Category: APO-OPA

JOHANNESBURG, South-Africa, March 17, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ —

A.T. Kearney Study provides global retailers with direction on entering specific African countries

A new study designed to help large, organized retailers determine where and how to best enter Sub-Saharan Africa’s rapidly growing retail sector is published by A.T. Kearney (http://www.atkearney.com), a leading global strategy consultancy firm, today.

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Download the report – PDF (2Mo): http://bit.ly/1e94g8i

Download the ranking table: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/table.png

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Rwanda, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania and Gabon occupy the top five places of the inaugural A.T. Kearney African Retail Development Index (ARDI). South Africa ranks seventh due to the developed nature of its retail market.

The ARDI is a useful framework for retailers because it not only identifies the markets in Africa most attractive for retail expansion today, but those that offer the most potential for the future.

Africa is brimming with opportunities, not only for local and regional players, but also for large global brands and retailers.

South African brands and retailers have been at the forefront of African expansion but may soon see global competition coming in. For South African players to keep their competitive advantage, sound strategies and investment plans will be required.

With a billion people and growing economies, seven of the top 10 ARDI countries are among the 10 fastest growing ecomomies in the world.

“Formal” retail, which takes place in malls, shopping centres, and other defined trade areas, remains in the early stages in most Sub-Saharan Africa countries, with the exception of South Africa, and is limited primarily to a handful of urban areas.

Low rates of formal retail coupled with increasing urbanization and the relative stability of many African economies represent massive room for retail growth.

Mirko Warschun, A.T. Kearney partner and ARDI co-author says, “The top 10 countries in the Index are diverse in terms of scale and growth potential.”

“It is essential that retailers understand where African countries are in the evolution of the retail landscape and the stages of market development to craft their expansion strategies for Africa.”

ARDI Results

The ARDI is based on four elements: Market Size, Market Saturation, Country Risk and Time

Pressure and ranks the potential and urgency of moving into each country accordingly. The top 10 markets in the Index are segmented into three high level approaches: Start with the Basics, Move Quickly and Differentiate.

Start with the Basics: The vast majority of Africa, including Rwanda, Tanzania, Gabon and Ethiopia, has limited market saturation, but also low maturity. While these markets are promising because of favorable demographics and recent growth trends, the major retail markets remain small, scattered and informal. The largest opportunities available in these markets revolve around offering basic consumer packaged products at low prices.

Move Quickly: The countries in this group – currently only Nigeria and Gabon from the Top 10 – have rapidly evolving retail dynamics and demographics, with some established retail players and many other global retailers planning entries. According to A.T. Kearney, there is no time to spare entering these markets before these first movers gain an advantage as they establish their brands early and secure loyal customer bases.

Differentiate: These markets, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, have Africa’s most advanced retail sectors as well as an existing presence of international retailers. These markets offer opportunities for retailers that can offer differentiated products or formats that are hard to find and appeal to a growing middle class and globally minded citizens.

Bart van Dijk, A.T. Kearney partner and ARDI co-author says, “There are wide differences in infrastructure and supply chain development across African countries. Understanding the opportunities and limitations from country to country is a critical element of the retail expansion decision.”

By 2020, nearly half of all Africans will be living in cities. As disposable incomes rise, consumer spending will grow to almost $1 trillion. Even with the challenges of entering and succeeding in Africa, the opportunity is impossible to ignore.

“Although there are many challenges, Africa has reached a point in its economic development where global retailers must evaluate the significant potential for growth in this market,” says A.T. Kearney partner and ARDI co-author Mike Moriarty.

The 2014 Africa Retail Development Index Ranking and Recommended Approach (http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/table.png):

Index Rank: 1

Rwanda

How to approach: Start with the basics

Index Rank: 2

Nigeria

How to approach: Move quickly

Index Rank: 3

Namibia

How to approach: Differentiate

Index Rank: 4

Tanzania

How to approach: Start with the basics

Index Rank: 5

Gabon

How to approach: Move quickly

Index Rank: 6

Ghana

How to approach: Start with the basics

Index Rank: 7

South Africa

How to approach: Differentiate

Index Rank: 8

Botswana

How to approach: Differentiate

Index Rank: 9

Mozambique

How to approach: Start with the basics

Index Rank: 10

Ethiopia

How to approach: Start with the basics

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of A.T. Kearney (Pty) Ltd.

