By the Logis-T Africa Editorial Team
Defending the interests of shippers remains a central issue for the performance of logistics in Africa and the smooth functioning of African international trade, particularly for landlocked countries. It is within this context that the new Director General of the Burkina Faso Shippers’ Council (CBC), Ms. Denise BADO/BOUDA, paid a working visit to the Nana Boureima Group, a leading player in import-export and metal processing in Burkina Faso.
Led by economic operator El Hadj Nana Boureima, the Group operates across the supply chain in Burkina Faso and the West African sub-region, with direct links to transport corridors, ports and regional logistics platforms. This meeting reflects the CBC’s stated intention to strengthen dialogue with companies whose activities structure the logistics market in Burkina Faso and directly affect the competitiveness of trade within the country and across Africa.
Better understanding supply chain realities in Burkina Faso
By initiating close, on-the-ground exchanges with shippers, the CBC’s management aims to gain a clearer understanding of the operational constraints weighing on supply chain stakeholders. The objective is clear: to gather private sector concerns, identify areas for improvement and support the development of appropriate solutions.
During the discussions, El Hadj Nana Boureima presented the Group’s main activities, highlighting its role in the import, export and processing of raw materials. He particularly emphasized one of the major challenges faced by African shippers: port demurrage, which significantly increases transport costs in Africa and undermines business competitiveness.
Regulation and road transport: a key challenge
In this regard, the economic operator called on the CBC to continue and strengthen its role in assisting and supporting shippers, particularly in their dealings with ports and players in transport and logistics in Africa. He also welcomed the effective enforcement of Regulation No. 14 on vehicle weights and dimensions, considering it a significant step forward in regulating road freight transport, enhancing safety and ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure.
At a time when logistics corridors are vital to trade in Africa, vehicle compliance and traffic flow remain critical to the efficiency of regional logistics chains.
The CBC, a key player in Burkina Faso’s supply
For her part, Ms. Denise BADO/BOUDA reaffirmed the CBC’s commitment to supporting shippers in ensuring the country’s regular supply, a strategic issue for Burkina Faso’s economic resilience. She encouraged the Nana Boureima Group to maintain close communication with the Council, particularly in the event of difficulties encountered along the transport chain, and expressed her readiness to provide technical support whenever necessary.
This meeting helped to strengthen relations between the CBC and the Nana Boureima Group, while laying the foundations for a partnership based on consultation, listening and the co-construction of solutions. At both national and regional levels, such initiatives illustrate the importance of sustained dialogue between public institutions and private operators to strengthen logistics and transport in Africa, key drivers of the continent’s trade development.
