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
Author: Constance Makungu
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
AfDB Approves $1 Billion Loan to Support Transnet’s Recovery and Growth Plan
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $1 billion corporate loan to Transnet, a major freight transport and logistics company in South Africa. Transnet has faced significant operational challenges in recent years, including underinvestment in infrastructure and equipment, theft and vandalism, and external shocks such as floods affecting critical rail and port operations. The company is now committed to addressing these challenges, enhancing integrity, and improving efficiency through a
Construction of Lúrio River Bridge Nears Completion, Set to Enhance Mineral Transport in Northern Mozambique
Construction of the bridge over the Lúrio River, linking Nipepe district in Niassa province to Lalaua in Nampula, is nearing completion. Lalaua administrator Alfredo Matata highlighted that the bridge will enhance the transportation of mineral resources, particularly graphite, from Nipepe to the Port of Nacala in Nampula province. Matata also reported that the Nipepe-Lalaua-Malema road, connecting Niassa to Nampula, is approaching its final phase. This development is expected to significantly
Uganda Airlines Expands Routes to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare Amid Criticism
Uganda Airlines has announced the expansion of its routes to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare, aiming to strengthen its market position and boost revenue. The airline revealed the decision on Wednesday, highlighting its goal to enhance fleet utilization. However, some critics have raised concerns about the new destinations being commercially risky grey markets. According to the East African, the Abuja service is set to launch on September 12, 2024, with Lusaka
Zambia Commits to Enhancing Transport Infrastructure for Regional Integration
Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s transport infrastructure to facilitate regional integration and boost trade. Speaking at the Infrastructure Africa Conference, Minister Milupi outlined plans for the construction and rehabilitation of roads, rail lines, and aviation infrastructure through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Minister Milupi emphasized the strategic importance of projects such as the African Union’s trans-African highways