Transnet Opens Rail Network: LeaseCo Plan to Fast-Track Private Train Operators in South Africa Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips says negotiations are advancing with the first 11 private train operating companies (TOCs) approved to access the state-owned rail network. However, the companies have indicated it could take 12 to 36 months before operations begin. Speaking at Transnet’s 2024/25 results presentation, Phillips said access to rolling stock remains a key barrier for
Author: Constance Makungu
Mozambique Creates State-Owned Consortium to Rescue National Airline LAM
Mozambique Sets Up Special-Purpose Vehicle for $130M Rescue of National Airline LAM Mozambique will establish a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) to enable a consortium of state-owned companies to acquire shares in its struggling flag carrier, Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), the cabinet announced in a statement. The new entity will be jointly owned by hydropower producer Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa, railway operator Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique, and insurer Empresa Moçambicana
US Threatens Trade Penalties Over UN-Backed Shipping Emissions Deal
US Warns of Tariffs and Port Levies Against Nations Backing UN Shipping Emissions Pact The United States has warned countries to reject a United Nations-backed agreement to cut marine fuel emissions, threatening to impose tariffs, visa restrictions, and port levies on those who support the accord, according to US and European officials. The Trump administration, which has frequently used tariffs as leverage in trade disputes, is seeking to expand Washington’s
South Africa’s Mining Logistics Reform Gains Momentum with Private Sector Involvement
South Africa Mining Logistics: Private Train Operators Boost Rail Capacity and Reduce Export Bottlenecks South Africa’s mining logistics reforms are “moving in the right direction,” according to Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane, who emphasized that collaboration between the government and private sector is starting to yield tangible results, albeit at a slower pace than some stakeholders would prefer. Speaking at the Africa Down Under conference in Perth on
South African Exporters Stay Resilient Amid Rising US Tariffs
South African Exporters Defy Rising US Tariffs, Maintain Shipments Despite Uncertainty Over Trump-Era Duties South African exporters to the United States are pressing ahead with shipments despite a 30% increase in duties since August 7, showing resilience in the face of tariff uncertainty and shifting trade policy. The development comes as the US Federal Appeals Court ruled last weekend that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency
South Africa Opens Rail to Private Operators
Private Train Operators Approved on 41 Routes: Rail Reform Set to Boost Jobs, Exports, and Efficiency The Department of Transport’s decision to grant 11 private train operators access to 41 rail routes is expected to strengthen competition, safeguard jobs, and revive South Africa’s struggling freight logistics system, according to Business Unity South Africa (Busa). Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced the milestone last Friday, calling it a critical step in the
Türkiye Blocks Israeli-Linked Ships as Trade Becomes a Geopolitical Weapon
Türkiye Bans Israeli-Linked Vessels Amid Gaza Conflict, Highlighting Global Maritime Geopolitics The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has barred vessels with links to Israel from docking at Türkiye’s ports, marking a significant escalation in Ankara’s opposition to the war in Gaza. The restrictions, effective from August 21, apply to ships owned, managed, or operated by entities connected to Israel, as well as vessels calling at or departing from Israeli
Global Containership Orderbook Hits 15-Year High Amid Red Sea Risks
Maritime Experts Warn of Containership Overcapacity as Red Sea Tensions Drive Record Ship Orders Maritime industry experts are raising concerns over a potential capacity imbalance as the global containership orderbook reaches its highest level in 15 years. The surge in orders is largely driven by risk pressures in the Red Sea and the need for longer Europe-Asia rotations via bypass routes around the Cape of Good Hope. The unprecedented volume
Zambia Plans Local Shipbuilding to Cut Marine Transport Costs
Zambia Explores Local Shipbuilding and Harbour Expansion to Boost Marine Transport Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, has revealed that the Zambian government is exploring ways to attract investors to build ships locally as part of a strategy to reduce the cost of marine transport. Speaking during a working visit to Mpulungu District in Northern Province on Thursday, Minister Tayali inspected facilities at Mpulungu Port, operated by Mpulungu Harbour
$70 Million Preparatory Work Underway for Kalemie Industrial Port to Boost DRC-Tanzania Trade
Kalemie Industrial Port Expansion Begins: $70M Project to Enhance DRC-Tanzania Trade Links Preparatory work has commenced on the future industrial port of Kalemie, a $70 million project aimed at strengthening trade between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania. The project is being led by the consortium Jintai Mining PTE Ltd and Tembo Majengo Company SARL, which signed a contract with Kinshasa in April. The consortium has begun establishing