Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reassured executives of Isuzu Motors Limited in Japan that South Africa is actively addressing its port and infrastructure issues, which have led to significant congestion, equipment failures, and disruptions in both import and export operations. “I am pleased to report that we have resolved the energy issues that had previously impacted our economy,” Mashatile said during his visit to the Isuzu Fujisawa Plant on Monday.
Author: Constance Makungu
Groblersburg Border Closure Disrupts Logistics in Southern Africa
Botswana’s primary transit link with South Africa, the Groblersburg Border Post, is facing significant congestion after the Limpopo River and other tributaries flooded in early March, causing the border to close. As a result, cargo moving from South Africa to the Copperbelt through Botswana is being redirected to southern routes like Kopfontein, leading to extensive backlogs at a crossing critical for express logistics into Gaborone. Over the weekend, video footage
Escalating Tensions in the Red Sea Threaten Maritime Trade Normalisation
The prospects of normalising maritime trade through the Red Sea by mid-2025 appear unlikely following recent military actions by the United States against Houthi rebel command structures in Yemen. The U.S. confirmed conducting lethal airstrikes in Sana’a, the Yemeni capital, which is home to most of the Ansar Allah militia leadership. While U.S. officials reported killing several Houthi leaders in the targeted operations, these claims have not been independently verified
Global Container Volumes Continue Upward Trend with 5.8% Growth in January
Global container volumes saw a significant increase in January, reaching 15.4 million TEUs, marking a 5.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) growth, according to Container Trade Statistics (CTS) data. “Based on CTS data, we calculate that global TEU miles – adjusted for nautical distance – grew 8.1% y-o-y in January, absorbing more vessel capacity,” said Alan Murphy, CEO of maritime consultancy Sea-Intelligence. January also saw strong growth in head-haul container trades, which rose
Eswatini Invests 5% of Budget in Roads Launches New Infrastructure Fund
Eswatini will allocate one out of every twenty rands from its 2025–26 government budget to road infrastructure, marking a significant investment in the country’s transport network. To finance new road construction and maintain existing roads, the newly established Road Agency Fund begins operations this month. Created under the 2023 Roads Authority Act, the agency operates under the Ministry of Finance and is funded by an additional 40-cent levy on petrol
DRC Prioritizes Local Transporters in Cross-Border Freight Regulations
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport, Communication Channels, and Accessibility, Abolia Taba Mopolo, convened a meeting in Kolwezi on Thursday, March 13, 2025, bringing together representatives from mining companies, the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA), the National Road Safety Commission (CNPR), and the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC Lualaba). The meeting focused on implementing Ministerial Decree No. VPM/MTVCD/CAB/011/2025, issued on February 25, 2025, which regulates cross-border transport
SAA Cargo Expands Regional Network with Johannesburg–Dar es Salaam Route
South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) has reinforced its strategic expansion with the reintroduction of direct flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This move highlights the airline’s commitment to strengthening regional trade and logistics by offering efficient and reliable freight solutions across East Africa. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s economic and logistical hub, plays a crucial role in regional commerce. With ongoing infrastructure development, the city provides an ideal
South Africa’s 2025 Budget Allocates R402 Billion to Revitalize Transport and Logistics Sectors
South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, has announced a substantial investment plan aimed at improving the country’s transport and logistics infrastructure. As part of the 2025 budget, the government has earmarked R402 billion for infrastructure projects that will enhance road networks, rail services, and logistics efficiency, with the goal of addressing long-standing challenges and stimulating economic growth. A significant portion of this budget is allocated to the South African
Botswana Railways Partners with KORAIL to Revamp Railway Services
Botswana Railways (BR) and the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing railway services and infrastructure in Botswana. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Botswana Railways Station in Gaborone, marking a significant step in fostering collaboration, technical exchange, and capacity building within Botswana’s railway sector. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both Botswana Railways and KORAIL, along
LAND-LINKED ZAMBIA CONFERENCE LINKING SECTORS THROUGH TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS
Land linkages play a critical role in Africa’s economic development by facilitating trade, investment, and regional integration. As a continent rich in resources but challenged by infrastructure deficits, Africa’s road networks are critical for connecting markets, reducing costs, and improving the movement of goods and people. Strengthening land linkages has become a key driver for road infrastructure growth, shaping the continent’s future development. Chimwemwe Nyirenda, the Co-Founder and CEO of