Africa: Construction to commence on the Liberia Inland Storage Facility
Developed by CPCS acting on behalf of InfraCo Africa, this 4,600m² facility near the Freeport of Monrovia is the perfect storage and logistics solution for businesses in Liberia.
InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and Global Logistics Services Inc (GLS) have signed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract with Liberian contractor, BMC Group, for construction to commence on the Liberia Inland Storage Facility (LISF). As the majority shareholder of this project, InfraCo Africa tasked CPCS to develop Liberia’s first open-access commercial warehousing facility and operations.
By incorporating flexible storage space, state-of-the-art inventory management systems and time-efficient loading and offloading, the CPCS-developed LISF will allow businesses to optimize their supply chains. This helps minimize stock wastage and damage, which in turn reduces overall costs to end consumers.
“The LISF will provide businesses of all sizes with access to much-needed storage and sophisticated warehouse management systems, enabling them to drive efficiencies and grow their businesses,” says Gilles Vaes, CEO of InfraCo Africa. “By facilitating trade, the LISF will promote wider economic development as Liberia seeks to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“With our colleagues at CPCS, we look forward to working with our local teams at GLS and BMC Group to progress the build programme ahead of Liberia’s rainy season,” continues Gilles.
“Working on behalf of InfraCo Africa and GLS, we are thrilled to have sourced and led the development of the LISF,” echoes Amit Modi, co-Managing Director of CPCS’s infrastructure development advisory team. “The project will support local SMEs in accessing storage solutions and value-added services that will create tremendous leverage in securing their supply chain and business growth.”
A renewable solution promising growth in multiple sectors
Capital funding worth US $360,000 provided by PIDG’s Technical Assistance program (PIDG TA) opened the door to a rooftop solar-hybrid system, which will serve as the primary source of power to the LISF. The rooftop solar energy system will maximize energy efficiency, reduce overall dependence on diesel and cut carbon emissions. This energy system may even be replicable for similar facilities in the region.
GLS Group Chief Executive Officer Peter Malcolm King emphasizes the importance of the project and its potential impact on several key sectors including agribusiness, fast-moving consumer goods and e-commerce.
“The shareholders of the LISF are cognizant of the infrastructure deficiency in key growth sectors of the Liberian economy, specifically transport and logistics, and have combined resources to address the gap and support the country’s economic revitalisation,” King says. “We are very excited about the commencement of its construction and we hope that through this commitment, we can support the central government’s plans around food security – a critical component of national security. To date, the LISF has attracted significant interest from leading companies across multiple sectors in Liberia.”
With the African Continental Free Trade Area coming into effect on the Jan. 1 2021, access to the LISF will position Liberian businesses to benefit from integrated trade across the continent.
The World Bank’s Liberia Economic Update identifies essential trade and market activities as the foundation of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. By offering short and longer-term storage space for businesses and consignments of all varieties and sizes, the LISF is ideal for meeting market needs. The facility is likely to provide significant benefits as Liberia emerges from the economic impact of the pandemic. Over time, the project plans to further tailor its facilities to match changing demands.
The LISF is expected to become operational in 2021.
About CPCS
CPCS is a management consulting firm that advises infrastructure leaders on challenges specific to transportation, power and public-private partnerships. The company is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices across Africa and globally.
About InfraCo Africa
InfraCo Africa seeks to alleviate poverty by mobilizing private investment into high-quality infrastructure projects in Sub-Saharan Africa’s poorest countries. It addresses the risks and costs of early-stage project development: funding teams of experienced developers and providing risk capital to those projects which need the financial commitment and leverage that InfraCo Africa can bring.
About GLS Group
GLS was borne out of the need to build an integrated logistics solution for organizations and projects operating in the region. The company’s strategy is focused on developing, owning and operating key assets for supply chain optimization in the markets it operates. GLS Group is emerging as a leading logistics player across the West African region with services in global freight forwarding, trucking, storage and warehousing, shipping and aviation.
About BMC Group
BMC Group is Liberia’s leading contracting and consulting company. It is engaged in diverse business activities such as engineering consultancy, contracting and the supplying of building materials. BMC Group has extensive construction and management experience and provides its clients with experienced architects, knowledgeable engineers and professional, reliable craftsmen.
For business opportunities, contact Amit Modi. Write us at hello@cpcs.ca.
