China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has committed over $1.4 billion to modernize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), a vital transport link for Zambia’s copper exports to Tanzania’s largest port. TAZARA plays a crucial role in exporting copper and cobalt from Central Africa while offering an alternative route to South Africa’s congested ports. However, years of neglect have left the railway in need of urgent repairs. Negotiations for a 30-year concession
Author: Constance Makungu
Canyon Resources Expands Stake in Camrail to Strengthen Bauxite Logistics
ASX-listed Canyon Resources, through its wholly owned subsidiary Camalco Cameroon, has acquired a 5.3% equity stake in Cameroon’s rail network operator, Camrail, from TotalEnergies Marketing Cameroun (Total Cameroon). The transaction was finalized on March 14, following internal approval from Total Cameroon’s Apex Committee. With this latest acquisition, Camalco now holds a strategic 9.1% stake in Camrail, having previously secured a 3.8% interest from Société d’Exploitation des Bois du Cameroun (SEBC)
Dangote Resumes Plans for Nigeria’s Largest Seaport and Expands Cement Production
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced plans to build Nigeria’s largest seaport at the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ) in Ogun State. He made the revelation on Monday during a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun. “We initially abandoned our investment plans in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, but due to Governor Abiodun’s investor-friendly policies, we are back. We will collaborate with the government to develop the country’s
Ethiopian Airlines and AfDB Partner on $7.8 Billion Bishoftu Airport Project
Ethiopian Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to collaborate on the Bishoftu International Airport Development Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting Ethiopia’s aviation capacity. The agreement was signed by Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew and AfDB Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Strategy, Nnenna Nwabufo, in the presence of AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. With a projected cost of
Mozambican Ports Handle 70,170 Tonnes in 2024 Despite Maputo’s Decline
Mozambican ports handled 70,170 tonnes of cargo in 2024, marking a 10.7% increase from 2023, despite a slight decline in traffic at the Port of Maputo, which accounted for nearly half of the total volume, according to official data compiled by Lusa. Cargo movement at the ports of Beira and Nacala grew by 12.9% and 13.6%, respectively, while Maputo saw a marginal decline of 0.3% compared to the previous year.
DHL and Scania Unveil Hybrid Electric Truck to Bridge Charging Gaps
DHL Group and heavy vehicle manufacturer Scania have partnered to develop an electric truck equipped with a fuel-powered generator, allowing for a transition to battery-electric road transport without relying on a fully developed charging network. While fully electric trucks are the long-term goal for sustainable transport, major challenges include limited charging infrastructure, high costs of ensuring sufficient depot charging capacity during peak seasons, grid strain, and fluctuating electricity prices, especially
BMW Group Launches Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Pilot as Part of H2Haul Project
The BMW Group has acquired two zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell trucks for a pilot project under its European H2Haul programme, aimed at promoting hydrogen power in freight transport. BMW announced last week that the two trucks will operate between Leipzig, Landsberg, and Nuremberg in Germany to assess the practicality of hydrogen fuel technology. Two state-of-the-art hydrogen refuelling stations are being constructed in Leipzig and Hormersdorf to support the initiative. These
Tanzania and Kenya Compete for Hub Status as Port Expansion Drives Regional Growth
Port expansion efforts, both underway and planned, are intensifying competition among operators as they vie for key hub status to support the growing integration of the region into global supply chains. The primary contenders in this race are Tanzania and Kenya. Tanzania’s plans have gained significant momentum with the European Union (EU) investing EUR 15 million into the Tanzania Trade and Transport Improvement Project, which is set to launch in
MSC Reallocates Fleet in Strategic Shift Amid Declining Rates on Asia-North Europe Route
The world’s largest container shipping line, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has decided to withdraw its largest vessels from the Asia-North Europe route in a move that appears to be a strategic realignment of its services. According to Alphaliner, MSC’s megamax vessels, ranging from 19,200 to 24,300 TEUs, will be redeployed to the Asia-Mediterranean and Asia-West Africa trades. Meanwhile, ships averaging around 14,700 TEUs will now service the Asia-North Europe corridor.
South Africa Rises in Global Logistics Index Amid Digital and Infrastructure Advancements
South Africa has risen to 23rd place in the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, marking significant progress in international logistics opportunities and digital transformation initiatives, according to the latest Cargo Movement Update. This improvement highlights growing confidence in the country’s ability to manage efficient supply chain operations in an increasingly dynamic global landscape. The Update, compiled by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders and Business Unity SA, also notes