Kenya has just allowed flights operated by Zambia Airways 2014 Limited into its territory. The move has been taken positively by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Eng. Museba Frank Tayali of Zambia. This happened in the wake of a notice from the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority announcing that flights from Kenya Airways into the country had been suspended, a situation which was resolved amicably between the two countries.

Minister Tayali has praised Kenya’s decision to permit Zambia Airways to begin operating flights into the nation as a positive move toward deepening the two nations’ ties. He pegged the development on how this cooperation shows the good connections and mutual respect that exist between the governments of the Republic of Zambia and Kenya, characterizing it as an exhibit of comradeship and goodwill between two sister nations.

My office has been working tirelessly with the CAA, and now it has all been settled amicably to the benefit of the two nations.” He hailed the CAA for running its business very professionally, saying the issue has clearly demonstrated that disputes can be resolved smoothly if taken with diplomacy and cooperation. Tayali seemed excited over the agreement reached between the two countries and highlighted that both Zambia and Kenya would greatly benefit from it.

The Minister underlined that air transport has a pivotal role in improving regional connectivity and that this partnership between the two countries is of critical importance to the growth of the economy and the development of the region. Tayali underlined the necessity of reinforcing the air transport sector, as it creates a critical avenue for better connectivity not only within but also beyond Africa. Efficient and reliable air transport links are crucial in fostering trade, tourism, and business opportunities to further the economic aims of both countries.

In this context, Tayali also insisted that Zambia and Kenya hasten talks to promote cooperation in the exportation of fresh agricultural produce to other Western and Asian markets. Improved air connectivity between Zambia and Kenya will definitely boost the export sector while opening new markets for farmers and producers from both countries, he said.

Tayali also urged the two airlines to encourage good international aviation principles that will ensure high levels of efficiency, safety, and security standards in aviation practices. He called upon both Zambia Airways and Kenya Airways to ensure improvement in passengers relations and first-class services to satisfy customers. Ensuring the skies are safe and secure and providing a service that is reliable and efficient are crucial to the success of the two regional airlines.

This is a positive step in aviation cooperation between the two countries, especially since the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority had written to them to confirm that they had no objections to Zambia Airways flying into Nairobi. This resolution is, in fact, a follow-through on an earlier decision made by the Zambian Civil Aviation Authority to suspend all Kenya Airways flights into Zambia, effective from 8th October 2024. The issue has been settled, with both countries now focusing on the way forward with strengthened aviation ties.

This development reflects the bigger ambition of both Zambia and Kenya, in fostering regional cooperation, particularly in air transport, which plays an important role in stimulating economic growth, accelerating regional integration, and opening new routes of trade. With Zambia Airways planning flights into Kenya, the two countries will now enjoy improved connectivity, with increased levels of collaboration within the aviation space. This is a move that is testament to the power of diplomacy and cooperation to ensure the doing of a common solution to complex problems for the advancement of shared prosperity.

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway, commonly known as Tazara, holds a special place in China-Africa relations as a symbol of enduring friendship. Built in the early 1970s with Chinese assistance, it was China’s largest foreign aid project in Africa, linking Zambia’s Copperbelt town of Kapiri-Mposhi to the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam. However, more than five decades later, the 1,860-kilometer railway has fallen into disrepair, operating at a fraction of its capacity with only 10 locomotives in use out of a potential 50. Now, Beijing has pledged over US$1 billion to refurbish the ageing railway and restore it to full functionality.

The decision to revitalize Tazara comes at a critical time, as the US has announced its own African railway infrastructure project, bankrolling the refurbishment of the Lobito Corridor, which connects Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This move is seen as part of a broader competition for control over Africa’s transport routes and access to critical minerals, particularly those used in electric vehicle batteries, such as cobalt and copper. The race for these resources has intensified between China, the US, and the European Union, and Tazara plays a strategic role in this competition.

China’s commitment to upgrading Tazara, announced during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in September 2024, underscores the railway’s importance. The signing ceremony, witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, marked the start of the railway’s revitalization. The state-owned China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), is negotiating a concession to operate the railway for 30 years, during which it aims to make Tazara profitable and recoup its investment before transferring control back to the Tanzanian and Zambian governments.

