South Africa’s northern supply chain border post with Botswana, Groblersbrug, was once more renowned for 4×4 excursions to exotic locations than for heavy cargo logistics. However, it has recently become plagued by severe road freight congestion since the Department of Home Affairs implemented a biometric system designed to capture the data of pedestrians, travelers, and truck drivers. While this initiative is part of the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) ongoing efforts
Category: Road Freight
South Africa’s Groblersbrug Border Faces Delays Amid Biometrics Rollout and Beitbridge Congestion
Cross-border transporters are experiencing up to three-day delays at South Africa’s Groblersbrug border with Botswana, impacted by a new biometric system implemented by the Border Management Authority (BMA) and ongoing congestion issues at Beitbridge. According to Mike Fitzmaurice of the Transit Assistance Bureau, the BMA has introduced a biometric system requiring immigration officers to capture the biometrics of all travelers and truck drivers. While this process takes about 15 minutes
Zambia Airways and Motor Dealers Association Partner to Boost Regional Trade
Zambia Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zambia Motor Dealers Association to improve travel logistics for association members, marking a major milestone in supporting local businesses with affordable, efficient transport options. Announced at a ceremony in Lusaka, this partnership enables Zambia Airways to offer specialized flights to key regional hubs like South Africa and Tanzania, directly catering to the needs of Zambia’s motor dealers. Zambia Airways’
Zambia Advances Road Safety with AU Charter Ratification
Zambia has officially ratified the African Union (AU) Road Safety Charter, marking a critical step toward enhancing road safety and reducing traffic accidents. This initiative aligns with a broader African effort to address the continent’s high road fatality rates, driven by hazardous road conditions, inadequate safety protocols, and inconsistent enforcement of traffic regulations. Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala, formally submitted the ratification on behalf of the government, underscoring the
Expert Trucks Exporting Strengthens Market and Customer Ties in Zambia
In April 2024, the team at Expert Trucks Exporting traveled from Ireland to Zambia for a two-week visit to Lusaka and Ndola. The trip aimed to strengthen relationships with existing customers and foster new connections in the Zambian market, focusing on selling Euro 5 and Euro 6 Volvo trucks. This visit provided a valuable opportunity to meet longstanding clients who have expanded their fleets with our trucks over the years.
Walvis Bay Corridor Drives Landmark 171-Ton Oxygen Plant Delivery to Zambia
The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) has proudly overseen the transport of a massive 50-meter oxygen plant container to Solwezi, the capital of Zambia’s mineral-rich North-Western Province. Traveling along the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor, the specialized 63-meter truck carrying the 171-ton plant traversed approximately 2,900 kilometers. The oxygen plant was sourced from Malaysia and shipped through Namibia’s Port of Walvis Bay, a vital logistics hub for Southern Africa. The port
Daimler Truck Warns of Unsustainable EV Targets Amid Infrastructure Shortcomings
On Monday, Daimler Truck raised concerns about the rapid pace of electric vehicle (EV) adoption and the unsustainable costs associated with meeting decarbonization targets. Dr. Andreas Gorbach, a board member at Daimler Truck AG and head of its truck technology division, stressed that the burden is not on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) but rather on the lack of supporting infrastructure. Speaking ahead of the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) Transportation show, Gorbach
KZN Finance MEC Backs Call for Relief on eThekwini’s Sydney Road Amid Truck Congestion
KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has pledged to advocate for relief on Sydney Road in Umbilo, eThekwini, where escalating truck congestion is severely impacting businesses near the port area. Rodgers made this commitment following a meeting with the Umbilo Business Association (UBA) representatives, including Chairperson Doran Subiah, Policy Director Ian Campbell-Gillies, and Legal Adviser and Policy Strategist Nontokozo Mpanza-Seme. The UBA raised concerns over the ongoing congestion, which is hampering
Zambia Ratifies AU Road Safety Charter to Boost Road Safety and Economic Growth
Zambia has officially signed the African Union (AU) Road Safety Charter, marking a significant step toward enhancing road safety and reducing traffic accidents. This initiative is part of a broader continental effort to curb the high incidence of road fatalities, particularly in African countries where dangerous road conditions pose serious risks to motorists. Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala, submitted the ratification instrument on behalf of the Zambian government. In
Namibia’s Informal Trade Declines, with Katima Mulilo and Oshikango Leading Cross-Border Activity
Namibia’s informal cross-border trade sector has experienced a significant decline since 2019, with activity dropping by 46.8%, according to the latest report from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). Informal trade fell from N$19.4 million in September 2019 to N$10.3 million by November 2023. Despite this decline, several key border posts, particularly Oshikango, continue to play a vital role in the country’s trade network. Oshikango remains the leading border post for