Supporting Customer Growth Across Sub-Saharan Africa

Faced with a growing client base and increased demand for their high-end medical devices and ancillaries, a South African surgical ophthalmic distributor, reached out to Oximio for support in satisfying their own customers’ needs.

The Challenge

Supporting eye care services across the region, they faced several operational and regulatory challenges as they worked to expand their presence, particularly in Kenya and surrounding countries. These included:

• Cross-border logistics complexities
• The need to register certain medical devices in Kenya
• A requirement for localised support in managing imports, warehousing, and last-mile distribution

To meet these challenges, it was essential to secure the help of a trusted logistics and regulatory partner capable of navigating complex cross-border issues, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and facilitating efficient distribution across multiple markets. They reached out to Oximio to explore a strategic partnership that could streamline their operations, support regulatory compliance, and provide scalable logistical solutions. This vital collaboration would serve as a key pillar in their growth strategy across sub-Saharan Africa.

Why Partner with Oximio?

Oximio’s comprehensive suite of services made it the ideal partner for our customer. Our strategic presence in East Africa, coupled with our deep regulatory knowledge and proven expertise in healthcare logistics, positioned us as the perfect solution provider for their needs. Our customer was impressed with the professionalism of Oximio’s operational and project management teams and our ability to solve complex logistical and regulatory challenges to global standards.

The Solution

Oximio provided a suite of tailored services that directly addressed our customer’s unique challenges. These included:

1. Local Technical Representative (LTR) Services:
   Acting as the company’s regulatory representative in Kenya, Oximio took charge of managing the product registration process, ensuring full compliance with the Kenyan Pharmacy and Poisons Board. This allowed our customer to focus on expanding their product offerings while we handled the intricacies of regulatory approval.
   
   
2. Bonded Warehouse Services:
   We provided bonded warehousing, allowing our customer to import products in bulk without incurring taxes upfront. Taxes are only paid when products are released for local use, which improved cash flow and operational efficiency. This also supported the customer’s goal of using Kenya as a regional distribution hub for the wider Sub-Saharan market.
   
   
3. Cross-Border Transit Logistics:
   Oximio offered streamlined cross-border logistics, managing shipments directly from the customer’s depot in South Africa to their customers in Kenya. We handled all aspects of import documentation, transportation, and customs clearance, ensuring timely delivery without costly delays.
   
   
4. Scalable Storage Solutions:
   As the demand for products grew, we were able to provide scalable storage options that allowed our customer to store large quantities of ophthalmic devices efficiently. This flexibility enabled them to break bulk and distribute products quickly to various clients across Kenya.
   
   
5. Importer of Record (IOR) Services:
   Oximio took responsibility for all import documentation, ensuring seamless customs clearance and compliance with all import regulations. This allowed the customer to operate with minimal friction and focus on their core business.

The Outcome: Growth & Operational Efficiency

The strategic partnership with Oximio has led to tangible benefits for our customer:

• Regulatory Compliance in Kenya: Our expertise in navigating the regulatory landscape helped the company achieve a solid foothold in Kenya, enabling them to expand their product offerings with confidence.
  
  
• Streamlined Cross-Border Distribution: Efficient logistics solutions significantly reduced delays and costs associated with cross-border transportation and customs clearance.
  
  
• Cost Savings and Efficiency: By leveraging Oximio’s bonded warehouse services and import management, the company was able to minimise upfront costs and reduce customs delays, improving overall operational efficiency.
  
  
• Regional Expansion: The customer is now well-positioned to grow its presence across East and sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing brand visibility and strengthening relationships with clients in multiple markets.

This partnership is a clear demonstration of Oximio’s commitment to providing scalable, tailored and compliant logistics solutions that support the growth and success of healthcare companies across the continent. Through our expertise in logistics, regulatory compliance, and warehousing, we have helped our customer not only meet their immediate operational needs but also set the stage for long-term success in the region.

Oximio in Africa

To find out how our end-to-end supply chain solutions can support your clinical trials within Africa, explore our full range of clinical trial logistic services within the region.

With a network of wholly owned and partner depots, we are able to further support your clinical research from Africa – and into Europe, North America, LATAM, MENA and Asia.

Why not contact us today to discuss your requirements. We’d be delighted to partner with you on your next clinical trial.

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