially based on core business and technology, especially Tubular Running Services, and set the bar for competency and service quality in this domain.“As the company grew over the years, we introduced multiple services including pumping, drilling services, wireline and secure drilling services, underbalanced drilling, managed pressure drilling, air drilling and drilling.”This vast array of services bridges its main headquarters and satellite bases in Hassi Ramel, the largest gas producer in the country; TFT, the second oilfield producer opened in Algeria behind its main facility, Hassi Massaoud; and Ardar South West Region which has been the setting of numerous new development projects since its introduction. Business Continuity Weatherford’s primary operation facility, Hassi Messaoud is where the company has really made a name for itself however, providing a second-to-none platform…
Jindal Africa : Growing our spirit, The African Way
Jindal Africa is working vigorously to entrench and expand its foothold in Africa to the benefit of its holding group and its local stakeholders.
Tigo Ghana
A brand new Experience with Tigo Ghana Launching a brand new music service and encouraging more young girls to take an interest in ICT are just two of the ways that Tigo Ghana stands out in a crowded telecoms market Writer Emily Jarvis Project Manager Donovan Smith Tigo Ghana is a subsidiary of Millicom International Cellular SA and it was the first telecom operator in Ghana back in 1991. As of September this year, Tigo Ghana’s subscriber numbers stood strong at just over 4 million, and with CEO Roshi Motman leading the Ghana team this number promises to continue to grow steadily. “I have been in Ghana for six months now and I enjoy living here. I love Ghana. I love the people, the warmth and the rich and diverse culture,” she says. With five players in Ghana’s telecom industry, Tigo Ghana have made a name for themselves via the launch of Tigo Music, the first music streaming service in the country. Q: Congratulations on the successful launch of Tigo Music, tell us about this new innovation. Thank you very much, you should have joined us at the Accra Sports Stadium for the launch. It was wonderful as we celebrated with over 30,000 people and top notch Ghanaian artistes. We have done extensive work to really understand the needs and desires of Ghanaians. Based on this we made the strategic choice of meeting the demand for music. Music streaming is the fastest growing area in the global music industry and music content is already the second…
Ison BPO
Experience-Centric Solutions ISON BPO assist clients with experiencecentric solutions that empower them in enhancing business efficiencies, streamlining operations and reducing costs through Business Process Outsourcing Writer Emily JarvisProject Manager Donovan Smith ISON BPO, earlier known as Spanco BPO in Africa, was established at the end of 2010 and started its first operation in Nairobi, Africa in February 2011 with just 110 staff. As a leading Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firm, with a strong focus in sub-Saharan Africa, ISON BPO has grown substantially in the last four years and now has around 7000 employees working out of ten countries in Africa, two cities in India and Yangon in Myanmar. This rapid pace of expansion secures ISON’s footprint across its areas of operation, giving them an early advantage and this fast paced development is expected to continue. Global CEO Pravin Kumar explains that the company’s basic strategy has been to “dig deeper into every account that they take on”. By this he means the company would rather have a smaller amount of fully satisfied customers, rather than stretching their resources unrealistically, which could damage efficiency and customer relationships. As a truly multi-cultural organisation, ISON’s unique approach to service delivery in BPO combines building and managing call and data centre infrastructure, as well as global manpower outsourcing and call centre operations. “We help clients with experience-centric solutions that empower them in enhancing business efficiencies, streamlining operations and reducing costs,” says Kumar.Having a senior management team who have all come from senior professional backgrounds has been a key factor in driving…
Microsoft Nigeria
Driving Innovation from the start. Microsoft’s leading West African arm is living up to its credentials as it continues to develop technologies in the region, both internally and within the wider business community Writer Matthew Staff Project Manager Donovan Smith Pairing up one of the world’s leading technology companies with one of the world’s fastest developing countries is proving to be a match made in heaven as Microsoft Nigeria strives to influence Africa’s leading economy in the same way it has influenced the rest of the tech world over the years. More than most countries on the continent, the Nigerian population has reached a level of technical maturity which is ready to embrace services comparative to those in the most developed western markets. Among the elite providing such services is Microsoft whose offerings range across consumers and businesses to not only provide the best in technological solutions in the West African country, but to also further educate and develop the communities around it. On the consumer side, Microsoft’s range speaks for itself. With some of the most recognisable products in the tech world, the brand’s operating system, Office software, Xbox games consoles, and own-name systems are every bit as popular in Nigeria as they are in the rest of the world. It is from a business standpoint where the organisation has really made a difference in recent years however, as Microsoft Nigeria aids both established multinationals and start-ups – and everything in between – in applying cloud services and the most modern and honed business tools…
Ericsson SSA
Leading Transformation through Mobility Globally-renowned for its technology offering, Ericsson continues to be one step ahead when it comes to the latest communication tech-related products Writer Emily Jarvis Project Manager Ben Weaver Communication is changing the way we live and work the world over. Telecoms giant Ericsson plays a key role in this evolution, using innovation to empower people, business and society through the provision of communications networks, telecom services and support solutions, making it easier for people all over the globe to communicate. “We are a world leader in the rapidly changing environment of communications technology – providing equipment, software and services to enable transformation through mobility,” says the company. Some 40 percent of global mobile traffic runs through networks which Ericsson has supplied. More than one billion subscribers around the world rely every day on networks that the company manage. “Our leadership in technology and services has been a driving force behind the expansion and improvement of connectivity worldwide. We believe that through mobility, our society can be transformed for the better. “New innovations and forms of expression are finding a greater audience, industries and hierarchies are being revolutionised, and we are seeing a fundamental change in the way we communicate, socialise and make decisions together,” Ericsson states. These exciting changes represent the realisation of the company vision: a networked society, where every person and every industry is empowered to reach their full potential. “Our vision is to be the prime driver in an all-communicating world. In this world, everyone can use voice, data,…
MTN Rwanda : Digital Drives Dominance in Rwanda
MTN Rwanda has led the way in the country for more than 15 years and has no intention of resting on its laurels as it introduces its latest innovations.
Airtel Kenya : Kenya’s Telecom Experts
A year on and Airtel Kenya continue to grow from strength to strength, paving the way for other mobile operators.
Noble Azania Investments
One Group, Many Missions Noble Azania, a known business group in the private sector in Tanzania, is managed by a team of professionals who have had a significant impact on the country’s infrastructure since inception in 1976. Writer Emily Jarvis Project Manager James Smith There are very few enterprises which are as closely linked to Tanzania’s development as Noble Azania Group. Over the last three decades the Group has been supporting the country’s economic development, through direct participation in government investment programmes. Noble Azania, a known business group in the private sector in Tanzania, is managed by a team of professionals who have had a significant impact on the country’s infrastructure since inception in 1976. The Group’s motto, one group, many missions, encompasses the diverse range of sectors that Noble Azania works across. The company has been working to achieve consolidation through this diversity, with a focus on profitability and nobility of action. Bharat Patel, Managing Director of Noble Azania, says that the key to the Group’s success has been the on-time and error-free supply of goods, backed by an in-depth knowledge across the six divisions of the company: “Our repeat orders year-in year-out are testament to our excellent service and competitive rates. Moreover, by focussing on the customer and our market presence, we can focus our efforts on gaining a bigger share of the market thus, making a bigger difference to Tanzania’s economic development.” In-depth Industry Experience Noble Azania’s six divisions cover an expansive range of industry practices including; automotive, textiles, agriculture, alcoholic beverage manufacturing,…