Automechanika Johannesburg 2025 boasted a focused line-up of conferences, talks, awards, and the Alexandra Automotive Hub and Panel Discussion, which brought together leaders from across the value chain. Organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the 10th anniversary edition of the largest trade fair of its kind hosted high-impact forums designed to drive innovation, standards, and collaboration. Local and global exhibitors focused on these categories: Parts & Components, Accessories & Customising,
Category: Southern Africa
Zambia’s Tourism Minister Praises Emirates Partnership as Airline Appoints New Country Manager
Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba Bids Farewell to Emirates Country Manager Omar Bushlaibi The Minister of Tourism, Honourable Rodney Sikumba, has officially bid farewell to the outgoing Emirates Airline Country Manager for Zambia, Mr. Omar Bushlaibi, who is set to assume a new posting in Zimbabwe. During a courtesy call, Mr. Bushlaibi expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for its unwavering support throughout his tenure.
Angola Seeks $4.5 Billion to Build Rail Link Connecting Zambia’s Copperbelt
Angola Secures International Support for $4.5B Zambia-Lobito Rail Corridor to Boost Copper Trade Angola sought $4.5 billion in funding to construct an ambitious rail link to Zambia’s copper-rich region, Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu said. Italy committed $320 million to the project, while the African Development Bank pledged $500 million, d’Abreu told reporters Wednesday on the sidelines of a conference in Luanda, Angola’s capital. He also noted that the Egyptian
Transnet to Invest R127 Billion in Rail and Port Modernization Over Five Years
Transnet unveils R127bn investment plan to modernize South Africa’s rail and port infrastructure Johannesburg — South Africa’s state-owned freight and logistics company Transnet plans to invest R127 billion over the next five years to modernize its rail network and upgrade ports, Chief Executive Michelle Phillips announced on Tuesday. Speaking at the South Africa Tomorrow Investor Conference, Phillips said R24 billion had been invested in infrastructure in the previous financial year,
DRC Begins Construction of Kalamba-Mbuji Dry Port to Boost Angola Trade Links
Congo launches Kalamba-Mbuji dry port project in Kasai-Central to strengthen Angola trade corridor The Office of Multimodal Freight Management (OGEFREM) has announced the start of preliminary construction work on the Kalamba-Mbuji dry port in Luiza territory, Kasai-Central province. Regional Director Matthieu Tshilumba Kalenga confirmed the development on October 16, 2025, following a meeting with Governor Joseph-Moïse Kambulu Nkonko, noting that funding for the initial phase is already secured. The first
Growthpoint Invests R8 Billion in Cape Winelands Airport Precinct to Drive Regional Growth
Growthpoint Properties Invests R8bn in Cape Winelands Airport Development, Creating 100,000 Jobs and a Sustainable Aviation Hub Growthpoint Properties has announced an initial R8 billion investment in the Cape Winelands Airport precinct, marking the start of a landmark partnership with RSA Aero to deliver a world-class aviation, hospitality, and industrial hub north of Cape Town. The privately owned airport, to be built on the site of the former Fisantekraal airfield,
Port of Gauteng Receives Strong Investor Interest Amid Growing Support for Logistics Expansion
Port of Gauteng Reports Overwhelming Investor Response to 1,400-Hectare Multimodal Logistics Hub The Port of Gauteng (PoG) has dismissed speculation that its 1,400-hectare multimodal logistics development south of Johannesburg is failing to attract investors. In a statement, the project’s developers confirmed that the initiative has received an “overwhelmingly positive response” following the release of its White Paper. The PoG, strategically located along the N3 National Corridor, has drawn interest from
TNPA Invites Bids for New Cold Storage Break-Bulk Terminal at Port of Cape Town
Transnet National Ports Authority Issues RFP for Construction and Operation of Cold Storage Terminal at Cape Town Port The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development and management of a break-bulk terminal at the Port of Cape Town. The new facility will focus on cold storage for fish and related seafood products, forming a critical component of Cape Town’s fishing and
South Africa’s Ports See Surge in Reefer Cargo Volumes Amid Strong Citrus Export Season
Linernet Confirms 12% Rise in South African Reefer Cargo, Slightly Below Transnet’s Reported 19% Growth Maritime analytics firm Linernet has confirmed that South Africa’s ports recorded a notable increase in reefer (refrigerated container) cargo volumes, supporting earlier claims by Transnet Port Terminals (TPT). While Linernet’s data indicates a 12.21% year-on-year (YTD) increase in reefer throughput, this is slightly lower than the 19% growth reported earlier in the week by the
Martin’s Drift Border Post Strengthens Regional Trade Efficiency in Southern Africa
SADC Study Highlights Martin’s Drift Border Post as Key Hub for Regional Economic Integration The Martin’s Drift border post, which connects Botswana and South Africa, has emerged as a critical driver of regional trade efficiency, following a recent assessment visit by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat. The evaluation aligns with SADC’s broader mission to enhance border operations and promote regional integration, first outlined during the 13th Ministerial Task