To read the full 2014 Africa Retail Development Index, please go to: http://www.atkearney.com/consumer-products-retail/african-retail-development-index

Issued by HWB Communications on behalf of: A.T. Kearney (Pty) Ltd

Press Contacts: Katie Horne / Olivia Whittaker

Tel: 021 421 0430 / Cell: 084 311 0197 / 074 114 7103

Authors A.T. Kearney (Pty) Ltd

Bart van Dijk Partner, Johannesburg

Marieke Witjes Consultant, Johannesburg

Patience Kikoni Consultant, Johannesburg

Mike Moriarty Partner, Chicago

Mirko Warschun Partner, Munich

Matti Rucker Principal, Munich

About the Study

The Africa Retail Development Index ranks Sub-Saharan Africa countries on a 0-to-100 point scale: the higher the ranking, the higher the potential and urgency to enter the country. The countries considered for the rankings were pre-selected based on three criteria – a country risk of 35 or higher in the Euro money country-risk score, population size greater than 1.5 million, GDP PPP per capita of more than $1,000. The ARDI scores are based on Country and Business Risk (25 percent), Market Size (25 percent), Market Saturation 25 percent), and Time Pressure (25 percent).

About A.T. Kearney

A.T. Kearney (http://www.atkearney.com) is a global team of forward-thinking partners that delivers immediate impact and growing advantage for its clients. They are passionate problem solvers who excel in collaborating across borders to co-create and realise elegantly simple, practical and sustainable results. Since 1926, they have been trusted advisors on the most mission-critical issues to the world’s leading organisations across all major industries and service sectors. A.T. Kearney has 58 offices located in major business centres across 40 countries. http://www.atkearney.com

About the A.T. Kearney Global Consumer Institute

The A.T. Kearney Global Consumer Institute is a worldwide network of professionals and executives. The Institute combines proprietary and public data resources with local knowledge to deliver strategic and operational insights to executives in consumer-facing industries seeking long-term growth and competitive advantage. For more information, please contact gci@atkearney.com.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, March 17, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 424th meeting held on 12 March 2014, was briefed by the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Co…

NEW YORK, March 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The new Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations, Sabri Boukadoum, today presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Until his appointment in December 2013, Mr. Boukadoum held the position of Director General for the Americas in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since November 2009. He was Algeria’s Ambassador to Portugal from October 2005 to August 2009, prior to which he served as Chief of Protocol in the Foreign Ministry since November 2001. Between November 1996 and September 2001, he was Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire.

Mr. Boukadoum was the Director of Political Affairs from 1993 to October 1995, having previously served as Assistant Director for Political Affairs, United Nations and Disarmament from 1992 to 1993. He was a Counsellor at the United Nations in New York between 1988 and 1992, and First Secretary in Budapest, Hungary, from 1987 to 1988.

A graduate of the Ecole Nationale d’Administration–Diplomatic Section, Mr. Boukadoum was born on 1 September 1958. He is married and has two children.

BEIJING, China, March 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei announces at the regular press conference:

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa of the Republic of Uganda…

PARIS, France, March 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — After six weeks of hearings, the Criminal Court in Paris handed down an historic verdict today, convicting Pascal Simbikangwa of genocide and complicity in crimes against humanity for his actions in Rwanda between April and July 1994, the period of the genocide. Simbikangwa was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

“ Today’s historic verdict is a landmark moment for the victims of the Rwandan genocide, who have fought tirelessly for this trial to be held. They have waited so many years to see France uphold its obligation to bring persons suspected of genocide and resident in this country to justice ” said FIDH President Karim Lahidji.

“The debates which have taken place over the last six weeks, in light of testimonies heard from almost 40 witnesses and expert witnesses, have ensured a fair trial which respected the rights of the defendant. This is what we, as civil parties, had hoped for, and today, we are satisfied”, said Michel Tubiana, lawyer and LDH Honorary President.

