OMA Group has been in operation for some time, but OMA Logistics Senegal was established more recently in December 2015. Can you provide an introduction to the Senegal arm of the group?

OMA Logistics Senegal is a third-party logistics provider with three business units: shipping, logistics, and oil and gas. Our shipping division handles maritime activities and serves as a support unit for oil and gas operations. We also specialize in freight forwarding, facilitating the import and export of spare parts essential to the oil and gas industry. In addition to our strong capabilities in the oil and gas sector, we are well-positioned to support the entire mining industry in Senegal.

Many service companies have diversified from oil and gas into mining due to certain synergies. How significant is the opportunity for OMA Logistics Senegal in the mining sector?

There are numerous processes in both mining and onshore oil and gas that share similarities or are quite similar. The primary difference lies in offshore operations, where logistics become more complex. However, by leveraging our expertise in onshore oil and gas, we are confident that we can deliver the same high-quality services to the mining sector.

We anticipate significant growth in our workforce and presence in Senegal in line with expected developments in the oil and gas sector. With a focus on recruiting qualified and experienced Senegalese staff, we envision a substantial increase in our workforce size over the next five years.

What sets OMA Logistics Senegal apart from larger logistics providers and shipping companies?

Despite being relatively young in Senegal, we heavily invest in our people. As a result, our employees possess considerable experience and expertise in handling our business operations.

Furthermore, it’s not the size of the operation that matters to OMA. We prioritize our ability to attentively listen to our customers’ needs, adopt a flexible approach to finding smart and cost-effective solutions, and provide quick responses. We aim to contribute to the growth and development of our customers’ businesses, positioning ourselves as their preferred partner in Senegal.

Could you outline some of the services that OMA Logistics Senegal offers to mining companies?

Currently, OMA Logistics Senegal offers the mining sector a comprehensive range of shipping, logistics, and sector-specific support services tailored for the energy market. Our focus is to fully understand our customers’ needs and determine the most effective ways to meet their requirements.

Mining companies often highlight logistics as one of the biggest challenges when operating in Africa. What measures are being taken to improve infrastructure in the country?

While the government may not provide direct financial contributions to companies involved in infrastructure development, they generally offer supportive rules and regulations for such initiatives.

Sustainability and environmental consciousness are also crucial factors to consider when developing infrastructure. In addition to government encouragement, we must adhere to certain parameters to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Furthermore, we are actively working towards obtaining two ISO certifications – ISO 9001 and the new ISO 45001 – by October 2018.

Do you have a final message for the mining industry?

We view providing services to the mining sector as a natural extension of our existing operations in the oil and gas industry, not only in Senegal but also across the wider West African region. By cultivating close customer relationships locally and internationally through our overseas network, we can quickly identify the precise needs and expectations of our customers and deliver added value to mining operators in Senegal.

By placing the customer at the heart of everything we do, we can adapt rapidly and provide innovative solutions that are essential for the growth of our customers’ businesses. Ultimately, we strive to be a small part of their success.