Cargo Carriers' acquisition of BHL paves the way to Central and southern Africa

In a move designed to boost growth in its mining business and diversify its earnings through sub-Saharan Africa, Cargo Carriers last year acquired a 55% stake in Zambian-based BHL.

BHL's primary business is the transportation of copper concentrate, lime and sulphuric acid in Zambia and the DRC, although it also provides logistics solutions in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

"There is no doubt that the centre of gravity for mining has moved north. If we want to be players in this market we need to have a strong presence here," said Murray Bolton, Cargo Carriers joint chief executive.

Challenges to find logistics partners

The move to strengthen its central and southern African business capability will please global mining, agricultural and chemical businesses that are themselves looking to expand into the world's fastest growing continent, but are faced with challenges to find logistics partners who deliver the required safety and environmental standards.

The BHL fleet has already been strengthened with the purchase of 80 FAW trucks from China. The purchase allows BHL to replace ageing vehicles and increase its fleet from 75 to 126 trucks while boosting the company's business by 60%. About 160 new jobs have already been created by BHL's expansion.