“This verdict, delivered at the end of an exemplary trial, is evidence to the critics of universal jurisdiction that it is not only possible but indispensable that trials be held on this basis, even 20 years after the events and thousands of kilometers from the place where the crimes were committed,” said Patrick Baudouin, lawyer representing FIDH in the trial and FIDH Honorary President. “This is particularly important because the¬ Simbikangwa trial will be followed by many others. Investigations in 25 cases relating to the genocide in Rwanda, as well as crimes committed in Algeria, Congo-Brazzaville, and also Libya and Syria are ongoing. We expect the the same diligence on the part of the French judicial authorities in pursuing these cases.”

Pascal Simbikangwa was accused of genocide and complicity in genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1994 Rwandan genocide for supplying weapons and giving orders to barrier guards in Kigali at the beginning of the genocide, actions which led to the massacre of a significant number of Tutsis (see FIDH and LDH press kit on this case in French).

At the end of the proceedings, which the five NGO civil parties actively contributed to, the Public Prosecutor requested that the charge against the accused be changed from ‘complicity in genocide’ to ‘genocide’, arguing that the defendant’s role, as described by witnesses during the trial, was more one of direct contribution rather than complicity in crimes committed by others.The Public Prosecutor called for a sentence of life imprisonment, the maximum sentence for the crimes with which the accused was charged.

France had earlier been condemned in 2004 by the European Court of Human Rights for its failure to deal with the Rwandan cases in a reasonable time period.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, March 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — H.E. Mr. Kazuhiro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of Japan to the African Union (AU), today handed over $ 5 million to the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Amb. Smal Chergui, to support various African peace and stability initiatives on the continent.

The contribution will go towards aiding the police and civilian components of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA), as well as efforts to bring peace and stability to South Sudan and Sudan.

Speaking during the handover of the cheque, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Amb. Suzuki lauded the progress made by MISCA in less than three months since its deployment on 19 December 2013. “This contribution demonstrates Japan’s acknowledgement of the value of the AU intervention in CAR and its confidence in Africa’s ability to address this and other conflicts in the region,” said Amb. Suzuki.

Amb. Sma?l Chergui reiterated the appreciation of the African Union to Japan for the partnership for peace in the Central African Republic and across the continent and welcomed the contribution as both apt and timely, “this contribution comes just as the AU finds itself at the cusp of significant improvements in the Central African Republic. Nonetheless a lot remains to be done in order to find a lasting solution to the conflicts in the region. This contribution is testament to Japan’s continued commitment to working closely with the AU to achieve sustainable peace and stability in Africa.”

JOHANNESBURG, South-Africa, March 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF) (http://www.thehowardgbuffettfoundation.org), a private foundation in the United States; the Nature Conservation Trust (NCT), a South African public benefit organization (PBO); and South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced an historic RAND 255 million (USD $23.7 million), three-year initiative to combat rhino poaching in Kruger National Park and test anti-poaching tactics that can be applied in other regions of Africa, where poaching can be a source of funding for armed groups. The announcement was made at the Rosebank office of Standard Bank, which also announced its own support for the initiative by providing favorable banking fees and interest on the funds which they will hold.

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Photo 1: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=896 (Howard G Buffett, Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF)

Photo 2: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=895 (Dr Mabunda, CEO of the South African National Parks (SANParks)

The effort in Kruger will create an Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) using sophisticated detection and tracking equipment and infrastructure on the ground and in the air; elite canine units and highly-trained ranger teams; and improved intelligence gathering and observation and surveillance systems. Kruger is currently home to over 40% of the world’s remaining 22,000 rhinos, the largest single population of rhinos in the world. Since January 2010, 1,383 rhinos have been poached from Kruger National Park, part of a larger assault that resulted in 2,368 rhinos poached in South Africa over the past few years. In some areas of Africa, entire populations of rhino have been eliminated.

Kruger’s poaching problem is fueled mainly by illicit criminal networks in Mozambique, South Africa, and East Asia, but evidence suggests that armed groups elsewhere in Africa derive significant funding from poaching activities. Kruger’s IPZ will also serve as a testing ground to inform targeted efforts to combat poaching in these other African regions.

