Ethiopian Airlines Expands Influence in Central Africa with Air Congo Fleet Upgrade and New ATR 72-600s Ethiopian Airlines is accelerating its strategic expansion across Africa—this time by reinforcing its presence in Central Africa through Air Congo, the young Congolese carrier in which it holds a 49% stake. While Ethiopian continues to increase its investments and aircraft orders, it is steadily consolidating regional influence through this growing partnership. Before its major
Author: Constance Makungu
China, Zambia, and Tanzania Seal $1.4 Billion Deal to Modernise TAZARA Railway
China Signs $1.4B Agreement to Upgrade TAZARA Railway, Boosting Zambia–Tanzania Trade Route China has signed a $1.4-billion agreement with Zambia and Tanzania to modernise the TAZARA railway, a strategic transport corridor linking landlocked Zambia to the Indian Ocean. Originally financed and built by China in the 1970s, the TAZARA railway has long served as a vital route for copper exports and fuel imports through Tanzania. The upgrade is widely viewed
Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous Partner to Pioneer Drone-Powered Cargo Solutions
Emirates SkyCargo Teams Up with LODD Autonomous to Launch Next-Generation Drone Cargo by 2027 Emirates SkyCargo and Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, marking a significant step toward developing next-generation drone-powered cargo solutions. The agreement, signed by Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, and Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous, will see both companies
Emirates Group Partners with OpenAI to Revolutionize Aviation with AI
Emirates Group Teams Up with OpenAI to Integrate AI Across Airline Operations Emirates Group has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI to accelerate the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence across its airline operations. As part of the collaboration, Emirates will implement ChatGPT Enterprise organization-wide, supported by tailored AI literacy programs, technical exploration initiatives, and executive strategic alignment. The initiative is designed to embed AI capabilities throughout the company, from
Train Service Between Kananga and Lubumbashi Resumes Ahead of Schedule
Congo’s SNCC Restores Kananga–Lubumbashi Train Service Earlier Than Planned Train service between Kananga (Kasaï Central) and Lubumbashi (Haut-Katanga) officially resumed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, according to Emmanuel Kalonji, Director of the North Region Department at the National Railway Company of Congo (SNCC). Originally planned for November 15, the reopening was moved forward following a meeting with local business leaders.“Our customers could not wait any longer. After consultation, we decided
Africa’s Aviation Growth Accelerates as Ethiopia and Senegal Order 20 Boeing 737 MAX Jets
Ethiopia and Senegal Place Multi-Billion-Dollar Boeing 737 MAX Orders to Modernise Fleets and Expand Global Reach, Ethiopia and Senegal have placed a multi-billion-dollar order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, marking a major step toward modernising their fleets and expanding capacity across regional and international routes. The deals, unveiled during the Dubai Airshow, signal renewed momentum for Boeing in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. Air Senegal Commits to
Emirates and Air Canada Extend Alliance to 2032
Emirates and Air Canada Extend Strategic Partnership to 2032, Expanding Global Connectivity and Cargo Operations Emirates and Air Canada have announced a major expansion and early renewal of their strategic partnership, extending their cooperation until 2032. The strengthened agreement builds on the success of their collaboration since 2022, which has already connected more than 550,000 passengers across 56 codeshare routes spanning Canada, the United States, Dubai, and key global destinations.
Angola Enhances Lobito Corridor for Regional Transport and Trade
Angola Signs Agreement to Boost Lobito Corridor as Regional Transport, Trade, and Logistics Hub Angola has taken a significant step in asserting its role as a key player in regional transport and trade, following the signing of an agreement on Monday in Luanda between the Angolan Government and the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (AFTTCL). The agreement establishes the opening of a representation of the Agency in Angola. The
Angolan President Hails Lobito Corridor as a Game-Changer for Africa’s Trade and Economic Growth
Lobito Corridor Positioned as Strategic Infrastructure Project to Boost African Trade and Industrialization Angolan President and African Union Chairperson João Lourenço has described the Lobito Corridor as a “game-changer” for Africa’s trade and economic growth, calling it a model for turning the continent’s ambitious infrastructure plans into reality. Speaking at the Financing Summit on Logistics in Luanda, themed “Capital, Corridors, Trade: Investing in Infrastructure for the AfCFTA and Shared Prosperity”,
Benin Launches Africa Logistics Zone to Transform Cotonou into West Africa’s Premier Trade Hub
Africa Logistics Zone Debuts in Benin, Advancing Cotonou’s Role as a Regional Logistics and Supply Chain Powerhouse Benin has taken a major step toward positioning itself as West Africa’s leading trade and logistics hub with the launch of the Africa Logistics Zone, a flagship initiative developed jointly by the Port Autonome de Cotonou (PAC) and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI). Leveraging its strategic coastal location, the Port of Cotonou serves