The rehabilitation plan includes upgrading tracks, purchasing new locomotives, and increasing the railway’s capacity to shift heavy cargo from road transport to rail. Zambian Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali noted that this revitalization would create jobs, enhance trade, and improve connectivity in the region. The Tazara Railway Authority echoed this optimism, stating that the railway’s operational capacity is expected to increase from the current 500,000 metric tonnes to approximately 2 million metric tonnes once the upgrades are complete. The project is estimated to take two years to complete.

Tazara’s importance extends beyond its economic role; it is a political and historical symbol for China. During its construction, 160 workers, including 69 Chinese nationals, lost their lives, and Chinese diplomats still honour their memory today. The railway was built during a period of resistance against Western control in Southern Africa. In the 1970s, China stepped in to fund the project when both the US and Russia refused, citing economic concerns. The railway was crucial for landlocked Zambia, whose access to the sea was cut off by its neighbour, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), during the region’s struggle for majority rule.

China’s rekindled interest in Tazara is also motivated by geopolitical factors. The DRC’s and Zambia’s vital minerals, which are needed to produce electric car batteries and other renewable energy technologies, are accessible via the railway. The significance of modernizing Tazara to conform to Africa’s modern railway infrastructure strategy was underscored by China-Africa specialist Lauren Johnston. China stands to lose influence in the transportation arteries of the area if this improvement is not carried out.

As part of a larger plan to preserve its influence in Africa and gain access to vital minerals, China is actively rehabilitating Tazara. It also emphasizes China’s and the West’s continuous geopolitical competition for sway over Africa’s resource and infrastructural sectors.

South African Airways will increase the frequency on its route from Johannesburg to Windhoek, going up from the double daily currently offered, by adding a third daily flight that will operate effective 27 October 2024. This additional frequency is targeted at increasing travel options between the two cities and shall be operated with SAA’s A320 fleet. This shall be in a bid to give flexibility and convenience to both business and leisure travellers while enhancing connectivity between South Africa and Namibia.

The three daily flights will depart Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport at 05:45, 09:05, and 15:00, with return flights departing from Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek at 08:30, 11:55, and 17:45, respectively. The increased frequencies should provide more options for both corporate and leisure passengers while capitalizing on the rising demand for air travel between the two cities.

Air Connect Namibia is a joint initiative by the Namibia Airports Company, and it is very pleased with the new service. Bisey /Uirab, Chairperson and CEO of the NAC, welcomed the introduction of the third daily flight. He termed this a positive development toward ensuring better air access to Namibia and higher international connectivity. This additional flight will not only offer more capacity but greater flexibility for travellers when planning their journey between Johannesburg and Windhoek,” believes Uirab.

“This new flight is a much-needed addition to the route, offering consumers more choice and flexibility,” said /Uirab. He said improved connectivity between the two cities would go both ways for the benefit of the two countries. Increased air services will promote economic cooperation and develop relations between Johannesburg and Windhoek. With increased air capacity, the two countries can look forward to new business opportunities, tourism inflows, and cultural exchanges.

Air Connect Namibia, conceptualised in 2024, is a collaborative air service development initiative led by the NAC. The programme aims to enhance Namibia’s air access and international connectivity. The introduction of SAA’s third daily flight was thus viewed as a major accomplishment in terms of meeting the initiative’s objectives.

This increased flight capacity is supposed to see a rise in passengers plying between Johannesburg and Windhoek. At present, Johannesburg is Namibia’s largest international destination, based on two-way passenger traffic. With this ever-increasing demand for air travel, SAA’s third flight is well-placed to respond to market requirements.

Increased air connectivity is likely further to enhance the development of Namibia’s aviation sector. The new frequency of flights, according to /Uirab, will see more inbound and outbound travel. He further alluded that such expansion would offer convenience to tourists who want to experience and enjoy the rich heritage and variety of offerings of the two destinations. With improved connectivity, tourists can experience Namibia’s natural beauty and new business opportunities opening up in Johannesburg.

