Prosper Logistics flexes muscles in competitive market

Prosper Logistics, a citizen owned logistics company plans to become one of the market leaders in the fast growing industry, which for years has been dominated by South African firms. Speaking to Botswana Guardian recently, one of the founders of the company, Tirelo Mooketsi disclosed they formed the business after experiencing difficulties in transport services needed by one of their businesses in the meat industry.

“One of the reasons we decided to establish Prosper Logistics was to be in a position to control transportation prices charged to our butcheries business. Some of the prices being charged by our fellow competitors are too prohibit. In the past, we have experienced delays in the transportation of meats from abattoirs due to some inefficient services providers. The formation of this subsidiary has solved this. Now that we have this logistics business, we have ensured money remains in the group unlike in the past,” Mooketsi elaborated.

The business is partly self-funded, while the other start-up capital was from a leading commercial bank, disclosed Mooketsi. At present, Prosper Logistics, which is based in the densely populated Mogoditshane, offers a range of services which are transportation of cattle from farms to abattoirs, refrigerated meats, goods from hardware stores, households and electronic goods, foodstuff, industrial goods, among others. Mooketsi explained that his company provides such services at an individual and corporate level.

The serial entrepreneur has explained that, coming from humble beginnings, they have come to understand that quality services and timely delivery of goods plays a major role in the sustainability of any business, Prosper Logistics included. “No one wants to be disappointed after paying money for goods,” said Mooketsi, as a matter of fact. He explained that, during the less than two years they have been in operation, they have also learnt that dedicated and highly trained staff members are crucial for business growth and sustainability.

According to the Prosper Logistics director, offering of competitive prices is also important to grow and retain clients. Most importantly, Prosper Logistics goods, which are in transit are insured. Despite the seemingly success story of Property Logistics, Mooketsi is quick to acknowledge there are a number of hurdles in the industry which need to be addressed. “There is lack of unity among us citizen companies, unlike those coming from other countries.

We have to cooperate and collaborate more as citizen logistics companies,” he stated. Occasional breakdowns can also be a major challenge, especially to aged trucks.

Mooketsi has disclosed that, going into the future the company plans to purchase more trucks to meet demand. “Eventually, we want to expand into the transportation of petroleum,” he said confidently. He explained that Botswana Oil, as a National Oil Company, has ensured the smooth entry of citizen truck owners into the lucrative industry.

Prosper Logistics also wants to enter the risky, yet profitable transportation of transportation of frozen fish from Mozambique, South Africa and Namibian ports. For this market, the company plans to procure a tri-axle truck, which is self-refrigerated, can carry frozen goods over long periods of time. “Of course, these specialised trucks are expensive,” said Mooketsi.