In view of the impressive economic growth in some emerging markets south of the Maghreb, Militzer & Münch is expanding its activities on the African continent. We asked Irene Pinkrah, Business Development Manager Trade Lane Greater Africa, about the special aspects of working with Africa, the challenges she and the team have to overcome, and what she likes best about her job.
Ms. Pinkrah, what are your tasks as Business Development Manager for Trade Lane Africa?
My main task is to expand and maintain business relationships with existing partners in Africa and to identify new partners for potential collaboration. I also build and maintain business relationships in Germany together with our sales team and take care of customer acquisition. And I also define marketing strategies and develop and optimize the trade lane between Germany and Africa by analyzing, planning and implementing efficient transport and logistics solutions.
How is the Militzer & Münch business developing in Africa?
We are currently in the process of developing the Sub-Sahara segment and are very optimistic. Africa has experienced significant economic growth in recent years and offers considerable development potential in some sectors. Militzer & Münch has been active in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria for many years, and is very successful in this field. We are therefore confident that we will also be successful in sub-Saharan Africa. Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, for example, are very interesting for us.
We are currently working on establishing a partner network. Against this background, several Militzer & Münch country units, including Militzer & Münch Germany, joined the Airfreight Logistics Network for Africa (ALNA) some time ago, a strong network for airfreight to and from the African continent. With ALNA, we have access to a secure and reliable network of companies in many African countries.
In order to tap into the potential of the Ghanaian market for us, I will be attending the Supply Chain Business Forum and Exhibition in Ghana’s capital Accra this coming July. The trade fair will focus on current trends, challenges and opportunities in the supply chain sector. As Militzer & Münch is sponsoring the event, we also have the opportunity to present our products and services on site.
What are the main goods Militzer & Münch transports to and from Africa?
African countries import a variety of consumer goods, including electronics, vehicles, clothing and household appliances. The primary exports are raw materials as well as agricultural and pharmaceutical products.
What challenges have you experienced with transports to and from Africa?
Many parts of Africa have only insufficient transport infrastructure, both in terms of roads, railways and ports. This sometimes leads to bottlenecks, delays and increased transportation costs. In addition, different customs regulations, complicated documentation requirements and inefficient customs clearance procedures also complicate and delay transportation. Instability in some regions and cultural differences can also hinder transportation. But as long as we are prepared for these hurdles, there is always a way to overcome them. After all, challenging markets are our specialty.
What positions have you held at Militzer & Münch so far, and what do you like best about your work?
I have worked in operational positions in air and sea freight for over 20 years. Most recently, I worked in the export department of M&M air sea cargo GmbH in Frankfurt for 15 years. In 2022, I participated in our internal Talent Management Program, where one of our tasks was to identify promising new markets. We singled out Africa as one of the most interesting areas.
I really enjoy working for Militzer & Münch because the company is characterized by a family environment, motivated colleagues, openness and diversity. What I particularly like about my current position as Trade Lane Manager is that I can work independently. I can really make a difference here. The diverse challenges my job entails motivate me, too.
