Maersk strengthens ties between African and Japanese customers

Apr 25, 2017: Africa accounts for about 16 percent of the world’s human population and it is predicted that, by 2034, it will have a larger workforce than China or India. However, maintaining trade with advanced economies such as Japan is crucial to sustaining Africa’s economic growth.

Masahiko Shirai, Japan Country Manager at Safmarine – a member of A.P. Moller – Maersk, said, “Japan-Africa trade has seen significant growth over recent years and our hope is that platforms such as this customer event will further strengthen ties with our Japanese customers by highlighting future economic growth opportunities on the continent.”

“Recent data from IMF, McKinsey Institute, World Bank and Citibank confirms this growing potential, stating that Africa will host the world’s second-fastest growing economies to 2020. With the advantage of a young and growing population, the continent is also experiencing rapid technological changes, which are unlocking new opportunities for consumers and business. Adding to this, is Africa’s abundant supply of resources and powerful urbanisation rate – said to be the fastest in the world right now.”

Shirai concludes, “We believe the company’s change to become a global integrator of container logistics will position us to serve our customers better. Not just for the next five or 10 years, but for the next 100 years. At present, 10% of the overall business turn-over is generated in and around Africa and we remain committed to delivering superior customer experience in order to retain and grow developments in this area.”