President-elect Donald Trump has publicly expressed strong support for the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in its opposition to the introduction of automation in the nation’s ports. In a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump announced his solidarity with the ILA’s stance during its ongoing contract negotiations with international shipping lines and terminal operators. These negotiations reached a stalemate in November when the US Maritime Alliance (USMX) proposed
Author: Constance Makungu
ILA Vice President Defends US Ports Amid Criticism, Highlights Operational Complexities
Dennis Daggett, Vice President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), has strongly refuted recent media reports criticizing the efficiency of US ports, labeling them as “inaccurate and irresponsible.” Daggett contends that these claims are based on flawed interpretations of data that overlook critical operational differences between US ports and transshipment hubs worldwide. Daggett specifically addressed comparisons made in the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence survey, which included ports
AfDB Partners with Deutsche Bank and Société Générale to Mobilize $1.2 Billion for Tanzania’s SGR Project
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a coordination agreement with Deutsche Bank and Société Générale to mobilize up to $1.2 billion for the construction of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). This agreement was formalized during the African Investment Forum’s 2024 Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, as stated in an official AfDB release. The funds will support the development of a 411-kilometre railway line connecting Tabora and Kigoma in western
Air Congo Expands with New Aircraft, Boosting Connectivity and Economic Potential
Air Congo, the new national airline born from a partnership between the Congolese state and Ethiopian Airlines, has reached a significant milestone with the arrival of its second Boeing 737-800. This acquisition is part of a broader expansion plan that includes a total of eight aircraft, with six expected within the year. The addition of this second aircraft marks a turning point for air connectivity in the Democratic Republic of
Somalia and Ethiopia to Launch Negotiations on Somaliland Port Dispute
Somalia and Ethiopia have announced plans to begin technical negotiations by February next year to resolve tensions surrounding Ethiopia’s proposal to develop a port in Somaliland, the self-declared breakaway region of Somalia. Both nations have committed to concluding these talks within four months. The conflict originated in January when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proposed securing access to a port in Somaliland. In return, Ethiopia would offer Somaliland a stake
Freight Train Derailment in Lualaba, DRC, Leaves Five Dead and Dozens Injured
A freight train traveling from Tenke to Lubudi in the Lualaba province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) derailed on Friday, December 13, at 10 p.m., resulting in at least five fatalities and around twenty injuries, according to a provisional report by the Nouvelle Société Civile Congolaise (NSCC) shared with Actualité.cd. The accident also caused significant material damage. The derailment occurred in Kansenia village, located 55 km from Lubudi,
Emirates SkyCargo Launches eQuote to Revolutionize Cargo Services
Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, has launched eQuote, a cutting-edge digital tool designed to enhance customer interactions with the airline’s cargo services. This launch marks a significant milestone in Emirates SkyCargo’s push towards digitization, aiming to improve customer experience, operational efficiency, and flexibility across global markets. Integrated into the e-SkyCargo platform, eQuote provides customers with a 24/7 self-service tool to request and manage spot
AfDB Approves $100 Million Loan for Kigali’s Urban Transport Revamp
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $100 million loan to overhaul Kigali’s urban transport system, aiming to tackle the city’s growing mobility challenges. The “Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project,” finalized on December 2 at AfDB’s headquarters in Abidjan, seeks to create an inclusive, efficient, and safe road network for the city. With a population of 1.7 million, set to double by 2050, Kigali faces congestion, limited public transport
AfDB Disburses $1 Billion to Transnet for Infrastructure Recovery
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has made an initial disbursement of $1 billion to South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, marking a key step in enhancing the continent’s infrastructure. This loan is part of a four-tranche financing agreement approved in mid-2023, supporting Transnet’s ZAR 152.8 billion ($8.1 billion) five-year plan to upgrade critical infrastructure. The funds will address operational issues and strengthen South Africa’s logistics sector, vital to regional and
Long-Distance Truck Drivers Threaten Zambia Border Shutdown Over Visa Policy
Cargo movement through Zambia faces a potential shutdown from December 16 as long-distance transport unions representing foreign truck drivers plan labour action against the government of President Hakainde Hichilema. A letter addressed to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) headquarters in Gaborone outlines the unions’ intentions to enforce a “truck stoppage,” effectively halting operations at all Zambian borders. The dispute stems from recent measures by the Zambian government to tighten