Thus, SAA’s decision to introduce a third daily flight between Johannesburg and Windhoek represents a serious milestone toward improving air travel options between South Africa and Namibia. It is expected that this service would increase tourism, firm up economic ties, and bring about collaboration between the two countries because of more flexible schedules with higher capacity. This development represents a welcome step toward continuous efforts to improve international connectivity while Namibia’s aviation industry grows.

Leading African logistics company, Logidoo has formally opened the China-West Africa commerce corridor. With its quicker and more dependable logistical solutions, this strategic effort is poised to completely transform trade between these two crucial regions. As a crucial milestone in Logidoo’s quest to simplify and enhance trade, this new corridor will not only decrease shipment times but also streamline the frequently complex customs handling and logistical processes that have long created problems for businesses.

The trade corridor is the result of months of intensive collaboration between Logidoo and several Chinese companies, culminating in formal partnerships established in August 2024. The collaboration was facilitated by Logidoo’s participation in the prestigious C-START program, which has been instrumental in fostering business ties between African and Chinese enterprises. This corridor promises to reshape the logistics landscape, creating an efficient and seamless route for goods to flow between China and West Africa.

Tamsir Traore Ousmane, the CEO of Logidoo, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative, stating, “Our China-West Africa corridor is set to redefine how businesses operate across these regions. By significantly reducing shipping times and simplifying logistics processes, we’re opening new doors for economic growth and international trade.” This corridor addresses one of the most significant pain points for businesses: the long and often unpredictable shipping times associated with traditional sea routes.

For a range of shipments, from little packages to big containers, Logidoo’s services will offer end-to-end freight management. By providing a comprehensive logistics solution, the company hopes to remove the obstacles that companies typically have while managing global trade. Logidoo guarantees that companies may transport their goods more effectively and economically, enabling them to compete more successfully in the global market. It does this by expediting customs procedures and optimizing the logistics process.

The corridor’s operations will first be based in Senegal, a nation where Logidoo is already well-established. Senegal is a great place to start your endeavor because of its advantageous location and well-established trade links. Logidoo intends to extend its services to other West African countries, such as Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Guinea, as the corridor develops. These regions have well-established trade networks with Logidoo, offering a solid foundation for expansion.

The program is a perfect fit with Logidoo’s larger aim, which is to promote both intra-African and international trade. By utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional services, the company is dedicated to being Africa’s top logistics supplier. Afridoo’s cutting-edge Transport Management System (TMS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS) are two of the major improvements incorporated into the corridor. With the use of these technologies, Logidoo will be able to offer effective, high-quality logistics services that meet changing company needs.

“The China-West Africa corridor is more than just a trade route; it’s a bridge connecting continents and cultures,” Ousmane added. He expressed excitement about the opportunities this new initiative will create for businesses in both China and West Africa, highlighting the corridor’s potential to drive economic development and foster stronger international trade relationships.

With the launch of this corridor, Logidoo is not only creating a faster, more efficient logistics network but also paving the way for greater economic integration between China and West Africa. This new trade route is set to become a vital link in global supply chains, offering businesses in both regions the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly competitive international market.

Transnet is currently under significant scrutiny due to the recent Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) which ranked South Africa’s ports among the lowest of 405 evaluated worldwide. The challenges faced by the country’s ports have been further exacerbated by inclement weather conditions, impacting their operational efficiency. The latest Cargo Movement Update (CMU), prepared by Business Unity South Africa and the South African Association of Freight Forwarders, highlighted a significant week-on-week decline in container handling capacity, dropping from 8,244 to 5,737 containers daily. This 30.3% decrease in throughput capacity is attributed primarily to extreme weather conditions and equipment breakdowns, which have severely disrupted port operations.

