At africon, we are frequently asked questions by interested companies, organizations, or stakeholders such as, “How does africon create added value?”, “What was the outcome of the project for the client?”, or “Could you tell us more about a sample project?”. We would like to take this opportunity to offer insights into our collaboration with one of our long-standing clients. We interviewed Mr. Volker Oehl, Global Business Development Manager at Bodo Möller Chemie, and asked him to share his experience with africon.
Bodo Möller Chemie, a leading distributor of specialty chemicals, distributes products from renowned chemical companies such as BASF, Dow, DuPont, and Henkel. BMC is an expert in adhesive systems and a partner for electrical casting, composite materials, and tooling. Additives, binders, and colorants ensure high-quality solutions for the production and processing of paints and coatings, plastics, building materials, lubricants, and textiles. Bodo Möller Chemie is experiencing continuous growth and is expanding its global brand and logistics network. The company has 30 locations worldwide and serves customers in more than 60 countries.
Question: What challenges/tasks did you face before you started working with africon?
Mr. Oehl: Although Africa offers many opportunities, the sheer number of countries, diverse key industries, and varying levels of industrialization present significant challenges for business development. This is particularly true in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC has long been active in Egypt, the Maghreb countries, and South Africa. These locations are important centers, but there are also numerous opportunities outside these countries. East and West Africa boast large economies, large populations, and above-average growth.
africon’s support was particularly sought after for sub-Saharan Africa. Investment decisions had to be made based on market insights, the competitive landscape, economic data, and the coverage of African markets by our principals. Since Bodo Möller Chemie sees itself as a globally operating sales arm for specialty chemical products, the geographical gap in sub-Saharan Africa needed to be closed.
Question: Why did you start working with africon?
Mr. Oehl: africon offers attractive services and skills that go far beyond market research. Their presence in Africa and the fact that their consultants have practical work experience in many African countries were important to Bodo Möller Chemie.
Question: In what way did africon support you?
Mr. Oehl: africon provided market data and insights to support communication with principals. In the adhesives sector, for example, a clear overview of the key countries, important market segments, and the competitive landscape was developed. These insights enabled an excellent, robust, data-driven business scenario that facilitated investment decisions.
africon also helped establish a presence in East and West Africa. africon’s assistance enabled BMC to begin sales more quickly in key countries. africon also helped identify suitable personnel, manage the recruitment process, and organize office space for the new employees.
Question: What was the result when comparing the “status quo ante” and the current situation? How has the “footprint” on the continent changed?
Mr. Oehl: BMC has now established itself in sub-Saharan Africa with offices in Kenya and Nigeria, which serve as hubs for the respective regions. This has opened up opportunities for us not only in the target markets, but also far beyond.
BMC started with products for the textile industry and with silicones. Now we are also entering the coatings and plastics industries. With our expanded geographic coverage, we are an extremely attractive partner for our principals and can efficiently serve our local customers.