Truck drivers crossing from South Africa into Botswana via the Kopfontein Border Post face an average wait time of four days, with no emergency amenities, according to industry executives. The backlog on the R49 follows the flooding of the Groblersbrug Border Post over three weeks ago, forcing cargo carriers—many en route to the Copperbelt—to reroute through Kopfontein. Mike Fitzmaurice, regional vice president of the African Union’s Organisation for Transport and
Category: Road Freight
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
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
Zambia Urges DRC to Address Harsh Treatment of Truck Drivers
Zambia’s Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, has raised serious concerns over the mistreatment of Zambian truck drivers entering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite ongoing discussions with DRC authorities. Minister Tayali emphasized the urgent need to protect drivers operating in the region, stressing that their safety and well-being must be prioritized. Meanwhile, the Zambian government is making strides to enhance transport infrastructure, including upgrading key roads and modernizing
DHL and Scania Unveil Hybrid Electric Truck to Bridge Charging Gaps
DHL Group and heavy vehicle manufacturer Scania have partnered to develop an electric truck equipped with a fuel-powered generator, allowing for a transition to battery-electric road transport without relying on a fully developed charging network. While fully electric trucks are the long-term goal for sustainable transport, major challenges include limited charging infrastructure, high costs of ensuring sufficient depot charging capacity during peak seasons, grid strain, and fluctuating electricity prices, especially
BMW Group Launches Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Pilot as Part of H2Haul Project
The BMW Group has acquired two zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell trucks for a pilot project under its European H2Haul programme, aimed at promoting hydrogen power in freight transport. BMW announced last week that the two trucks will operate between Leipzig, Landsberg, and Nuremberg in Germany to assess the practicality of hydrogen fuel technology. Two state-of-the-art hydrogen refuelling stations are being constructed in Leipzig and Hormersdorf to support the initiative. These
Action Auto Isuzu Zambia Announces Key Leadership Appointments
Action Auto – Isuzu Zambia is excited to announce the appointment of two new Executive Directors, marking a significant step in shaping the company’s future. Effective February 2025, Ms. Lilia Kennievna Samui and Mr. Gurinderpal Singh will assume their new roles, bringing a wealth of experience to the leadership team. With nearly 12 years at Action Auto, Lilia has been instrumental in driving the company’s Vehicle Sales and Marketing strategies.
FAW Trucks Southern Africa Leading Innovation in Logistics
The logistics industry is undergoing a profound transformation, shaped by global trends and emerging challenges. As a key player in commercial vehicle manufacturing, FAW Trucks Southern Africa is dedicated to addressing these changes with innovative solutions that support the growth and resilience of the industry. A recent analysis by Seabourne Logistics highlights several critical challenges facing the sector as it heads into 2025. These include the growing demand for sustainability,
Botswana Extends Sedudu-Ngoma Route to 24-Hour Access Starting April 2025
Beginning April 1, 2025, the Sedudu-Ngoma transit route through Chobe National Park will operate 24 hours a day, as confirmed by the Botswana Ministry of Environment and Tourism. This landmark decision aims to boost accessibility, economic activity, and regional connectivity between Botswana and Namibia, marking a significant change in local transportation and logistics. Previously operating on restricted hours to protect wildlife and curb illegal activities like poaching, the new round-the-clock