Transnet Signs 11 Private Operators to Run Freight Rail as South Africa Launches Major Logistics Reform to Boost Exports Transnet has opened its freight rail network to private operators in the country’s most significant rail reform in decades, aiming to restore efficiency to a logistics system that has long constrained exports and economic growth. The state-owned logistics group has concluded agreements with 11 private rail operators who will begin running
Author: Constance Makungu
FESCO Expands Africa Strategy with First Container Shipment to Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port
Russian Logistics Giant FESCO Targets Tanzania Expansion After First Container Shipment to Dar es Salaam Russian logistics company FESCO Transportation Group is advancing plans to expand its commercial operations in Tanzania, marking a strategic step in its broader push to grow its footprint across Africa. The company recently completed its first container shipment to the Port of Dar es Salaam, signaling the beginning of new trade routes linking Russia and
Transnet Reports Strong Growth Across South African Ports as Cargo Volumes Reach Multi-Year High
South Africa’s Transnet Records 9% Rise in Vessel Arrivals and Strongest Port Cargo Growth Since 2011 South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, has reported strong growth across the country’s port system for the 2025/26 financial year, signaling improving trade activity and growing confidence in the country’s logistics sector. The company announced a 9% year-on-year increase in vessel arrivals, alongside notable gains in cargo volumes across several major categories. According to
Namibian Ports Handle 8.4 Million Tonnes in 2025 as South Africa and Zambia Dominate Cargo Flows
South Africa and Zambia Account for Nearly 70% of Namibia’s Cross-Border Port Cargo in 2025 Amid 19% Trade Growth Surge In 2025, 35% of all cross-border cargo processed at Namibian ports came from South Africa, with Zambia contributing 34%, collectively accounting for almost 70% of the total. Botswana’s share was 18%, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at 10%, and Malawi at 8%. This data is sourced
Mozambique and Tanzania to Launch Joint Border Demarcation Project to Strengthen Cooperation and Security
Mozambique and Tanzania to Invest $400,000 in Joint Rovuma River Border Demarcation Project to Improve Security and Cross-Border Management Mozambique and Tanzania are set to launch a joint border demarcation initiative next year aimed at improving clarity, management, and cooperation along their shared boundary. The project reflects growing collaboration between the two Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states. The initiative is estimated to cost approximately R6.8 million (around $400,000)
Tanzania Launches Direct SGR Cargo Link from Dar es Salaam Port to Boost Regional Trade Efficiency
Tanzania Opens Direct Cargo Transfer via Standard Gauge Railway from Dar es Salaam Port, Cutting Costs and Strengthening East Africa Trade Hub Role Tanzania is set to mark a major milestone in its transport and logistics sector on June 1 with the official launch of direct cargo transfers from the Port of Dar es Salaam to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). The development is expected to significantly enhance efficiency in
Maersk Halts Berbera Port Bookings, Raising Concerns for Ethiopia Trade Routes
Maersk Suspends Cargo Bookings to Berbera Port, Disrupting Horn of Africa Trade Corridor A.P. Moller–Maersk has suspended new cargo bookings to and from the Port of Berbera, a move likely to disrupt a key trade corridor linking the Horn of Africa to inland markets. In a notice issued to customers, the shipping group confirmed it is temporarily halting acceptance of new bookings with immediate effect, citing scheduling changes. “We are
IATA Urges African Governments to Unlock Aviation’s Economic Potential
IATA Calls for Lower Costs, Better Regulation to Boost Africa’s Aviation Growth The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to treat aviation as a strategic pillar of long-term economic growth, warning that high costs, regulatory inefficiencies, and policy gaps continue to limit the sector’s potential. Speaking at the IATA Focus Africa Conference 2026 in Addis Ababa, Kamil Alawadhi emphasized aviation’s broader economic role. “Aviation is economic
Severe Groblersbrug Congestion Slows Cross-Border Trade and Raises Trucking Costs in Southern Africa
SARS Approves Diversion of Cargo as Groblersbrug Border Congestion Drives Up Transport Costs and Delays The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has approved the diversion of pre-cleared cross-border cargo to alternative entry points into Botswana in an effort to ease severe congestion at the Groblersbrug Border Post (GRB). The intervention comes after ongoing bottlenecks along the N11 corridor, which has become a major choke point for regional freight movement, significantly
UAE’s African Rail Company Targets South Africa Freight Rail Market Under Transnet Reform
ARC Plans $170M Entry into South Africa Rail Sector as Transnet Opens Network to Private Operators A United Arab Emirates–based rail logistics company, African Rail Company (ARC), is preparing to enter South Africa’s freight rail market as Transnet opens its network to private operators under its third-party access framework. ARC is aiming to raise approximately $170 million (about R2.8 billion) to fund the acquisition of locomotives and wagons for operations