1. Could you start by introducing Velogic Holding Company and outlining its core activities in logistics and supply chain management?
We focus primarily on logistics rather than supply chain management. It’s our clients who generally manage their whole supply chains, while they outsource the logistics to us. Velogic is the largest Mauritian logistics company, employing around 1,500 people across five countries. Mauritius is our main base and home to our head office, with half of our workforce located there. Our second-largest operation is in Kenya with about 500 employees. We’ve had offices in Madagascar for over 30 years, currently employing around 150 people, and we also have own operations in Réunion, India and since last year, Tanzania
Our annual turnover is about USD 90 million, with half of that generated in Mauritius. We handle the full spectrum of logistics there, freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, road haulage, container storage, ship agency, and a sugar packing plant. In our other locations, we typically do freight forwarding, the logistics activity Velogic started with some 60 years back. In Kenya, we also have a sizable road haulage operation and offer warehousing and distribution services.
2. Mauritius has positioned itself as a gateway for trade into Africa and the Indian Ocean region. How does Velogic leverage this strategic location to support regional and international clients?
Cross-border logistics is in our DNA. We’ve always been involved in moving goods in and out of Mauritius for both imports and exports of our clients. We have a strong network of freight forwarding agents worldwide, ensuring we can operate wherever trade is active.
We’re based in the Freeport as a freeport developer and logistics services provider, which, similar to Dubai’s model, was created to promote regional trade. While Mauritius doesn’t have the same scale due to its geographic location, slightly off the main maritime routes compared to Dubai, the potential is significant. The government’s vision has long been to develop Mauritius as a trade hub. For that, our port infrastructure needs to expand to attract major shipping lines and enable more transshipment opportunities which in turn will offer additional maritime connectivity.
There are already companies taking advantage of Mauritius’ trade agreements with Africa, such as SADC and COMESA. For example, one of our clients,a Dubai-based company, manufactures PET bottles here for the African market. With improved connectivity, we can further capitalize on trade agreements not only with Africa but also with India, China, and the UAE.
3. What sets Velogic apart in a competitive logistics market, and how do you ensure reliability and efficiency across your operations?
Our main advantage is that we provide the full range of logistics services under one roof, a true one-stop ‘logistics’ shop. Clients can entrust us with their goods from origin to final destination. We handle exports, imports, warehousing, customs, road transport, everything. This allows our clients to focus on their core business, while we manage the logistics. Many competitors specialize in just one part of the chain, but we offer end-to-end solutions.
4. The logistics sector is rapidly evolving with technology and automation. How is Velogic integrating digital tools to optimize operations and enhance customer service?
Logistics is essentially about managing movement of goods, on ships, planes, or trucks if not for storage. What differentiates one logistics provider from another is the quality of information provided to clients. Customers want real-time updates on their shipments, and that requires robust IT systems.
We’ve invested heavily in digital tools to track and trace shipments and keep clients informed. Automation also boosts productivity by reducing paperwork, everything is increasingly digitized, even customs procedures. This not only speeds up operations but also improves safety and traceability. Working with international partners means we must stay up to date with global standards and ensure system compatibility.
5. Sustainability is increasingly critical in logistics. How is Velogic implementing environmentally responsible practices such as green transportation and energy-efficient warehouses?
We depend heavily on our partners, airlines and shipping lines, for transportation, and they are making significant progress with sustainable fuels such as SAF for aviation. As they reduce emissions, our carbon footprint decreases too.
For areas under our control, like trucking, we’ve long focused on reducing fuel consumption through driver training and proper maintenance. Electric trucks aren’t yet viable in our region, but we’re watching that space closely.
We also generate our own electricity through solar panels installed on our warehouses, and we’ve drastically reduced paper usage through automation. Internally, we promote recycling by collecting PET bottles and used cooking oil from our staff for proper disposal.
Our sustainability efforts have been recognized, Velogic won the PricewaterhouseCoopers Sustainability Award in both 2023 and 2024, as well as a government environmental award in 2024 for the transport sector.
6. Mauritius has been attracting significant foreign investment. How do your services support multinational corporations and import-export businesses navigating the local and regional logistics landscape?
Cross-border logistics is our core expertise. For any company setting up in Mauritius, especially manufacturers or traders, we provide full import-export support. We manage all documentation, permits, and customs procedures in addition to transportation services. Velogic operates one of the largest customs clearing houses in Mauritius, with over 60 years of experience.
We offer the same expertise in other countries where we operate, Madagascar, Kenya, India, Tanzania and Réunion, helping clients seamlessly integrate into local and regional markets.
7. The UAE and Gulf countries are key trading partners for Mauritius. Do you see opportunities to strengthen logistic partnerships and trade flows with the Gulf region?
The Gulf region isn’t yet a major trading partner if petroleum products are excluded, but it has strong potential. Currently, our main import partners are China and India, while we export mainly to Europe, US and South Africa. However, there’s growing interest in developing ties with the UAE, especially for products like sugar and garments.
In many cases, Mauritian-made branded garments go to Europe before being re-exported to the Gulf, this is an area where direct trade could be developed. Beyond that, the UAE’s expertise in property development and logistics could be very valuable for Mauritius as we expand our infrastructure and port capabilities.
8. Velogic also provides end-to-end solutions for e-commerce and high-value shipments. How are you adapting your offerings to meet the demands of fast-growing online retail markets?
E-commerce is a complex and evolving space. Governments are now trying to regulate online trade more effectively, as traditional retailers have to pay tax and duties that many e-commerce sellers previously avoided.
We represent UPS in the region, so we handle all courier operations and e-commerce shipments for them. Volumes surged during COVID-19 but have since stabilized. One major challenge for online retailers is handling return shipments, that’s where we provide logistical support, as we already have the infrastructure and expertise to manage these flows efficiently.
9. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers about Velogic’s expansion and Mauritius’ potential as a dynamic logistics and trade hub in the Indian Ocean?
I’d like to highlight two things. First, for any company looking to establish trading or manufacturing operations in Mauritius, Velogic is here as a strong and experienced logistics partner with over 60 years experience in the field. Second, for logistics companies seeking reliable partners in the Indian Ocean region, Mauritius, Réunion, Madagascar, Kenya, India, we are ready to collaborate. The region holds great potential, and Velogic is well-positioned to support its growth.
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