The Joint Steering Committee meeting held last week, led by NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute and Botswana Unified Revenue Service Commissioner General Jeanette Makgolo, convened to discuss progress reports at Charleshill in Botswana. This significant gathering was also attended by notable figures such as Road Fund Administration Chief Executive Officer Ali Ipinge and Fidelis Mwazi, head of the Namibian Agronomic Board, who both serve as committee members. The committee evaluated advancements
Author: Constance Makungu
Rio Tinto SimFer Achieves Key Milestone in Simandou Rail Project Ahead of Schedule
In early July 2024, Rio Tinto SimFer announced the successful completion of bridge piling for the rail spur between Beyla and Kérouané, a critical part of the Simandou project. The construction team demonstrated exceptional efficiency, completing the task five months ahead of schedule. Over 165 days, they constructed 327 piles, poured 12,186 tonnes of concrete, and averaged two piles per day. If laid end to end, the piles would measure
CFM Celebrates 129th Anniversary with Major Rail Upgrades and Station Expansion
On 8 July 2024, the Ports and Railways of Mozambique (CFM) celebrated three significant milestones: their 129th anniversary, the completion of the first phase of a 42 km dual track upgrade on the Ressano Garcia Line, and the expansion of the Passenger Railway Terminal at Maputo Central Station. The Ressano Garcia Line project, inaugurated by President Filipe Nyusi, was self-funded by CFM at a cost of USD 80 million in
Volumes at Port of Beira trending upwards
Cold chain volumes in southern Africa are rising as capacity improves and the sector attracts more investment. Marco Grobbelaar, general manager at Independent Beira Logistics Terminals and Services (IBLT&S), reports a notable increase in volumes along the Beira corridor. Competitive landside operations and ocean freight rates compared to surrounding ports are key factors driving this growth. Import volumes of fertilizers and high expectations surrounding them also play a significant role
MSC Becomes First Container Shipping Line to Command 20% of Global Capacity
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has reached a significant milestone by becoming the first container shipping line to command a 20% share of the global containerized capacity. The Swiss carrier has rapidly expanded, outpacing the overall market, and is on the verge of reaching a capacity of six million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). This achievement marks a historic shift in the industry, as MSC has surpassed its long-time rival, Maersk, which
IATA Urges South Africa’s New Govt to Prioritize Aviation for Economic Growth
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged South Africa’s new Government of National Unity (GNU) to prioritize the development of its aviation sector as a vital driver of economic growth and job creation. “South Africa’s aviation industry is poised for significant growth over the next 20 years, adding 345 million additional passenger journeys by 2043,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East. “With
Qatar Airways Expansion to Enhance Air Travel and Business Connectivity in Africa
Qatar Airways’ expansion plans are set to significantly boost air traffic and access to business markets in Africa. The airline recently announced its intention to invest in a Southern African airline, alongside plans to acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir and a 60% stake in the new Kigali airport currently under construction. Bonnie Smith, general manager of FCM travel management company, noted that these developments bode well for the growth
Trafigura Launches Port Operations at Lobito, Transforming Logistics for the Copperbelt
Multinational commodities trader Trafigura has announced that Angola has received its first vessel at the minerals terminal at the Port of Lobito, a development expected to transform bimodal logistics serving the Copperbelt in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On July 12, the MV Lindsaylou, a bulk cargo vessel loaded with 40,500 tonnes of sulfur, docked at Lobito, marking the commencement of port operations for the Lobito Atlantic
Namport Expands Lüderitz Bay Port for Green Energy and Oil Investments
Namport is preparing the Port of Lüderitz Bay to support investments in green energy, oil, and gas. The planned infrastructural developments aim to enhance the port’s capacity to accommodate current and future cargo volumes, as well as emerging industries such as green hydrogen, oil, and gas. “The port’s strategic location makes it an ideal hub for oil, gas, and green hydrogen production in Namibia, which is expected to attract more
Global Container Ship Fleet Grows by 11% in H1 2024
The global container ship fleet has expanded by 11% in the first half of the year, reaching a total capacity of 29.5 million TEU, according to the latest report from the Baltic and International Maritime Council (Bimco). This marks the fastest growth in 15 years, with 264 ships totaling 1.6 million TEU delivered from shipyards during this period—two-thirds more than in the same timeframe last year. “The capacity has risen