Logistics and supply chain group Imperial Logistics has extended its footprint in Africa’s Copperbelt, with the establishment of a transport depot in Ndola, in northern Zambia, the company announced in June.

The new Zambian-registered business forms part of group company Snyman Transport and will operate as Snyman Transport Zambia.

Imperial Logistics Africa CEO Dougie Truter says that the new venture will enhance the group’s ability to provide transport and logistics services for the mining firms operating in the region, while creating employment opportunities for locals.

The new depot represents Imperial Logistics’ first undertaking in Zambia’s Copperbelt province, which includes the towns of Kitwe, Chingola and Ndola. Truter elaborates: “Imperial has always been a significant player in cross-border transport between Zambia and the ports of Durban and Walvis Bay, but, for the first time, we have an opportunity to develop a presence in the local transport business on the Zambian Copperbelt. Opportunities abound in local transport and logistics, transporting cargo within a 500 km radius from the various mines, and also within the mines’ premises.”

Job creation is an integral part of the new business, which is in line with the Zambia government’s drive to boost employment through mining investment and to empower local companies. The country has a 14% unemployment rate. “Snyman Transport Zambia will initially have 15 dedicated vehicles and a full-time staff complement of between 25 and 35 people,” Truter states.

In addition to opening up new opportunities, the Zambia-based business will also enable Imperial to offer its existing customers in the region better service, with improved turnaround times and reduced logistics costs, he adds.

“We have learnt that it’s important to be closer to your customers to build relationships and, with this new operation, we will be right where our Copperbelt customers need us to help them build more effective and efficient supply chains.

“Exiting customers have welcomed the establishment of the new Zambian business. A [benefit] of the venture is that it will open doors to corridors that Imperial hasn’t previously [operated in] – specifically Dar Es Salaam, in Tanzania, and Beira, in Mozambique,” Truter concludes.