“SANParks, thanks to the leadership of David Mabunda, and Kruger National Park, under the direction of General Johan Jooste, provide a unique opportunity to test new technology and new ideas within the best operating national parks system on the continent,” said NCT Chairman and HGBF CEO Howard G. Buffett. “This effort joins our foundation’s historic support for conservation with our current focus on conflict mitigation in Africa, particularly in the Great Lakes region.”

“The scale, complexity, and strategic value of this initiative is truly unprecedented for SANParks, and we believe will be transformative in our ongoing efforts to address poaching and the decimation of the rhino population in Kruger National Park,” said SANParks CEO David Mabunda. “More importantly, the lessons we hope to learn and share across SANParks and the continent will, we believe, develop new and more effective ways to combat illicit wildlife trade, particularly where it is financing armed groups.”

The Leadership for Conservation in Africa (LCA), led by its South African-based CEO Chris Marais, will provide advisory and advocacy support for the collaboration. NCT and HGBF have a long history of support for conservation in Africa. NCT, with 100% of its funding provided by HGBF, created the Jubatus Cheetah Reserve in 2001 and the Ukulima Research Farm in 2007, both located in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Through its direct investments and support for NCT, HGBF has, prior to this announcement, committed over RAND 485 million (USD $45 million) in South Africa for a range of

conservation and agriculture development activities including strengthening environmental governance; carnivore research in the Shashe/Limpopo Trans-Frontier Conservation region; preservation of natural resources; cheetah research and regional planning for cheetah conservation; development of agricultural strategies and production of improved seed for smallholder farmers. HGBF has committed an additional RAND 1.9 billion (USD $175 million) in support of its Africa Great Lakes Peace Initiative, which also includes funding for anti-poaching efforts designed to interrupt the capital flow to armed groups.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF).

For more information please contact:

Howard G. Buffett Foundation

Media Relations, media@hgbfoundation.org

Nature Conservation Trust

Chris Marais, lca@lcaafrica.org

South African National Parks

Rey Thakhuli, rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org

About:

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation (http://www.thehowardgbuffettfoundation.org) works to improve the quality of life for the world’s most impoverished and marginalized populations. It focuses on three core areas: food security, water security, and conflict mitigation. Based in Decatur, Illinois, the Foundation is led by CEO Howard G. Buffett. Mr. Buffett has been a permanent resident of South Africa since 2007. To learn more about the Foundation visit http://www.thehowardgbuffettfoundation.org.

The Nature Conservation Trust was established in 2000 by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation as a non-profit organization and later was converted to a public benefit organization. The Trust has two primary charitable purposes: to conserve nature, restore degraded land, and to help ensure the long term survival of cheetahs and other carnivores in situ; and to support research and improved practices in agriculture for smallholder farmers to reduce food insecurity on the African continent.

South African National Parks manages a system of parks which represents the indigenous fauna, flora, landscapes and associated cultural heritage of the country.The national parks are: Groenkloof, Kruger, Table Mountain, Marakele, Golden Gate, Camdeboo, Mountain Zebra, Addo Elephant, Garden Route National Park (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, & Wilderness), Bontebok, Agulhas, West Coast, Karoo, Namaqua, |Ai- |Ais/Richtersveld, Augrabies, Kgalagadi, Mapungubwe, Tankwa Karoo and Mokala. To learn more visit www.sanparks.org.

MAPUTO, Mozambique, March 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — A staff team from the International Monetary Fund, led by Doris Ross, visited Mozambique during February 26- March 13, 2014 to hold discussions towards the completion of the second review under the three-year Policy Support Instrument (PSI) approved in June 2013 (see Public Information Notice (PIN) 13/75). The team met with Prime Minister Vaquina, Finance Minister Chang, Planning and Development Minister Cuereneia, Bank of Mozambique Governor Gove, other line ministers, senior government officials, parliamentarians, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.

