Bruno Akpadza, Director of NAVITRANS Africa Benin : "The values ​​of our group are long-lasting with our customers"

Installed in Benin since 20 years, the NAVITRANS group tries to establish its marks as the best agency in the maritime sector. In this interview he gave us, Bruno Akpadza, Director of the Benin agency discusses the potential of this company.

What is NAVITRANS Africa Benin ?

NAVITRANS Africa Benin is a limited liability company with a capital of 50 millions. We are a consignment and shipping company. We also do transit and logistics so we touch a bit of everything. Our organization relies on our own network in West Africa and Western Europe which coordinates our maritime service activities across various aspects: Politics, administration, infrastructure projects, macro and micro-economies. Our teams provide up-to-date information, and reliable on the market situation and on any change in real time. It should be noted that all this is done with the unwavering support of our Navitrans SA group headquarters,company based in Nyon, Switzerland.

Why did you choose to settle in Benin

Obviously Benin first of all because it is a coastal country, there is the sea which allows us to develop our maritime activity. More, the environment is promising so it is normal that we take advantage of it. Beyond what I have quoted, it is to do business in a healthy environment and there is also this desire to create jobs.

Since 2000, you settled in Benin. What were the levels of development of NAVITRANS ?

Maybe it's a little too presumptuous. We are evolving as best we can. It’s true that it’s not so much in the goal that we set out. However, we try every day to do a little more to be even more efficient. This despite the Covid pandemic 19 which slowed down activities a bit.

You are part of the largest consignment groups in Africa. Concretely what is the consignment ?

Maritime consignment,  this is when there is a shipowner who delegates his powers to us to represent him legally and deal with him before, during and after the arrival of said vessel. I allow myself to say that it has several functions. The commercial function is to sell the service to be able to fill the ship. The operational function is to take care of this ship because in time when there was no consignment or shipping agency, these are the captains, as soon as the ships dock and take care of all the formalities. It took time and required more energy. But with the evolution of maritime trade, there is the creation of this branch called consignment.

What are your difficulties ?

Like any other business, the difficulties are not lacking. However, we do our best to adapt to the requirements of our customers by offering them reasonable prices with the assurance of quality service.

Could we say that your forecasts are met ?

We can't tell it to 100% even if it is. We always want to improve so we can say that our forecasts are not fully achieved. There is competition blocking us but we try to comply.

What sets you apart from your competition ?

As a trusted intermediary, we provide quality service and pass on reliable information, thanks to our professional and competent teams, both for regular shipping companies and for tramping. We have a professional and dynamic team always ready to satisfy customers. Because with us, the total satisfaction of our customers is our leitmotif.

Your final word

We thank our customers for this confidence installed. We intend to perpetuate this good collaboration and understanding. We invite them each time to let us know in the event of a failure.. Because the values ​​of our group are long-lasting with our customers, our suppliers and partners.

 Interview by : Damien TOLOMISSI