The recent signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Zambia and Angola marks a pivotal milestone in the development of the Lobito Corridor—one of Africa’s most ambitious and transformative infrastructure initiatives. Witnessed by the highest levels of both governments, the agreement affirms a joint commitment to develop, finance, construct, and operate an 830-kilometre railway from Luacano in Angola to Chingola in Zambia. For decades, Africa’s capacity to independently envision and
Author: Constance Makungu
Singapore and Rotterdam Deepen Collaboration to Advance Green and Digital Shipping Corridor
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Port of Rotterdam have renewed their commitment to the Rotterdam–Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor through a new cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation. Launched in 2022, the 15,000-kilometre corridor has become a key initiative in the global push for greener shipping. It now includes 28 partners across the container shipping value chain, all working to deploy sustainable
SA Cargo Streamlines Ro-Ro Operations at Key Car Terminals to Boost Efficiency
SA Cargo has expanded its roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) services to directly access vehicle terminals in Durban, Gqeberha, and East London, aiming to streamline vehicle movement and improve operational efficiency. “This strategic extension allows us to drive units directly through the terminal without unnecessary stops,” said branch manager Denzil Reddy. “It enhances our control over the vehicle flow for both imports and exports, ensuring a smoother transition from vessel to yard.”
DHL Suspends Shipments to the U.S. Amid New Customs Regulations
DHL has announced a suspension of certain shipments to the United States in response to a significant shift in U.S. customs regulations. The change, effective from Monday, April 21, primarily affects business-to-consumer (B2C) parcels destined for private individuals with a declared value exceeding $800. The adjustment follows the U.S. government’s decision to lower the threshold for formal customs clearance from $2,500 to $800. This regulatory change has substantially increased the
Henties Bay Launches Biotechnology Venture to Manage Seal Population and Boost Exports
Henties Bay has launched a biotechnology venture valued at over 250 million Namibian dollars, aimed at providing a sustainable, long-term solution for managing Namibia’s growing seal population. The project, led by the start-up Vigor Biotechnology, is set to create jobs and has strong export potential for the fishing hamlet located about 100 kilometers north of the Port of Walvis Bay. The initiative will unfold in three phases, starting with the
Richards Bay Port Breaks Record with 30 Million Tonnes of Freight Handled
The Port of Richards Bay has set a new milestone, handling 30 million tonnes of freight in the past financial year, surpassing its 27 million-tonne target for the bulk and multi-purpose terminals. Thula Dlamini, Managing Executive for Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) at Richards Bay, expressed pride in the achievement, crediting the team’s dedication and hard work. “We are very excited about this accomplishment. The team has worked harder, smarter, and
Cape Town Container Terminal Begins Assembly of New High-Speed Gantry Cranes
The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has received components for the first of nine new rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, part of a fleet of 28 being supplied by original equipment manufacturer Liebherr Africa. Assembly of the cranes has already commenced onsite. CTCT stated that the investment will significantly benefit agricultural producers and regional exporters by improving efficiency and resilience in cargo handling operations. Equipped with advanced anti-sway technology, the new
Wage Dispute Escalates as Untu Threatens Strike Action Against Transnet
The United National Transport Union (Untu) has warned of imminent industrial action that could cripple port operations and cost South Africa’s economy billions, following the collapse of wage negotiations with Transnet. Untu General Secretary Cobus van Vuuren announced on Monday evening that talks for the 2025/26 wage agreement had officially reached a deadlock. Attempts at conciliation through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) failed to yield a resolution.
Port Elizabeth Terminal Boosts Efficiency with New R240 Million Ship-to-Shore Crane
The Port Elizabeth Container Terminal has strengthened its operations with the acquisition of a new state-of-the-art ship-to-shore crane valued at R240 million, Transnet announced. The crane, supplied by original equipment manufacturer Liebherr Africa, replaces a unit that had served for over 35 years and reached the end of its operational life. This move is part of Transnet’s broader equipment replacement strategy to ensure reliability and improved service delivery. According to
President Ramaphosa to Assess Port Operations and Strengthen Governance in Eastern Cape
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to conduct an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape this week, where he will engage with the Provincial Executive Committee and receive a comprehensive briefing on the Port of Ngqura. The visit will begin on Tuesday with a presentation by Transnet leadership on the operational status of the port. As one of South Africa’s newest deep-water ports, Ngqura is designed for high-efficiency container handling and