Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM) is set to inaugurate its first cargo operations starting March 25th, utilizing a newly acquired Boeing 737-300F aircraft, as announced by the company’s general director to Lusa. With an investment of US$3 million (€2.74 million) in this venture, LAM aims to bolster its logistics capabilities. Primarily catering to domestic cargo needs and serving routes to South Africa and Tanzania, the introduction of the Boeing 737-300F
Category: Southern Africa
US Backs Lobito Corridor Railway with Record Investment
In February of this year, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced groundbreaking financing to bolster the Lobito Corridor—a transformative 1,300-km railway linking Angola’s Port of Lobito with southern DRC and northwestern Zambia. This initiative, supported by a consortium including the European Commission, African Development Bank, and Africa Finance Corporation, has already secured nearly $1 billion, marking the largest joint investment by the U.S. and EU in Africa in
Transnet opens up port leasing opportunities
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced the opening up of about 100 leasing opportunities for port land and commercial developments at South Africa’s seven commercial seaports. TNPA said in a statement on Thursday that as part of the “approximately 100 lease opportunities” on offer, seaport facilities would be repurposed for economic activity, while vacant buildings would be made available for office, recreational and industrial purposes, unlocking diverse business opportunities
Red Sea rebels threaten vessel traffic around South Africa
Ocean carriers sailing around South Africa to avoid attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have been added to the crosshairs of Yemen’s Houthi rebels as they threaten to extend their missile reach into the southern Indian Ocean. The new development to the crisis at the Horn of Africa comes after yet another maritime vessel was attacked as it sailed about 122 kilometres past Yemen’s Port
South African Ports Regulator and B-BBEE Commission Unite to Advance Sector Transformation
The Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA) and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address transformation in the ports sector. The MoU facilitates the exchange of information, strategies, expertise, and research related to B-BBEE and transformation, aiming to bolster economic empowerment within the sector. According to a joint statement, the partnership seeks to tackle the slow pace of transformation, citing statistics
Revitalization Efforts Propel Port of Cape Town Towards Economic Growth
The Port of Cape Town is experiencing a resurgence, propelled by enhanced management, collaborative efforts, and continuous upgrades. Efforts to prioritize equipment availability and streamline operational processes have significantly improved efficiency, while investments in staff capacity have boosted productivity. Industry stakeholders in the Cape region have applauded these advancements, acknowledging the progress made while recognizing the ongoing journey towards improvement. Terry Gale, chairman of Exporters Western Cape, highlighted the positive
Private Operators Poised to Transform Africa’s Freight Rail Market
The CEO of Traxtion Africa, which operates the continent’s largest rolling-stock fleet, predicts a transformation in Africa’s biggest freight rail market with the imminent involvement of private operators. James Holley revealed that the South African government is on the verge of releasing a rail network statement, setting out rules for private rail participation, following public consultation. Speaking at an infrastructure conference in Johannesburg, Holley emphasized the significance of this step,
Menzies Aviation Partners with South African Airways for Cargo Terminal Operations
Menzies Aviation, the world’s largest aviation services company, has been selected by South African Airways (SAA) to manage all SAA Cargo terminal operations at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport, and Port Elizabeth International Airport. The appointment, initiated on December 1, 2022, with operations beginning in Cape Town, marks a significant step in SAA’s restructuring process post-business rescue. Professor John Lamola, SAA’s chairperson and CEO, emphasized
Durban’s Air Cargo Market Sees Revival Amidst Airline Resurgence
Durban’s air cargo industry is experiencing a gradual resurgence, with a 55% recovery in business attributed to the return of international and domestic airlines. This resurgence has resulted in a 67% rebound in network traffic at King Shaka International Airport. Since April 2022, the Dube TradePort Cargo Terminal has processed 10,997 tonnes of cargo, marking a 31% increase from the previous year. Ricardo Isaac, Senior Manager of Cargo Development and
Transnet Approves ICTSI Contract for Durban Container Terminal 2
Transnet’s board has given the green light for the finalization of the contract to operate Durban Container Terminal 2, which will be awarded to the preferred bidder, Philippine terminal operator ICTSI. The completion of the financial close is pending other non-financial processes, Transnet’s chairperson of the Board of Directors, Andile Sangqu, announced on Friday. ICTSI was selected as the preferred bidder in July 2023, and after completing financial due diligence