Namibia and Zambia have taken a significant step toward operationalizing the Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) through the inaugural Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting. The meeting, held in Sesheke, Zambia, from January 13 to 17, 2025, focuses on establishing governance structures and frameworks to implement a bilateral agreement signed in June 2024. Led by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), the week-long discussions involve representatives from various border agencies. Jacqueline
Author: Constance Makungu
Walvis Bay Positioned as Key Southern Africa Transshipment Hub by MSC
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has officially designated the Port of Walvis Bay as a crucial transshipment hub for Southern Africa with the launch of its Namibia Express route. This strategic move aims to strengthen trade links between Africa, Europe, and global markets, cementing Namibia’s role in international logistics. MSC recently announced plans to enhance its North West Continent (NWC) to South Africa service and introduce two new routes: the
Botswana’s Transport Minister Tours Kazungula Bridge, Highlights Regional Impact
Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah S.L.M. Salakae, recently visited the Kazungula Bridge and the One Stop Border Post as part of a familiarization tour organized by the Kazungula Bridge Project Office (KBPO). The visit, held on Friday, provided the minister with a firsthand view of the project’s progress and its strategic importance to the region. Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Transport and other key stakeholders, Minister
Zambia and DRC Agree to Clear 500 Trucks Daily to Ease Border Congestion
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reached an agreement to clear at least 500 trucks daily at the Kasumbalesa border, aiming to alleviate severe congestion on the Copperbelt. The decision follows reports of over 3,000 trucks stranded on the Zambian side of the border. Katanga Governor Jacques Katwe announced that customs officers’ working hours at Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakanya border posts will be extended from 6 hours
EFIS Maroc Partners with China Eastern Airlines to Strengthen African Cargo Logistics
EFIS Maroc, a subsidiary of ECS Group, has announced a strategic partnership with China Eastern Airlines, further cementing its leadership in African cargo logistics. Effective January 19, 2025, this collaboration introduces three weekly flights between Casablanca and Shanghai, with a stopover in Marseille. The flights, scheduled for Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, will use Boeing 787-900 aircraft with an 18-tonne cargo capacity, according to an official ECS Group statement. The new
IATA Launches Device Assessment Programme to Enhance Air Cargo Safety
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced the Air Cargo Device Assessment Programme, a new initiative designed to validate tracking devices, data loggers, and sensors for compliance with stringent industry safety standards. This program aims to ensure the safe and secure transport of air cargo while fostering global consistency in device approvals. The initiative responds to increasing demand for reliable and secure air cargo services, particularly in sectors such
African Airlines Report Cargo Demand Decline, Slowest Growth Among Regions
African airlines experienced a 0.7% year-on-year decline in cargo demand in November 2024, marking the weakest performance among global regions, according to the latest report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Despite this dip, capacity for African carriers increased slightly by 0.4% year-on-year. Globally, total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 8.2% in November compared to November 2023, with international operations contributing a 9.5% increase. This marked
SADC Ministers to Convene for the 2nd Lobito Corridor Committee Meeting
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat is set to host the 2nd meeting of the Lobito Corridor Committee of Ministers, bringing together representatives from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. The Ministers will assess progress made by the Technical Working Group, established during their inaugural meeting on December 16, 2023, in Lobito, Angola. This group was tasked with setting up and operationalizing the Lobito Corridor Transit
Port of Maputo Demonstrates Resilience with 30.9 Million Tonnes Handled in 2024
The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has announced a total cargo volume of 30.9 million tonnes handled in 2024. While this marks a slight 1% decrease from the previous year, the Port of Maputo’s performance underscores its resilience and adaptability amidst significant logistical challenges. MPDC’s direct operations showed strong growth, handling 14.2 million tonnes, a 14% increase compared to 2023. Road freight volumes saw notable growth, rising by 11% from
Kenya and UAE Explore Partnership to Extend Standard Gauge Railway to Uganda and South Sudan
Kenya has announced ongoing discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to expand its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network to Uganda and South Sudan, aiming to bolster regional trade and integration. President William Ruto shared the update on X, stating:“We are exploring a partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to connect Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.” As part of the initiative, Kenya and