DHL: Ethiopia is a key zone for growth within Sub Sahara Africa

Ethiopia is a key zone for growth within Sub Sahara Africa, said Charles Brewer, Managing Director of DHL, during his visit to Addis Ababa, Capital reported.

“For the past three years, the East African community has sustained high GDP growth, outpacing other Sub Sahara Africa countries and weathering the global recession. According to sources like the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the region is set to post an economic growth rate of 6.3 percent in 2013, up from 5.7 percent in 2012,” Brewer said.

“The massive investment on infrastructure makes it easier to move goods within cities like Addis Ababa and conduct businesses across borders.”

According to DHL, Ethiopia – alongside Kenya – is the largest market for the company in East Africa.

“The Ethiopian business unit of DHL has seen phenomenal growth over the last quarter, posting positive volume figures and increasing its retail and account business. We have been very pleased with our progress over the last quarter; which is both a reflection of the country’s economic development, but also of our employees’ passion for the business and taking it forward,” said Essete Gebriel, Country Manager for DHL Express Ethiopia.


DHL says it is working with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to increase their connectivity and help them to understand paperwork, legislation and expertise needed to grow beyond Ethiopia’s borders and export.

“We know the challenges for these businesses, access to finance, resources and talent. We are trying to do our part, boosting imports and exports and therefore increasing their attractiveness to both East African and global businesses,” said Essete.