Global Container Ship Fleet Grows by 11% in H1 2024

The global container ship fleet has expanded by 11% in the first half of the year, reaching a total capacity of 29.5 million TEU, according to the latest report from the Baltic and International Maritime Council (Bimco). This marks the fastest growth in 15 years, with 264 ships totaling 1.6 million TEU delivered from shipyards during this period—two-thirds more than in the same timeframe last year. “The capacity has risen

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AfDB Approves $1 Billion Loan to Support Transnet’s Recovery and Growth Plan

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $1 billion corporate loan to Transnet, a major freight transport and logistics company in South Africa. Transnet has faced significant operational challenges in recent years, including underinvestment in infrastructure and equipment, theft and vandalism, and external shocks such as floods affecting critical rail and port operations. The company is now committed to addressing these challenges, enhancing integrity, and improving efficiency through a

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Construction of Lúrio River Bridge Nears Completion, Set to Enhance Mineral Transport in Northern Mozambique

Construction of the bridge over the Lúrio River, linking Nipepe district in Niassa province to Lalaua in Nampula, is nearing completion. Lalaua administrator Alfredo Matata highlighted that the bridge will enhance the transportation of mineral resources, particularly graphite, from Nipepe to the Port of Nacala in Nampula province. Matata also reported that the Nipepe-Lalaua-Malema road, connecting Niassa to Nampula, is approaching its final phase. This development is expected to significantly

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Uganda Airlines Expands Routes to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare Amid Criticism

Uganda Airlines has announced the expansion of its routes to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare, aiming to strengthen its market position and boost revenue. The airline revealed the decision on Wednesday, highlighting its goal to enhance fleet utilization. However, some critics have raised concerns about the new destinations being commercially risky grey markets. According to the East African, the Abuja service is set to launch on September 12, 2024, with Lusaka

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Zambia Commits to Enhancing Transport Infrastructure for Regional Integration

Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s transport infrastructure to facilitate regional integration and boost trade. Speaking at the Infrastructure Africa Conference, Minister Milupi outlined plans for the construction and rehabilitation of roads, rail lines, and aviation infrastructure through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Minister Milupi emphasized the strategic importance of projects such as the African Union’s trans-African highways

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Zambia Railways Board Resurfaces Nacala Corridor Project to Boost Trade

To enhance Zambia’s railway infrastructure and strengthen regional trade, the Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board of Directors, led by Chairperson Emmanuel Hachipuka, recently undertook a familiarization tour of the Chipata-Mchinji railway line. This visit emphasized the Board’s and Government’s commitment to resuming train operations on the Nacala Corridor, a vital trade route connecting Zambia to the Port of Nacala via Malawi and Mozambique. During a courtesy call with the Provincial

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Zambia and Zimbabwe Explore 24-Hour Border Operations at Victoria Falls

The proposal for 24-hour operations at the Victoria Falls border post, a crucial link between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is gaining momentum. Ongoing discussions among stakeholders emphasize both the potential benefits and challenges of this initiative. The tourism sector is driving this proposal, viewing extended border hours as a significant advantage. Zambian Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba highlighted the negative impact of current operating hours on small businesses. By extending border hours,

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AGL Egypt Successfully Delivers Massive Transformer to Zimbabwe

The AGL team faced several significant challenges during their recent logistics operation, including navigating complex border crossings and complying with various local regulations. Each country along the route presented unique logistical and bureaucratic hurdles that required careful negotiation and planning. Additionally, the uneven road conditions posed a considerable risk to the safe transport of the transformer. Despite these difficulties, the AGL team’s flawless execution demonstrated their expertise in managing intricate

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Container Handling at South African Ports Plummets 30.3% in Just One Week

Transnet is currently facing significant scrutiny following the latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), which ranked South Africa’s ports among the lowest of 405 evaluated worldwide. The operational efficiency of these ports has been further compromised by adverse weather conditions. The recent Cargo Movement Update (CMU), prepared by Business Unity South Africa and the South African Association of Freight Forwarders, reported a substantial week-on-week decline in container handling capacity, dropping

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Air Botswana Launches Direct Flights to Strengthen Regional Connectivity

Air Botswana is set to launch direct flights between Windhoek and Gaborone, enhancing both business and leisure travel between Namibia and Botswana. Mogolo Mokgosi, the Sales and Marketing Manager for Air Botswana, announced the new routes, which will also include flights from Kasane to Windhoek, Kasane to Cape Town, Maun to Cape Town, and Kasane to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). Kasane, located in northeastern Botswana, serves as a hub

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