Beyond Borders Logistics: Thelma Chimbganda Talks Transforming Zimbabwe’s Trade Landscape

Interview with Thelma Chimbganda, Co-Founder and CEO of Beyond Borders Logistics

Could you provide some background on how Beyond Borders Logistics originated and its current status?

The roots of our company trace back to around 2019 when I found myself at a crossroads after resigning from my previous employment and dissatisfied with the logistics services we were using at the time. We were relying on external sources for shipping and clearing, but the professionalism and quality of service fell short of our expectations. Recognizing an opportunity for improvement, we decided to step into the industry.

Believing in the importance of kindness and transparency, qualities we felt were lacking, we embarked on our entrepreneurial journey. In the logistics sector, the ability to track goods is crucial, yet we encountered challenges in obtaining timely and transparent information about our shipments. Identifying a gap in professionalism and systems within the industry, we took a leap of faith to address these shortcomings.

Starting with a simple receipting system, we noticed a significant difference. Previously, making payments lacked proper recording and receipting, so we introduced a straightforward receipt book. While it may have seemed basic, it marked the beginning of positive changes within the industry. In essence, our company was born out of a desire to fill the void we observed and contribute to a more efficient and transparent logistics landscape.

Considering the challenges posed by COVID, especially in the realm of trade, how did it impact your business, and what strategies did you employ to navigate through it?

Our journey commenced with our first consignment in January 2020, right on the cusp of the pandemic. Unfortunately, this initial shipment found itself stuck in Dubai for nearly five to six months, presenting a significant setback for us as newcomers to the industry. Coming from a background in public relations, marketing, and business development, I was not well-versed in logistics and had never encountered such challenges before.

However, guided by our core values of honesty and communication, we promptly informed our clients about the situation. It was beyond our control, particularly with Emirates shutting down operations. Remarkably, our clients understood the predicament, and Emirates, adapting to the circumstances, converted their passenger planes into cargo planes. This stroke of fortune allowed us to persist during those challenging months.

Moreover, having access to a specific venue for consignment collection proved advantageous. With curfews in place and restricted movement, our unique operating location became a focal point. While others struggled with shutdowns in town, our clients could still access our services. This strategic advantage positioned us as the preferred logistics company during that period. Thus, we successfully navigated the challenges of COVID until the eventual lifting of lockdowns and curfews.

Could you elaborate on the scope of your business and the various services you provide to your clients?

Our primary focus is addressing the inefficiencies and high costs associated with freight transport in Zimbabwe. These challenges significantly impact the trade and economic growth of various businesses and sectors. A report from the United Conference on Trade and Development highlights major trade-related issues in Zimbabwe, including border delays, port congestion, infrastructure limitations, and road and rail challenges. These bottlenecks contribute to escalating costs, making imports and exports prohibitively expensive.

In response, Beyond Borders Logistics aims to provide solutions, particularly catering to the needs of small and medium enterprises. We leverage advanced technologies such as GPS tracking, cloud computing, and data analytics to offer optimal route options for those importing or exporting goods. Our services encompass a range of offerings, including freight forwarding, customs clearing, project freight, logistics contract consultancy, and facilitation of import and export documentation.

Could you provide more details about each aspect, highlighting distinctions and elaborating on the services you offer?

In terms of freight forwarding, when you are importing products, say from India or South Africa, we step in to handle transportation from the country of origin to the destination. This involves managing export documentation, booking transportation (whether sea or air freight), and coordinating the loading process, including any necessary documentation for the journey from the origin to the destination.

Moving on to customs clearing, our role involves facilitating customs clearance at the destination country, whether at borders, airports, or any port of entry. We ensure a smooth process for goods to clear customs upon arrival.

For project trade, especially in sectors like construction or for companies engaged in projects such as expansion or repairs, we assist with material procurement. This includes coordinating the loading process and ensuring timely delivery to the project site or premises.

In the realm of logistics consultancy, we engage with your ideas and plans, providing guidance on cost-saving measures, procurement strategies, and the necessary permits and licenses required for a seamless operation.

Finally, in terms of payment or import document facilitation, even if you handle freight forwarding and customs clearing independently, we can step in to assist with the processing of payments or documentation through the relevant ministry on your behalf.

Given that you are a recent entrant in the industry, we are curious about the competitive landscape. Were there established players or larger companies in the field before you started, and what distinguishes your business in terms of competition?

Competition is inevitable. When you conceive a business idea, there are likely a hundred others with the same notion, and a fraction of them will act on it. So, there is significant competition. However, it is crucial to consider the level at which you are operating. For us, the dynamics shifted during the pandemic, propelling us to a higher echelon. I believe we are now among the top five businesses in our space.

