Automation company Apco seeks internationalization across Africa
Apco Ltd, the automation and security company, has set its sights on internationalization in North and South Africa and is already successfully working in Ghana, Algeria, and Morocco with retail solutions for major brands.
Managing Director Benson Bosman, who moved to Malta from his native South Africa four years ago, says the company is in the process of appointing a channel partner in South Africa tasked with showcasing its portfolio of innovative products and solutions to select customers. Apco Ltd represents world-leading financial and retail technology brands and has marketed and implemented highly sophisticated systems in Malta.
“Across Africa, there are significant opportunities in the retail space,” Mr Bosman explains. “South Africa alone is a multi-billion dollar market, growing at around two per cent per annum. Its retail sector is among the top 30 consumer markets in the world. Africa as a whole is still considered an emerging market. Locally we have been particularly successful with the operators of major franchises and our approach is very effective. Eventually, our aim is to establish a base with service teams on the ground in collaboration with our brand partners.”
Committed to injecting innovation and added value in the retail sphere, Apco Ltd deploys automated systems to elevate customer experience, enhance in-store journeys and seamless payment procedures through self-service opportunities. Its portfolio includes a host of solutions to speed up staff shift changes, reduce cash handling and improve interaction with customers.
Apco Ltd comprises a highly specialized team focused on diverse automation solutions and high-end security hardware and software. The company serves a diverse array of customers and maintains a solid industry presence in retail, banking, fuel, and security. Apco Ltd’s foremost partners include Diebold Nixdorf, Thales, Gilbarco Veeder-Root, Banking Automation, Verifone, Gunnebo, Pacom and many others.
“Some of our brand partners place Malta in the same commercial grouping as North and Southern Africa,” Mr Bosman continues. “This in itself is an advantage as we are able to approach their global clients in partnership with them. We are confident our reputation and service track record will travel very well. In the longterm we will also examine these markets for other opportunities in banking, fuel and security.”
In Malta, Apco Ltd serves the banking sector with automation systems for customer touchpoints and is taking ATMs to the next level of digitization, reducing dependence on tellers inside bank premises. Its dedicated team is able to implement various cash and card solutions, self-service kiosks, online services and mobile applications rapidly and costeffectively.
The company is also heavily invested in leading the way to bring additional card services and functionality to fuel station forecourts with customized software, developed in collaboration with its sister company, Apco Systems, the operator of the market leading payment gateway platform ApcoPay.
As a provider of best-in-class physical security systems including safes, CCTV, access control, and barriers to entry, Apco Ltd is also venturing into the latest drone security technology.
Apco Ltd is part of Harvest, the technology group within Hili Ventures Ltd.