The African Development Bank (AfDB) has made an initial disbursement of $1 billion to South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, marking a key step in enhancing the continent’s infrastructure. This loan is part of a four-tranche financing agreement approved in mid-2023, supporting Transnet’s ZAR 152.8 billion ($8.1 billion) five-year plan to upgrade critical infrastructure. The funds will address operational issues and strengthen South Africa’s logistics sector, vital to regional and
Category: Southern Africa
Long-Distance Truck Drivers Threaten Zambia Border Shutdown Over Visa Policy
Cargo movement through Zambia faces a potential shutdown from December 16 as long-distance transport unions representing foreign truck drivers plan labour action against the government of President Hakainde Hichilema. A letter addressed to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) headquarters in Gaborone outlines the unions’ intentions to enforce a “truck stoppage,” effectively halting operations at all Zambian borders. The dispute stems from recent measures by the Zambian government to tighten
South African Airways Cargo Implements Contingency Plan Amid Pilot Strike
South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) has activated a contingency plan to ensure the movement of cargo on selected routes during the pilot strike that began on Thursday. The strike, initiated by pilots affiliated with the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA), follows a deadlock in wage negotiations. Pilots are demanding a 30% pay hike, while SAA has offered an 8.46% increase. In response to the ongoing strike, SAA Cargo issued a
Zambian Govt Reduces Transit Permit Fees, But Truck Drivers Maintain Protest Plans
The Zambian government has announced a 55% reduction in transit permit fees for international truck drivers, a move aimed at addressing concerns over high costs. However, truck drivers in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have vowed to proceed with their planned protest to block Zambia’s borders on December 16 unless the permits are scrapped entirely. Truck driver unions, including the Professional Drivers Union of Malawi, the United Truck Drivers
Durban DCT Pier 2 Boosts Operational Efficiency with New Diesel-Electric Straddle Carriers
The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 has taken delivery of the first of 20 diesel-electric straddle carriers, marking a significant milestone in its fleet renewal program. The straddle carrier, delivered this week, will undergo assembly and commissioning on-site, with four additional carriers set to be handed over for endurance testing later this month. Full operations are expected to begin in mid-January 2025. This delivery is part of DCT’s ongoing
Enhancing Africa’s Transport and Logistics for a Sustainable Future
A major transport conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa, brought together over 100 experts from 10 African countries. Organized by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport chapters in Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, the conference focused on the theme “Unlocking Sub-Saharan Africa’s Potential: Transforming Transport and Logistics for a Sustainable Future.” The conference centered on addressing the challenges facing Africa’s transport and logistics systems. Teete Owusu, President of the
Lobito Corridor Investment Project Set to Boost Regional Trade and Economic Growth
The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) forecasts substantial economic gains for Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the development of the ambitious Lobito Corridor Investment Project. The corridor is expected to revolutionize regional trade dynamics by boosting trade and investment in key industries such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture by 20%, through simplified trade routes to international markets. ZACCI Chief Executive Officer Elvin
Zambia to Build New Airports as Part of Aviation Infrastructure Upgrade
The Zambian government is set to begin construction on new airports in Choma and Kasaba Bay, Nsama District, following the successful rehabilitation of Mongu, Solwezi, and Chipata airports. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its aviation infrastructure. Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali announced the development in a speech delivered on his behalf by Nkumbu Siame, Director of Transport at the Ministry of
OR Tambo Airport Refueling Issues Cause Potential Flight Delays
OR Tambo International Airport is currently experiencing “refuelling challenges” that are affecting airlines’ ability to refuel aircraft as usual. The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) issued a statement on Monday, acknowledging that some flights may face delays due to the issue. “We understand the inconvenience this may cause, and our technicians are working diligently to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. We will continue to provide updates to
Biden’s Lobito Visit Highlights Strategic Push for Africa’s Mineral Corridor
In a landmark visit to Lobito, Angola, U.S. President Joe Biden met with African leaders to strengthen commercial ties and counter China’s growing influence on the continent. The focus of the summit was a transformative plan to develop the Lobito Corridor—a railway that will transport critical minerals from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to global markets. The United States has pledged a $550 million loan to rehabilitate