Thumeza Q3 2023 Update
Thumeza Newsletter Q3
Welcome to the third newsletter of the year! In this edition we celebrate Thumeza turning two years as a credit provider, we share some important industry developments that can affect your business and as always tips and tricks to help you stay ahead as a logistics operator!
Keeping Up With the AfCFTA
Image by Valentine Muhamba
In August, AfCFTA held its inaugural Youth Symposium In Zambia under the theme “Igniting the Youth for Future in Trade.”
The symposium brought together youth and women with the AfCFTA Secretariat, policymakers, the private sector, and academia to discuss the role of youth in trade, challenges and opportunities as well as recommendations for the implementation of the Protocol of Women and Youth In Trade.
Attendants got to understand the critical role to be played by the youth in the AfCFTA implementation. Discussions bordered around the role of tech, improved access to financing, and policy frameworks by respective governments that support the involvement of youth.
The symposium was a significant stride in the inclusion of African youth in this important development. The onus is on all relevant stakeholders to support this initiative and follow through on the discussions and recommendations. Most importantly young people have an opportunity to be actively and meaningfully involved in the development of the continent.
Why does B2B Lending in Logistics need its own solution?
Source: Lobb
Logistics operators represent a large portion of the revenue earned, as well as movements of cash due to their capital-intensive operations. B2B Lending doesn’t only improve the prospects of transport operators but also benefits the ecosystem that the truckers rely on. These include the fuel industry, servicing and maintenance facilities, and parts suppliers to local governments, regulators et al who collect taxes, tolls, and other fees.
In the recently published white paper authored by our C.E.O., Gugu Siso, we dissect the unique challenges logistics operators face in accessing credit. The paper explores the importance of B2B Lending from Thumeza’s perspective as a Fintech using a loan management platform to provide credit to small-scale transporters. Additionally, we’ll showcase how in today's market, banks, lenders, and transporters themselves can capitalize on the available opportunities in B2B Lending for Logistics. Read more here.
How to keep your credit score high?
Image by Gerd Altmann
In the previous edition, we shared tips on what to do to qualify your business for credit. One of the most essential elements is a high credit score. A high credit score is key in securing the much-needed credit for your business. Let us zero in on ways of keeping your credit score favorably high.
- Make your payments on time: this demonstrates your financial discipline, creditworthiness, and reliability to lenders.
- Regularly check your credit report: this keeps you aware of your credit score and you can troubleshoot any issues faster.
- Do business with reputable and compliant clients and/or suppliers: you must do business with companies that also have good credit scores. You must know the credit scores of your suppliers or clients as their circumstances can affect yours as well.
- Keep your credit utilization low: this is an essential indicator of credit risk. The recommended rate is 30% and below.
- Apply for only credit you need: Applying for multiple credits will negatively affect your score as it makes you look risky to lenders.
- Avoid closing your accounts: a good credit score is based on a good credit history over time. Therefore, keeping your old accounts open will show a lengthy credit history.
The above list is not exhaustive. It is always imperative that as a business you are in tune with your overall financial situation and constantly acquiring more financial knowledge and skills.
Thumeza celebrates 2nd anniversary!
Two years ago, in August 2021, just four months after Thumeza’s rebirth, we made our first disbursal to our first client! The client had just secured a contract with a large FMCG company but was struggling with working capital as the payment timelines ranged between 30-45 days. However, they needed to show capacity as it was their chance to grow.
In the two years we have worked with transporters in similar predicaments, we appreciated not only the extent of the challenges of limited access to credit for small-scale transporters but also the tremendous opportunities that they had to scale. The industry has great potential for growth especially since the AfCFTA promises to create the largest free trade area in the globe.
As we continue with our mandate to financially capacitate small scale transporters, we believe the logistics industry needs tailor made logistics-specific finance solutions. However, our solution is currently available to a fraction of logistics operators who need credit. If you are interested in collaborating with us, contact us at businessdev@thumeza.io and join our network of credit providers powering the movement of goods across Africa.
ESG and the Logistics Sector
Image by pixabay
Africa is poised for long-term growth and development, especially with the implementation of the AfCFTA. The adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) best practices is vital in supporting that trajectory. The transport and logistics sector is currently a major contributor to carbon emissions.
However, it can play a crucial role in ESG targets and adopting environmental sustainability by exploring new ways of reducing emissions and employing efficiency in their operations. A few years ago, ESG seemed like a luxury, but the continued discussions around climate change and other SDGs are indicative of it being mandatory in the future.
As a logistics operator, it’s now crucial to incorporate ESG into your business strategies. ESG not only benefits the environment, but can help businesses improve efficiency through employing sustainable practices.
In South Africa, you can check out JC Auditors which offers ESG certification services tailor-made for the transport and logistics sector.
We would like to hear from you!
Follow us on our social media platforms to keep your finger on the industry pulse. As we continue providing financing, we welcome collaboration with additional partners. You can reach us via email to start the discussion.