Airfreight volumes at South Africa’s busiest international airport, OR Tambo International, have risen 13% year-on-year, according to the latest Cargo Movement Update (CMU). Compiled by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity SA (Busa), the CMU reports steady growth in both inbound and outbound shipments as of March 16. Imports totaled 628,476 kg, a 14% increase, while exports reached 386,267 kg, reflecting a 5% rise. OR
Category: Southern Africa
Security Concerns Threaten Mozambique’s LNG Projects Amid Ongoing Insurgency in Cabo Delgado
The exploration of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province is facing renewed challenges due to ongoing threats from Islamic State insurgents based in rural areas like Chiure and Macomia, near the Port of Pemba, and Nangade along the Rovuma River, which borders Tanzania. In the latest wave of violence in the country’s northeastern province, the United Nations estimates that 10,140 people were forced to flee their homes
Airlink to Expand Nairobi and Lusaka Services Amid Growing Demand for Regional Connectivity
Airlink has announced plans to enhance its Nairobi and Lusaka services in response to increased demand for more connections between South Africa, Zambia, and Kenya’s economic hubs. Starting 30 March, the airline will add extra flights to these routes. The expanded services include three weekly night-time return flights between Johannesburg and Nairobi, complementing the airline’s daily service launched in 2023, which made Airlink the first private-sector carrier to operate on
Port of Cape Town Delays Force Maersk to Reroute Ships Amid Ongoing Infrastructure Challenges
Inclement weather and delays at the Port of Cape Town, coupled with the state-owned port and rail operator’s struggle to recover from wind-related disruptions, have forced Maersk to significantly adjust its shipping schedules. Over the weekend, The Cape Independent reported that the Danish shipping line had informed customers of extended wait times at the port, with delays of up to 10 days becoming increasingly common. Due to idling at anchorage,
Deputy President Mashatile Reassures Isuzu Motors on South Africa’s Infrastructure Progress
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reassured executives of Isuzu Motors Limited in Japan that South Africa is actively addressing its port and infrastructure issues, which have led to significant congestion, equipment failures, and disruptions in both import and export operations. “I am pleased to report that we have resolved the energy issues that had previously impacted our economy,” Mashatile said during his visit to the Isuzu Fujisawa Plant on Monday.
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
SAA Cargo Expands Regional Network with Johannesburg–Dar es Salaam Route
South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) has reinforced its strategic expansion with the reintroduction of direct flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This move highlights the airline’s commitment to strengthening regional trade and logistics by offering efficient and reliable freight solutions across East Africa. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s economic and logistical hub, plays a crucial role in regional commerce. With ongoing infrastructure development, the city provides an ideal
South Africa’s 2025 Budget Allocates R402 Billion to Revitalize Transport and Logistics Sectors
South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, has announced a substantial investment plan aimed at improving the country’s transport and logistics infrastructure. As part of the 2025 budget, the government has earmarked R402 billion for infrastructure projects that will enhance road networks, rail services, and logistics efficiency, with the goal of addressing long-standing challenges and stimulating economic growth. A significant portion of this budget is allocated to the South African
Botswana Railways Partners with KORAIL to Revamp Railway Services
Botswana Railways (BR) and the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing railway services and infrastructure in Botswana. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Botswana Railways Station in Gaborone, marking a significant step in fostering collaboration, technical exchange, and capacity building within Botswana’s railway sector. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both Botswana Railways and KORAIL, along