EFIS Maroc Partners with China Eastern Airlines to Strengthen African Cargo Logistics

EFIS Maroc, a subsidiary of ECS Group, has announced a strategic partnership with China Eastern Airlines, further cementing its leadership in African cargo logistics. Effective January 19, 2025, this collaboration introduces three weekly flights between Casablanca and Shanghai, with a stopover in Marseille. The flights, scheduled for Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, will use Boeing 787-900 aircraft with an 18-tonne cargo capacity, according to an official ECS Group statement. The new

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IATA Launches Device Assessment Programme to Enhance Air Cargo Safety

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced the Air Cargo Device Assessment Programme, a new initiative designed to validate tracking devices, data loggers, and sensors for compliance with stringent industry safety standards. This program aims to ensure the safe and secure transport of air cargo while fostering global consistency in device approvals. The initiative responds to increasing demand for reliable and secure air cargo services, particularly in sectors such

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African Airlines Report Cargo Demand Decline, Slowest Growth Among Regions

African airlines experienced a 0.7% year-on-year decline in cargo demand in November 2024, marking the weakest performance among global regions, according to the latest report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Despite this dip, capacity for African carriers increased slightly by 0.4% year-on-year. Globally, total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 8.2% in November compared to November 2023, with international operations contributing a 9.5% increase. This marked

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SADC Ministers to Convene for the 2nd Lobito Corridor Committee Meeting

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat is set to host the 2nd meeting of the Lobito Corridor Committee of Ministers, bringing together representatives from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. The Ministers will assess progress made by the Technical Working Group, established during their inaugural meeting on December 16, 2023, in Lobito, Angola. This group was tasked with setting up and operationalizing the Lobito Corridor Transit

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Port of Maputo Demonstrates Resilience with 30.9 Million Tonnes Handled in 2024

The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has announced a total cargo volume of 30.9 million tonnes handled in 2024. While this marks a slight 1% decrease from the previous year, the Port of Maputo’s performance underscores its resilience and adaptability amidst significant logistical challenges. MPDC’s direct operations showed strong growth, handling 14.2 million tonnes, a 14% increase compared to 2023. Road freight volumes saw notable growth, rising by 11% from

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Kenya and UAE Explore Partnership to Extend Standard Gauge Railway to Uganda and South Sudan

Kenya has announced ongoing discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to expand its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network to Uganda and South Sudan, aiming to bolster regional trade and integration. President William Ruto shared the update on X, stating:“We are exploring a partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to connect Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.” As part of the initiative, Kenya and

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$700 Million Set for Phase One of Kinshasa-Brazzaville Bridge Project

The total cost of the first phase of the Kinshasa-Brazzaville road-rail bridge construction project is estimated at $700 million. This figure was announced during a restitution meeting held on Wednesday, January 15, 2024, and chaired by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. The meeting brought together delegations of experts from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo. DRC’s Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, Alexis Gisaro, emphasized that

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Emirates SkyCargo Expands Fleet to Meet Growing Global Demand

Emirates SkyCargo has started 2025 with a 15% increase in cargo capacity compared to January 2024, driven by strategic investments to accommodate surging global demand. The freight division of Emirates Airline has strengthened its operations with two wet-leased Boeing 747 freighters and the delivery of its first production-built Boeing 777 freighter. This marks a significant step in its plan to expand its fleet to 21 aircraft by December 2026. Badr

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MIPA welcomes Transnet Network Statement as a Turning Point for South African Rail

The Multi-Modal Inland Port Association (MIPA) welcomes the release of Transnet’s Network Statement, a landmark development that opens up South Africa’s rail network to third party operators, at an affordable cost structure.  Approved in December 2024 by the Honourable Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, the Network Statement provides a clear framework for private sector participation in the rail sector, a move that is expected to transform freight logistics in the

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China Funds $254.76 Million for Nigeria’s Kaduna-Kano Railway

The China Development Bank has approved a $254.76 million loan to Nigeria for the construction of the Kaduna-Kano railway, part of the country’s larger railway modernization efforts under the Lagos-Kano initiative. This development is a significant milestone in China’s involvement in Nigeria’s infrastructure development and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Kaduna-Kano railway project was launched in July 2021 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari in Kano State. It is envisioned

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