Ceva Logistics: Morocco as a Strategic Hub for Our Expansion in Africa
Follow-up
Matteo Friedberg, the General Manager of Ceva Logistics, confirmed that Morocco and Egypt are among the most dynamic markets in Africa, highlighting Morocco’s strategic importance in the group’s expansion plan across the continent.
Friedberg noted that Ceva, a global leader in logistics and supply chain services, operates a partnership to run a terminal at the Port of Tangier, making Morocco a pivotal point to enhance its presence in North Africa. He added that the group also has a long-standing presence in Algeria and Egypt, reflecting its strategy to strengthen its foothold in the region.
The General Manager, who has held his position since 2020, explained that Ceva’s entry into the African market gained momentum in 2006 following CMA CGM’s acquisition of Delmas, which helped it expand its maritime capabilities alongside the investment boom seen in the continent’s ports. He considered this phase crucial for facilitating access to ports and reducing export and import costs.
Friedberg added that the company has successfully established a presence across Africa, both in coastal and inland countries. He noted that CMA CGM’s acquisition of Ceva represented a pivotal turning point, resulting from an early belief in Africa as a promising growth market amid urban transformations and the emergence of a new middle class.
He pointed out that North Africa houses active markets, primarily Morocco and Egypt, where Ceva operates a terminal in the Port of Tangier in collaboration with local partners, alongside its presence in the Port of Alexandria. The group’s activities also span West African countries like Senegal and Nigeria, as well as markets in East, Central, and Southern Africa.
He emphasized the evolution of African ports, indicating that their capacity to accommodate massive container ships has improved, as seen in the ports of Tema in Ghana and Lagos in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of enhancing connections between ports and inland areas to accelerate trade exchanges and activate the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Regarding infrastructure, Friedberg stated that the notable advancements in ports should be accompanied by improvements in land infrastructure and non-physical services. He mentioned the challenges Ceva faces in some areas due to inadequate road networks and limited logistics facilities, but he praised the resilience demonstrated by local players in adapting to circumstances.
He confirmed that safety is a top priority for the company, emphasizing that Ceva does not hesitate to suspend operations in areas lacking sufficient security conditions to protect its workforce and avoid risks.
On the AfCFTA, Friedberg expressed the group’s full support for the agreement, affirming its readiness to play a vital role in facilitating the movement of goods across the continent. He explained that eliminating customs and administrative barriers benefits all parties, and the multiplicity of regulatory systems increases logistics costs, necessitating standardization to enhance continental integration.
