Namibia Modernizes Ports with Liebherr Cranes to Boost Cargo Handling and Regional Trade Namibia’s ports operator, Namport, has inaugurated new cargo-handling cranes at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz ports, marking a significant step in modernizing the country’s maritime infrastructure. The authority acquired three new mobile harbour cranes from global manufacturer Liebherr Cranes. At Walvis Bay, Namibia’s busiest commercial port, the additions include a 154-ton LHM 550 and an 84-ton LHM 280,
Category: Southern Africa
Proflight Zambia Expands Domestic and Regional Routes to Boost Tourism
Proflight Zambia Enhances Flight Network to Support Growing Tourism and Business Travel Proflight Zambia has announced major enhancements to its domestic and regional flight schedules, positioning the airline to capitalize on the country’s rapidly growing tourism sector. Zambia aims to attract three million international visitors by 2025, following a remarkable 69% surge in arrivals during 2024, which increased numbers from 1.3 million to 2.2 million. Reliable air connectivity is now
Namibia Records Trade Deficit of N$1 Billion in Intra-African Trade
Namibia’s July Trade Data Shows N$1 Billion Deficit Amid Strong Mineral Exports and Rising Re-exports According to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) in its latest International Merchandise Trade Bulletin, Namibia recorded intra-African imports of N$6.1 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of N$1 billion. Trade Overview Intra-African exports: 40.7% of total exports Imports from Africa: 48.7% of total imports Main export destinations: South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo
Bestfly Expands Fleet with Gulfstream G450 and G550 Long-Range Jets in Angola
Bestfly Boosts Global Executive Aviation Fleet with New Gulfstream G450 and G550 Jets Luanda — Bestfly, a leading name in the executive aviation sector, has announced the expansion of its fleet with the addition of two new long-range aircraft: a Gulfstream G450 (P4-BFX) and a Gulfstream G550 (P4-BFRS). Both jets are registered in Aruba under the “P4” registration prefix. The acquisitions mark a major milestone for the company, following a
Transnet Narrows Annual Loss to R1.9 Billion as Rail Volumes Improve
Transnet Cuts Losses to R1.9 Billion on Higher Rail Volumes and Revenue Growth State-owned logistics giant Transnet has reported a significantly reduced loss of R1.9 billion for the financial year ending March 2025, compared to a R7.3 billion loss in the previous year. The debt-laden group has long battled to provide reliable freight rail and port services, hampered by equipment shortages and a backlog of critical maintenance. These shortcomings have
Transnet Moves to Open Rail Network as Private Operators Prepare to Join
Transnet Opens Rail Network: LeaseCo Plan to Fast-Track Private Train Operators in South Africa Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips says negotiations are advancing with the first 11 private train operating companies (TOCs) approved to access the state-owned rail network. However, the companies have indicated it could take 12 to 36 months before operations begin. Speaking at Transnet’s 2024/25 results presentation, Phillips said access to rolling stock remains a key barrier for
Mozambique Creates State-Owned Consortium to Rescue National Airline LAM
Mozambique Sets Up Special-Purpose Vehicle for $130M Rescue of National Airline LAM Mozambique will establish a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) to enable a consortium of state-owned companies to acquire shares in its struggling flag carrier, Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), the cabinet announced in a statement. The new entity will be jointly owned by hydropower producer Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa, railway operator Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique, and insurer Empresa Moçambicana
South Africa’s Mining Logistics Reform Gains Momentum with Private Sector Involvement
South Africa Mining Logistics: Private Train Operators Boost Rail Capacity and Reduce Export Bottlenecks South Africa’s mining logistics reforms are “moving in the right direction,” according to Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane, who emphasized that collaboration between the government and private sector is starting to yield tangible results, albeit at a slower pace than some stakeholders would prefer. Speaking at the Africa Down Under conference in Perth on
South African Exporters Stay Resilient Amid Rising US Tariffs
South African Exporters Defy Rising US Tariffs, Maintain Shipments Despite Uncertainty Over Trump-Era Duties South African exporters to the United States are pressing ahead with shipments despite a 30% increase in duties since August 7, showing resilience in the face of tariff uncertainty and shifting trade policy. The development comes as the US Federal Appeals Court ruled last weekend that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency
South Africa Opens Rail to Private Operators
Private Train Operators Approved on 41 Routes: Rail Reform Set to Boost Jobs, Exports, and Efficiency The Department of Transport’s decision to grant 11 private train operators access to 41 rail routes is expected to strengthen competition, safeguard jobs, and revive South Africa’s struggling freight logistics system, according to Business Unity South Africa (Busa). Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced the milestone last Friday, calling it a critical step in the