Rogers Group Targets East and Southern Africa for Exponential Growth
Rogers Group is actively pursuing its gradual internationalisation strategy in promising markets abroad, with a particular focus on Africa.
Rogers Group has, over the years, expanded its reach beyond Mauritius into the region and internationally. For the Mauritian-born Group, with offices in 14 countries, growth opportunities often go hand in hand with strengthening its existing operations in countries with high growth potential and exploring new territories to expand its presence in strategic markets. The most recent endeavour was carried out by Velogic, one of Rogers’ subsidiaries in the logistics segment, through the acquisition of Rongai Workshop & Transport Ltd, a road transport company in Kenya.
The acquisition will enable Velogic, Rogers’ logistics arm, to expand its geographical footprint on the African continent. This allows benefits from the growth prospects that this promising market offers.
In addition, the imminent opening of a branch of Rogers Capital – Technology (the Finance & Technology segment) in Rwanda demonstrates Rogers’ commitment to positioning itself in emerging markets in Africa, where economic growth is strong. This strategic location will allow Rogers to strengthen its regional presence by offering innovative solutions adapted to local needs.
At the same time, the representation of two new airlines, TAAG from Angola and Vistara from India, allows Rogers Aviation, the Travel segment, to broaden its reach in booming international markets and in Mauritius.
“With a presence in 14 countries, our strategy is to identify growth opportunities to strengthen our activities in those countries,” says Philippe Espitalier-Noël, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rogers Group.
“The acquisition of Rongai Workshop & Transport Ltd in Kenya, the representation of Vistara, and the upcoming opening of a branch of Rogers Capital Technology in Rwanda are concrete examples of our commitment to positioning ourselves in these emerging high-growth markets by offering cutting-edge solutions meeting local and international needs,” adds the CEO.
Velogic strengthens its presence in Kenya
Operating in Kenya since 2016, Velogic, an integrated international logistics operator encompassing all logistics activities of the Rogers Group for nearly 60 years, has recently acquired Rongai Workshop & Transport Ltd, a renowned transport and logistics company in Kenya.
The objective is to strengthen its footprint in a country that is currently one of the high-growth markets.
As the second-largest road transport company in the country in terms of territorial reach, Rongai Workshop & Transport Ltd is also highly regarded. It has built a material and reputational capital in the Kenyan economic landscape, partly thanks to its expertise in tea transport. With 75 years of presence in Kenya, 270 employees, and a hundred vehicles, the company posted a turnover of Rs 80 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2022.
The synergies with Rongai will enable Velogic, which now boasts a fleet of 160 vehicles in Kenya, to offer a broader range of logistics services, and to expand its customer base and transport network in this region of the African continent.
Vistara and Taag, a pool of travellers for Rogers Aviation
Headquartered in Mauritius, Rogers Aviation has been active for more than seven decades in the travel and aviation industry. The company is pursuing its local and international development, having secured the representation of Vistara. This Indian airline will serve Mauritius from March 26 onwards, five times a week.
This representation also extends to Vistara’s domestic Indian market via Mumbai, with increased connectivity to international destinations such as the Maldives, Thailand, Singapore, and Colombo. Leveraging Rogers Aviation’s expertise, this collaboration with Vistara expands the portfolio of international and Mauritius-based airline representation (General Sales Agent) of this subsidiary of Rogers’ Hospitality & Travel segment.
Last September, Rogers Aviation obtained the representation of TAAG Angolan Airlines, a company it has represented in Mozambique since 2017. This is after opening new offices in Bedfordview, South Africa – where the company has a significant foothold, particularly in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
This representation also reinforced Rogers Aviation’s portfolio of airlines in South Africa. Which already includes four airlines in the country – Air Seychelles, LATAM (a South American company), Air Austral, and Air Mauritius (Cargo).