At the conclusion of the visit, Ms. Ross issued the following statement:

“Mozambique’s economic performance continues to be very strong. Despite severe floods in early 2013, GDP growth is estimated at 7 percent in 2013 and is likely to accelerate to over 8 percent in 2014. This reflects bustling activity in mining, construction, transport and communications, and financial services. Risks to this outlook remain moderate, mainly relating to international commodity prices and policy uncertainty in an election year. Average inflation was 4.2 percent in 2013 and is likely to stay anchored by the authorities’ medium-term target of 5-6 percent. Inflation seems well-contained, but there are risks associated with inflationary pressures in neighboring countries (especially in South Africa), and a highly expansionary budget. The external current account deficit is projected to reach [43] percent of GDP in 2014 due to imports for large investment projects financed by foreign direct investment (FDI). International reserve coverage seems adequate at 4.5 months of projected non-megaproject imports. Most quantitative and structural program objectives for end-December 2013 and early 2014 were met.

“Regarding economic policies for 2014, the staff team agrees with the objective to expand public investment, but noted that such increase should preserve debt sustainability and take into account absorptive capacity constraints. Relative to the size of its economy, public investment in Mozambique is high when compared to other countries and we urge the authorities to make substantive efforts to bring more transparency to investment priorities and decisions, ensure value-for –money, and overcome considerable weaknesses in public investment planning, project evaluation, implementation, monitoring and ex-post assessment. This is particularly important as much of the investment is financed by borrowing and public debt levels are rising.

“The fiscal stance in 2014 is expansionary, and a supplementary budget to incorporate new expenditures associated with the electoral reform will be needed. Thus the overall fiscal deficit after grants is projected to increase from 3 percent of GDP in 2013 to 9.5 percent in 2014, after taking into account one-off windfall revenue of 4 percent of GDP in 2013 and 2.9 percent in 2014 (expected).This deficit level is not sustainable over the medium term, especially as windfall revenue is not likely to recur. The staff team urged the authorities to begin a gradual fiscal adjustment in 2015, including some moderation in new hiring, and ease the wage bill down from 11 percent of GDP in 2014 toward the authorities’ medium term target of 8-9 percent.

“The Bank of Mozambique’s (BM) commitment to keep money growth in check in 2014 is welcome and will help to moderate the rapid credit expansion in 2012-13 to a more prudent pace. Vigilance may be needed to tighten monetary policy if signs of inflationary pressure emerge. Deposit and lending rates in Mozambique remain relatively high, reflecting structural factors. Reforms to promote competition, transparency and financial literacy, such as the establishment of private credit registries, should over time help lower the credit risk to banks and the cost to borrowers.

“We acknowledge the authorities’ recent efforts to bring some transparency to the operations of EMATUM, a new public company for tuna fishing, which had issued $850 million in loan participation notes in September 2013 with a full government guarantee. The inclusion in the 2014 budget of the quasi-fiscal activities of this company ($350 million) and the increase in the ceiling for government guarantees were important initial steps. The mission welcomes the authorities’ recent adoption of an action plan on fiscal transparency. It envisages close monitoring of and reporting on EMATUM’s operations, which will be critical in assessing the associated fiscal risks.

“On return to Washington D.C., the team will prepare a staff report that, upon management approval, is tentatively scheduled for discussion by the Executive Board in early May. The Board discussion is expected to complete the 2nd PSI review.

“We would like to thank the authorities for the constructive policy discussions and warm hospitality.”

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, March 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Last week as he was driving through Johannesburg, a board member of a multi-billion Euro multinational made a rather bold statement, “Africa is not only the last frontier but possibly the biggest frontier for business”. That comment was made by Ken Allen, Global CEO for DHL Express (http://www.dpdhl.com). This probably highlights how serious Africa is being taken in the global boardrooms of large corporations. Charles Brewer, Managing Director for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa shares his sentiment and adds, “More than ever, companies are now looking to expand into Africa. More than ever, companies are looking to invest in its diverse markets. More than ever, commercial opportunities abound across the continent. It’s clearly time for Africa…”

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Photo Charles Brewer: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/charles-brewer.jpg (Charles Brewer, Managing Director for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa)

This week Deutsche Post DHL, the world’s leading postal and express group announced its full year results. The group posted revenues of more than EUR 55 billion with boosted profitability once again in 2013. These improvements have been particularly attributed to the company’s exceptional market position in the world’s emerging markets, including Africa.

Brewer adds, “DHL Express is the market leader across Africa, and our unparalleled footprint and continued investment in the continent is testament to that. During 2013, we continued with our expansion plans throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, investing heavily in facilities and increasing our vehicle and aviation fleet. We have continued to showcase our commitment to Africa and have a firm belief and vested interest in Africa delivering on its obvious promise.”

