Africa’s economic resurgence in recent times have been impressive, with the continent now home to seven of the fastest growing economies in the world, making it a top choice for global businesses looking to enter new markets.

In view of this, DHL’s Head of Marketing for DHL Express Sub-Saharan (SSA), Sumesh Rahavendra said that while the growing interest from global parties is beneficial for much-needed foreign investment on the continent, local businesses should also be encouraged to capitalize on the continent’s increasing economic growth.

“The rise of Africa has been well documented over the past decade and has now become one of the biggest frontiers for trade and investment,” said Rahavendra.

He points to recent figures by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which also tells the story of Africa rising. Its latest Regional Economic Outlook: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) April 2014, revealed that real GDP growth in SSA is forecasted at 5.4 percent this year.

The Ernst & Young 2014 Africa Attractiveness survey last week revealed that Africa has become the second-most attractive investment destination in the world, up from the third-from-last position in 2011. In 2013, Africa’s share of global foreign direct investment (FDI) projects reached 5.7 percent, its highest level in a decade.

The 2014 Africa Attractiveness survey revealed that South Africa remained the largest destination for FDI projects, however, countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda, have become more prominent on investor’s radars.

Rahavendra adds that the continent’s competitiveness can be hindered in terms of growing the flow of goods within the continent itself. He identified infrastructure and connectivity as part of the most pressing challenges faced.

DHL, according to him, will therefore focus on infrastructural investments and network in 2014, while understanding that in order to achieve growth, the company needs to ensure it has the best in class facilities.

“The ongoing upgrades to our network operations assist us in meeting these expectations while maintaining our excellent service standard,” Rahavendra said.

He stressed that extensive infrastructure is critical to the effective functioning of an economy coupled with a well-developed network, which is vital for enabling local and global business to transport their goods and services.

According to Rahavendra, the logistics service provider has committed to not only connecting others to one of the world’s biggest frontiers, but to making the rest of the world the next frontier for Africa. DHL Express has therefore increased its retail presence in Sub Saharan Africa to more than 2600 outlets.