DHL CEO HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF SECOND CITIES IN AFRICA’S ECONOMIC FUTURE: SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS PART 2

Caption: Prof Adrian Seville, GIBS.

Written by Eamonn Ryan

Leading figures in economics and urban planning convened at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) seminar titled ‘Second to None: Second Cities and Next Cities as Engines of Africa’s Prosperity’. This is Part 2 of a two-part series.

The event, hosted by Professor Adrian Seville, focused on exploring the untapped potential of second cities in driving economic growth through differentiation, something which all HVAC&R professionals with a long-term view ought to monitor.

Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express South Africa, continued to illuminate the potential of second cities in Africa during his presentation at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) seminar. Heymans addressed the complexities and strategic imperatives surrounding logistics infrastructure and economic development within these burgeoning urban centers.

The panel consisted of: Prof Adrian Seville, GIBS; Siphelele Ngobese, senior researcher: South African Cities Network; Hennie Heymans, CEO DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa; and Francois Fouche, economist and researcher.

Reflecting on the diverse landscape across Africa, Heymans acknowledged the mixed progress and challenges facing second cities, citing examples such as Antananarivo in Madagascar as cautionary tales of unplanned growth and logistical chaos.

“It’s a mixed picture in Africa – not without its challenges. Our report aims to highlight these pitfalls and provide insights to navigate them effectively.” Drawing from DHL’s two-year journey in advocating for second cities, Heymans underscores the critical role these urban centers play in bridging the gap between rural areas and major cities, particularly in sectors like energy and mining.

“Many of these industries are thriving on the outskirts, far from major hubs. Cities like Beira in Mozambique exemplify the logistical hurdles we face in supporting booming industries.”

Heymans elaborates on the logistical challenges posed by geographic constraints, such as those encountered around Lake Victoria, where traditional transportation methods can take several days due to infrastructure limitations.

“Our focus at DHL is not just on delivering packages but on enabling economic growth by overcoming logistical barriers,” Heymans emphasises. “This includes exploring innovative solutions to connect second cities to regional and global markets.”