UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA
(Posted 07th November 2014)
Amadeus, one of the globally leading technology solution providers for the travel industry, has of late been active in Eastern Africa with either hosting outright or co-hosting seminars and workshops for travel agents, tour operators and other user groups to educate the market to the latest innovations and value added services.
Their latest activity though was to work hand in hand with the Africa Business Travel Association to provide a white paper on ‘Understanding Business Travel in Sub Saharan Africa’ aimed to provide travel professionals with the latest data and trends.
Juan Torres, the General Manager of Amadeus East Africa, commented on the release of the report: ‘Whilst the African continent is undeniably on a growth path, clarity and consistent data to help travel industry players take advantage of this growth is highly lacking. It was only natural therefore that Amadeus, as the industry leader of travel technology solutions contributed to such a milestone report that will shed light. The report is based on research polling 170 travel industry stakeholders in Angola, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa as well as Germany, Netherlands, UAE, UK and the US. It has taken into consideration business and cultural trends across the continent’.
Africa in general and East Africa in particular are facing numerous challenges when it comes to perception in the global market place but Diana Games of the South Africa – Nigeria Chamber of Commerce sums it up when she said: ‘The biggest risk right now is not being in Africa – it is NOT being in Africa’.
Courtesy of Amadeus was it possible to get access to this important report including permission to re-publish sections of it here but also giving a link to the entire report which readers are free to access and download:
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Highlighted below are some of the key findings that should be taken into account in order to better business travel programs within Africa:
Governance and travel policy:
The nuances of travelling in Africa are rarely addressed in global travel policy.
Travel managers (local or global) need to increase their knowledge of Africa and build creditability with business heads.
For many large companies, Africa is a subset within EMEA (Europe, Middle-East and Africa), creating unrealistic time pressures on staff to effectively manage this growing region.
Technology
The study shows that the mobile device is becoming the dominant means of Internet access in Africa.
Nigeria and Kenya have the highest mobile Internet usage of close on 80% and 75% respectively.
Travel Management Companies (TMCs) should start to consider how mobile strategies can be incorporated into their service.
Payment:
Developing more efficient payment and reimbursement processes is a highly effective way of reducing friction, driving better data and improving supplier relationships particularly in Africa where cash and invoicing still dominate vs card.
Safety and Security:
Too many companies have gaps in their traveller locator information and this should be addressed urgently.
Travellers should be briefed, tracked and supported at all stages of their journey
Travel Management Companies (TMCs):
High number of suppliers describe themselves as travel agencies, not TMCs, likely due to reliance on commissions from airlines and hotels
Larger companies can develop supplier development programmes where they feel the quality is not available
Huge opportunities exist for TMCs who can deliver consistency in service, data and policy application
In conclusion, Africa has the potential to leapfrog more advanced nations by developing new ways of doing things, rather than simply implementing Western travel management principles. From leading the world in mobile payment platforms, to delivering every travel managers dream: ubiquitous and free Wi-Fi. Africa needs to have a seat at the table in global travel. Likewise, business travel needs to underpin African development, and being recognized as an enabler of growth, wealth and integration.
For a complete review of the report kindly CLICK HERE
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