‘Logistics and courier sees bright future’  

Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | DHL is a global brand in the logistics industry with operations in more than 220 countries including Uganda. The Independent’s Julius Businge spoke to Fatma Abubakar, the country manager for DHL Uganda on the sidelines of an e-commerce workshop held at its headquarters in Kampala on August 08.

What explains your focus on international e-commerce now?

International e-commerce is growing at a remarkable pace, and we want our customers to grab their share of the market which means adding value to their e-commerce proposition. Our customers’ success is closely tied to their buyers’ satisfaction with the delivery experience and the delivery options offered. Our services have moved over time to now target upcountry towns of Jinja, Mbarara, Lira, Soroti, Fort Portal and others. We are regularly meeting our clients to make them understand how they can target other markets instead of concentrating on the domestic market. Research has shown that retailers who actually trade internationally are as twice successful as the others who sell the products locally.

So how big is DHL business in Uganda’s logistics industry and beyond?

We are present in 220 countries. We serve 51 countries in the Sub-sahara Africa and we reach out to 40,000 customers. In Uganda we have a total of 700 customers who are connected to more than 220 countries and territories where we offer our service. We have 13 vehicles, 59 employees, 130 DHL retail outlets, one dedicated air fleet and we have Entebbe Gateway Office or logistic hub.

Would you say the courier or logistics business in Uganda is a viable investment area?

Uganda has a big potential or opportunity for businesses in all sectors. What we have noticed is that businesses need a reliable logistics partner who can support their business with speed. On our side, we understand the business of our customers before we support them to grow. This is partly the reason we are present in other towns outside Kampala.

Some people say this business is risky?

Just like in any other country and business, risks are all over. But it is how you mitigate them. As DHL, we have got systems and people in place to do that. We know how to deal with the risks…and our customers are happy.

You recently moved to this new bigger building that houses your headquarters…what value has it added to your business in general terms?

We moved here in 2016. I can say that it has motivated employees. It has given good working environment to us. When you have motivated staff, they will deliver great quality service. They will reach out to customers more. The new office has improved our efficiency and productivity. Our business is now faster and growing.

How has the rising prices of fuel affected your business?

We use commercial airlines, vehicles that require fuel to run and our business is here and must run. Just like any other business, you plan for these things. I cannot say to my clients that I am not going to deliver their package because fuel price is up. Price fluctuation for fuel is a factor in business that is beyond our control. That said our performance has been at the peak.

How has DHL performed in the past few years when Uganda’s economy grew at less than anticipated growth numbers?

Uganda as an economy has a lot of opportunities. We notice the economy is recovering going by what Bank of Uganda and the ministry of finance and other agencies are saying. Uganda’s infrastructure is growing – that is good news for us. Coffee as a business and sector is growing and we think this presents great opportunity for us to move customers’ consignments at a speed that supports them to grow.  It is an exciting moment for Uganda, our customers who we want to grow with.

Some people say it is tough being Country Manager for a global company like DHL. What is your response to this?

DHL promotes women leadership. I believe a woman can do what a man can do and probably even better. It is a balance. We have our core values that we believe in – we deliver our work without compromising on the respect of ourselves and clients.

 What is your reading about the future of logistics or courier business in Uganda?  

The most important thing is that Uganda’s economy is growing. More investors are coming in as the already established ones work out mechanisms to expand their operations. And that means this economy; the logistics sector and DHL as a business have a bright future.

What more can the market expect from DHL going forward?

We believe that cross-border e-commerce has a huge upside that many merchants have not yet tapped. Our aim is to support web sellers as they go global and to stand as the international express provider of choice for e-commerce.