Brewer points to the recent International Air Transport Association (IATA) Airline Industry Forecast 2013-2017 report, which revealed that Africa is estimated to be the fastest growing region globally over the forecast period, with an expected five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0%, while a growth rate of 3.2% (CAGR) is expected for international freight volumes.

“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecasted economic growth of 2.8% in 2014 for South Africa, and 6.1% for the sub-Saharan African (SSA) region, and with the continued growth from intra-Africa and international trade, the outlook for the SSA logistics industry is extremely positive,” says Brewer.

He says that the routes expected to experience the most significant growth in Africa in 2014 are linked to the fastest growing markets which include Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria.

Brewer attributes DHL’s positive trade forecast to more than just the economic statistics, and adds, “Africa is an unbelievably entrepreneurial and dynamic continent and I firmly believe that the SMEs will be the engine of growth for the years ahead”.

He says that it is difficult to ignore e-commerce on the continent as it has become a way of life. “Buying and selling online is growing year on year in Africa, which includes a big shift towards e-commerce in South Africa. More than R4 billion of goods were traded through e-commerce in 2013 in South Africa as consumers realise the safety, convenience and time saving benefits of shopping online. Other factors that will likely influence trade are developments in technology, healthcare, construction and services, as well as the increase in manufacturing in Africa.”

Brewer says that this year, the company has various planned investments into Sub-Saharan Africa, including the opening of a number of new facilitates, and planned expansion in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and Angola. DHL Express SSA, will also be expanding its dedicated air fleet adding a number of new planes to the West Africa region, including a Boeing 737.

“The introduction of these new facilities and planes reflect the continuation of our expansion strategy for 2014. This allows us to serve our customers better, who in turn, can process, sell or assemble their products faster and more securely. This value chain extends to the end customer who receives a quality product, at the right price and at the right time.”

Brewer says that whilst there are continued challenges, DHL is confident about trade forecasts for the year ahead. “The key to continue driving growth will be smart, innovative and, above all, customer centric people, processes and solutions, as well as a continued focus and investment in market leading infrastructure”, concludes Brewer.

Five tips to doing business in Africa:

• Focus on your people, invest in their development & recognize culture diversity

• Service/Product differentiation is key

• Understand and adapt your brand to the local market

• Be aware of the risk and mitigate through solid fiscal control process

• Above all else – Be bold and brave

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.

Media Contact:

Megan Collinicos. Head: Advertising & Public Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa

DHL Express

Tel +27 21 409 3613 Mobile +27 76 411 8570

megan.collinicos@dhl.com

DHL – The Logistics company for the world

DHL (http://www.dpdhl.com) is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 285,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 55 billion euros in 2013.

For more information: http://www.dpdhl.com

DAKAR, Senegal, March 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative o! f the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and Head of UNOWA, Mr. Said Djinnit, attended the High-Level Review of the world drug problem organized in Vienna as part of the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) on 13-14 March.

In his address to the High-Level Review, Mr. Djinnit stressed that the prevention and fight against drug trafficking and abuse is an essential pillar to any conflict prevention and peace building strategy in West Africa.

“Given the international dimension of the scourge, the countries of West Africa should not be left alone to bear the full burden of the struggle against criminal organizations that are sometimes better equipped financially and logistically than the institutions mandated to fight them. I am here ref! erring to the principle of shared responsibility”, said the SRSG Djinnit.

SRSG Djinnit met also with the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Yury Fedotov, with whom he discussed the collaboration between UNOWA and UNODC in support of efforts to prevent and fight drug trafficking and organized crime in West Africa based on the implementation of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) Regional Action Plan to Address the Growing problem of Illicit Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime, and Drug Abuse in West Africa.

The two official! s welcomed the ongoing review of the ECOWAS Action Plan. They undertook to further enhance the existing good cooperation between their two offices in supporting sub-regional efforts on drugs and crime issues, as illustrated by the progress being made in the West Africa Coast Initiative (WACI) through the operationalization of the Transnational Crime Units (TCUs) in some West African countries where they have been established.