South Africa, through its Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), has expressed condolences to the government and people of Iran following a deadly explosion at the Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran. The incident, initially reported to have claimed over 40 lives and injured more than 1,000 people, is now believed to have caused at least 70 deaths, according to an Iranian official quoted by state media
Author: Constance Makungu
Global Air Cargo Demand Rises 4.4% in March Amid Tariff Concerns and Fuel Price Drop
Global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), rose by 4.4% in March 2025 compared to the same month last year, according to the latest data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). International operations experienced even stronger growth at 5.5%. Meanwhile, available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs)—a measure of cargo capacity—increased by 4.3% overall, with international capacity growing by 6.1%. “March cargo volumes were strong,” said IATA Director General
Port of East London Achieves Milestone with Dual Berthing of Car Carriers
The Port of East London marked a significant milestone last week with the simultaneous berthing of two pure car carriers at its newly upgraded automotive berth. According to Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), this achievement underscores the port’s recent infrastructure improvements, which now allow two new-generation car carrier vessels—each over 200 meters long—to dock along the West Quay at the same time. “This operational milestone highlights the successful upgrade of
Loano Airport Modernization Project Launched in Lubumbashi
The long-awaited modernization of Loano Airport in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga officially kicked off on April 18, 2025. The project is being executed by Summa Group, a Turkish construction and infrastructure firm. Selim Bora, Chairman and CEO of Summa, presented the project to President Félix Tshisekedi, who laid the symbolic foundation stone to mark the start of construction. While the presidency confirmed the Congolese government had contracted a specialized firm for the
TAAG Resumes Luanda-Lisbon Flights Following Power Restoration at Lisbon Airport
TAAG Angola Airlines announced on Tuesday the resumption of its Luanda–Lisbon–Luanda flights after power was restored at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon. In a statement quoted by Lusa, TAAG confirmed that essential services have returned to normal and assured that passengers affected by Monday’s unexpected power outage in Portugal will be gradually rebooked on upcoming flights. The national carrier also noted that its customer service points will maintain regular communication
TAAG Launches New Cargo Route to Nairobi to Boost African Trade and Flower Exports
TAAG Angola Airlines has launched a new cargo route connecting Luanda, Angola, to Nairobi, Kenya, marking a strategic step in the airline’s expansion across the African continent. The inaugural flight took place on Wednesday and will now operate weekly, every Wednesday. In an official statement, TAAG emphasized that the new Luanda–Nairobi (LAD-NBO) cargo service will prioritize the transport of flowers, capitalizing on Kenya’s status as one of the world’s leading
Morocco Offers Atlantic Access to Sahel States, Redrawing West Africa’s Trade Map
The foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have endorsed a Moroccan initiative granting them access to Atlantic trade routes—a move that could significantly reshape West Africa’s geopolitical and economic landscape. The announcement was made during a meeting with King Mohammed VI in Rabat, as reported by Morocco’s state news agency. The three landlocked Sahel countries, all governed by military juntas following recent coups, have been exploring alternative alliances
Morocco Launches Kenitra–Marrakech High-Speed Rail Project to Cement Continental Leadership
In a major step to strengthen Morocco’s leadership in infrastructure development, King Mohammed VI officially launched the construction of the Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail (HSR) line on April 24. The 430-kilometer corridor will connect the country’s political, economic, and tourism hubs — Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech — significantly cutting travel times and reinforcing Morocco’s long-term mobility strategy. Already home to Africa’s only operational HSR system — the Al Boraq line between
Zambia and Angola Cement Partnership for Lobito–Zambia Railway to Boost Regional Integration
In a major milestone for regional integration and economic growth, the governments of Zambia and Angola have signed an Intergovernmental Agreement to formalize their cooperation on the Lobito–Zambia Railway Project. The signing, which took place during the Land-Linked Zambia Conference in Lusaka, marks a turning point for infrastructure-led development in Southern Africa. This strategic partnership lays the foundation for collaboration on the financing, construction, and operation of the 830-kilometre Luacano–Chingola
Mozambique Strengthens Regional Trade with New $50 Million Logistics Terminal
Mozambique’s ambitions to enhance trade facilitation and regional integration have been significantly advanced with the launch of a $50 million logistics terminal developed by Corredor Logístico de Maputo (CLM) The newly operational, state-of-the-art facility is set to ease chronic congestion at key border posts and substantially lower logistics costs for cargo moving through Maputo Province. Strategically located to reduce pressure at border crossings such as Namaacha, Goba, and Ressano Garcia,