Somalia and Ethiopia have announced plans to begin technical negotiations by February next year to resolve tensions surrounding Ethiopia’s proposal to develop a port in Somaliland, the self-declared breakaway region of Somalia. Both nations have committed to concluding these talks within four months. The conflict originated in January when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proposed securing access to a port in Somaliland. In return, Ethiopia would offer Somaliland a stake
Author: Constance Makungu
Freight Train Derailment in Lualaba, DRC, Leaves Five Dead and Dozens Injured
A freight train traveling from Tenke to Lubudi in the Lualaba province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) derailed on Friday, December 13, at 10 p.m., resulting in at least five fatalities and around twenty injuries, according to a provisional report by the Nouvelle Société Civile Congolaise (NSCC) shared with Actualité.cd. The accident also caused significant material damage. The derailment occurred in Kansenia village, located 55 km from Lubudi,
Emirates SkyCargo Launches eQuote to Revolutionize Cargo Services
Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, has launched eQuote, a cutting-edge digital tool designed to enhance customer interactions with the airline’s cargo services. This launch marks a significant milestone in Emirates SkyCargo’s push towards digitization, aiming to improve customer experience, operational efficiency, and flexibility across global markets. Integrated into the e-SkyCargo platform, eQuote provides customers with a 24/7 self-service tool to request and manage spot
AfDB Approves $100 Million Loan for Kigali’s Urban Transport Revamp
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $100 million loan to overhaul Kigali’s urban transport system, aiming to tackle the city’s growing mobility challenges. The “Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project,” finalized on December 2 at AfDB’s headquarters in Abidjan, seeks to create an inclusive, efficient, and safe road network for the city. With a population of 1.7 million, set to double by 2050, Kigali faces congestion, limited public transport
AfDB Disburses $1 Billion to Transnet for Infrastructure Recovery
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has made an initial disbursement of $1 billion to South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, marking a key step in enhancing the continent’s infrastructure. This loan is part of a four-tranche financing agreement approved in mid-2023, supporting Transnet’s ZAR 152.8 billion ($8.1 billion) five-year plan to upgrade critical infrastructure. The funds will address operational issues and strengthen South Africa’s logistics sector, vital to regional and
Long-Distance Truck Drivers Threaten Zambia Border Shutdown Over Visa Policy
Cargo movement through Zambia faces a potential shutdown from December 16 as long-distance transport unions representing foreign truck drivers plan labour action against the government of President Hakainde Hichilema. A letter addressed to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) headquarters in Gaborone outlines the unions’ intentions to enforce a “truck stoppage,” effectively halting operations at all Zambian borders. The dispute stems from recent measures by the Zambian government to tighten
South African Airways Cargo Implements Contingency Plan Amid Pilot Strike
South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) has activated a contingency plan to ensure the movement of cargo on selected routes during the pilot strike that began on Thursday. The strike, initiated by pilots affiliated with the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA), follows a deadlock in wage negotiations. Pilots are demanding a 30% pay hike, while SAA has offered an 8.46% increase. In response to the ongoing strike, SAA Cargo issued a
Zambian Govt Reduces Transit Permit Fees, But Truck Drivers Maintain Protest Plans
The Zambian government has announced a 55% reduction in transit permit fees for international truck drivers, a move aimed at addressing concerns over high costs. However, truck drivers in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have vowed to proceed with their planned protest to block Zambia’s borders on December 16 unless the permits are scrapped entirely. Truck driver unions, including the Professional Drivers Union of Malawi, the United Truck Drivers
Durban DCT Pier 2 Boosts Operational Efficiency with New Diesel-Electric Straddle Carriers
The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 has taken delivery of the first of 20 diesel-electric straddle carriers, marking a significant milestone in its fleet renewal program. The straddle carrier, delivered this week, will undergo assembly and commissioning on-site, with four additional carriers set to be handed over for endurance testing later this month. Full operations are expected to begin in mid-January 2025. This delivery is part of DCT’s ongoing
Enhancing Africa’s Transport and Logistics for a Sustainable Future
A major transport conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa, brought together over 100 experts from 10 African countries. Organized by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport chapters in Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, the conference focused on the theme “Unlocking Sub-Saharan Africa’s Potential: Transforming Transport and Logistics for a Sustainable Future.” The conference centered on addressing the challenges facing Africa’s transport and logistics systems. Teete Owusu, President of the