CSX Customer Services, a group company of JSE-listed Metrofile Holdings, has announced the official opening of its first branch in Windhoek, Namibia on 1 September 2014, as part of its stated African expansion strategy.
The 2013 Positive Peace Index ranks Namibia as the second best governed country in Africa, with a GDP of $13-billion and a GDP growth rate of 5% in 2012.
According to Mario Martins, Managing Director of CSX Customer Services, the opening of the new office in Namibia is indicative of the company’s faith in the country’s strong business growth and governance. This extension of our South African footprint will allow us to service our existing business base in Windhoek, with plans to expand to other regions in Namibia as well.”
The increased presence is part of a broad program of investment the company is making across Africa through the creation of new facilities, offices, increased staffing, sales and marketing support, says Martins. “The company’s expansion plans into the African market, are fundamental to the business’ growth objectives.”
He says the new office will provide the same services as its South African arm of the company, which will include the supply, installation and support of business solutions that are aimed at creating greater business efficiencies for companies in various niche markets. “The office will also provide technical support, sales support and will hold spares locally, where these are required.”
Kobus van der Merwe, Africa Sales Manager at CSX Customer Services, will head up the Windhoek branch and will work closely with financial and administrative support teams based in Johannesburg.
“We believe that Kobus’ understanding of both the local and African business environments is an integral part of the success of this expansion,” says Martins. “As the business develops and the demand for our services grows, we will be hiring additional local resources and possibly a branch administrator.
“We are confident that the expansion into the Namibian market will not be our last, with the possibility of additional CSX Customer Services branches to be opened in Botswana and Mozambique in the near future,” concludes Martins.