Our success stems from listening to and comprehending our clients’ needs. We have worked to develop effective, efficient, and cost-saving solutions, all while streamlining our processes. Recognizing the challenges faced in Zimbabwe, such as expensive internet access, we have tailored our solutions to make our services more accessible. For instance, although we have a website, we have observed that many clients lack the internet or data to navigate it. Consequently, we conduct much of our business through WhatsApp, utilizing bots integrated with artificial intelligence. This approach not only saves on data costs but also allows clients to interact seamlessly, as much of today’s business activity happens on WhatsApp. So, understanding our client profile and addressing their needs is a key aspect of our strategy.

Could you provide information about the countries you engage or interact with in relation to your business?

We have significant business dealings and collaborations with China, Dubai, the UK, India, and Kenya.

Could you elaborate on the projects you are currently working on?

Currently, we have a collaboration with a property development company. Our role involves facilitating the procurement of construction material supplies from China, and we are managing this aspect for multiple construction firms.

Additionally, we are engaged in a project aimed at integrating small-scale farmers into e-commerce. The goal is to reach out to farmers who lack access to information, the internet, and funding. We see significant opportunities, especially in the realm of exports. Our strategy involves bringing farmers together, establishing hubs where they can pool their resources. We assist in grading, managing exports, and implementing farming practices at a more efficient scale. Incorporating technology is key to enhancing their overall efficiency.

Given the current discussions around “One Africa” and the push for increased intra-Africa trade, we have noticed a gap in information dissemination, particularly regarding the free trade area. Our objective is to address this gap, ensuring that individuals are well-prepared and not left behind as these initiatives unfold.

While there is a notable focus on mining, which is capital-intensive and regulatory-intensive, agriculture offers a more accessible avenue. Through backyard gardens, individuals can engage in agriculture and easily scale up. We aim to empower those currently involved in agriculture, guiding them to be active participants on the international stage.

What other industries do you engage with, aside from the sectors you mentioned earlier?

We are involved in the agriculture sector, and we collaborate with retailers. Given the current state of our economy, there is a significant emphasis on buying and selling, particularly in consumer-driven areas like the food industry and clothing and shoes. So, those are some of the industries we work with.

Could you provide us with an overview of the Zimbabwean economy, from your perspective?

Currently, there is a significant amount of mining activity, with a focus on exporting coal, primarily to China, as well as lithium. However, entering this industry poses challenges due to the substantial capital investment required and the regulatory hurdles one must navigate. On the flip side, a limited number of individuals in the mining sector are benefiting from its current viability.

Conversely, we have a substantial presence of small to medium enterprises, constituting almost 60% of the economy. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this economic activity remains informal, with a considerable amount of money not flowing into the formal banking system. This presents a challenge as the lack of circulation within the formal sector hampers access to funding. A significant amount of money is kept outside the formal channels, making it difficult to access when needed. This is a prevailing challenge within the current economic landscape of Zimbabwe.

Are you the sole proprietor of the company, or are there additional partners or stakeholders involved?

There is one other partner. My sister is my business partner. My sister and I co-founded the business, we initiated the business together and have been developing it collaboratively.

In relation to your projects, where funding and investments or involvement from investors are required, and considering the various projects you mentioned earlier, could you provide details on the specific type of funding, investment, or investors you are currently seeking?

We are developing a model to connect farmers with the international market, and this involves potential infrastructure development. For instance, setting up farmers’ hubs in regions like Mashonaland East or Mashonaland West in Zimbabwe, where significant agricultural activity occurs, will require funding. Additionally, if we aim to establish e-commerce systems, that too will necessitate funding and the expertise to support such a project. So, in essence, our projects require a combination of financial support and technical expertise.

Looking at the medium term, where do you envision Beyond Borders Logistics?

Our goal is to become the go-to logistics company for trade facilitation. We aim to serve as a hub for information, education, and technology development, propelling Zimbabwe onto international trade platforms. Currently, as I mentioned, there is limited discourse around the African Free Trade Agreements, which are actively being implemented in other countries like Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria. Zimbabwe is not yet fully involved. We want to position ourselves to not only welcome other nations to Zimbabwe but also to enable Zimbabwe to proactively engage with countries like Zambia and Kenya. Our focus is on training and educating our people to be active players on the international stage.

We are interested in understanding your inspiration and what drives you. What motivates you in your work, and what is your life philosophy?

What drives me is rooted in my upbringing and the examples set by my parents. I did not come from a privileged background; my father and mother were hard workers. Observing their work ethic and how they navigated challenges, including interactions with relatives during tough times, had a profound impact. As an entrepreneur emerging from such a background, I had to climb up from the bottom. Reflecting on my own journey, I can empathize with those facing even more challenging circumstances. My life philosophy centers around empathy. While some may perceive it as a weakness, I find it essential for understanding and relating to people, enabling me to offer meaningful solutions. I live by the belief that I am never out of options – there is always a next move. Providing solutions is what truly drives me. I firmly believe that life should be manageable, not unnecessarily difficult.

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