The Port of Durban, one of the major ports in South Africa, experienced closures to incoming traffic due to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the Eastern Cape ports faced operational challenges due to strong winds and vessel ranging, further impacting the overall efficiency of port operations. These disruptions come at a time when the global sea freight industry is grappling with intensified capacity shortages. The container shipping market has been particularly affected, with notable issues such as Maersk ceasing operations of a trans-Pacific service just eight weeks after its commencement, and nearly 50% of westbound Asia-Europe sailings failing to meet their scheduled departure times due to ongoing port congestion in Southeast Asian hubs.

Amid these capacity challenges, global freight rates have continued to rise for the ninth consecutive week, with a 13% increase recorded last week. Since the end of March, the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index has seen a 76% increase, with no signs of decline in the near future. The containership charter market also remains strong, with rates increasing by 10% last week, further compounding the challenges faced by the global supply chain sector.

In response to these manifold challenges, public sector ocean freight executives in South Africa and beyond have criticized the World Bank’s latest CPPI. Locally, a logistics principal who requested anonymity suggested that the CPPI does not provide a fair comparison, as it lumps together ports with vastly different sizes and service-related dynamics. This critique raises questions about the validity and accuracy of the World Bank’s data metrics, especially given the institution’s disclaimer that it cannot guarantee the accuracy of its research.

The criticism highlights a broader issue within the global port performance assessment framework. The varying conditions and operational contexts of different ports make it difficult to create a standardized measure that accurately reflects the performance and efficiency of each port. This disparity is evident in the case of South African ports, which are facing unique challenges that are not necessarily comparable to those faced by ports in other regions.

The current situation underscores the need for more nuanced and context-specific evaluations of port performance. While the CPPI provides a useful benchmark, it should be complemented with other assessments that take into account the specific conditions and challenges faced by individual ports. This approach would provide a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of port performance, helping to identify areas for improvement and inform targeted interventions.

The current CPPI ranking has highlighted the serious difficulties that South African ports confront, which are made worse by bad weather and equipment failures. Complicating matters further are the wider problems plaguing the global maritime freight business, such as declining capacity and growing freight rates? The necessity for more complex evaluations that take into account the distinctive circumstances of various ports is brought up by criticisms of the CPPI’s methodology. To guarantee effective and reliable port operations, addressing these issues would call for a coordinated effort from all supply chain sector players.

DP World is pleased to announce that its Market Access Consumer business, Deep Catch Group, has opened a world-class cold storage facility, Lusaka Commercial Cold Store (LCCS), in Lusaka, Zambia. The LCCS is a groundbreaking project that is set to revolutionise the cold storage industry in Zambia and provide cold storage solutions to local clients, principals and customers.

The facility is the first of its kind in the country and will offer state-of-the-art cold storage facilities to meet the needs of local meat, poultry, and fish producers, as well as the thriving hospitality and retail sectors.

Deep Catch, a diversified and vertically integrated business engaged in the wholesale, distribution, and cold storage of perishable foods, has a proven track record of providing strategic cold storage solutions in South Africa and Namibia, and is now extending this solution to Zambia.

Mohammed Akoojee, CEO & MD: sub-Saharan Africa at DP World, said: “This is a significant milestone for DP World in Southern Africa. The LCCS is set to transform the cold storage environment in Zambia by enhancing the availability and quality of locally produced and imported perishable products. Given its strategic location, advanced infrastructure and commitment to excellence, the LCCS will undoubtedly play a vital role in driving economic growth and the seamless flow of goods in Zambia.”

The LCCS is built to accommodate Zambia’s unique climate and boasts various dedicated areas, including a bulk freezer section, a chiller store, a dry goods storage area, and a processing zone for food handling. The facility will also incorporate a receiving and dispatch area, complete with efficient mobile and static pallet handling systems. Once fully operational, the LCCS will have the capacity to accommodate up to 5,500 pallets distributed across the freezer, chiller and dry storage sections. This expansive capacity ensures that businesses relying on cold storage solutions can effectively manage their inventory and meet the demands of their respective industries and customers.

Bruce Denyer, Head of Market Access Consumer: sub-Saharan Africa at DP World, said: “The development of the LCCS is in line with Deep Catch’s expansion strategy to establish a strong cold chain footprint in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region. The LCCS will play a pivotal role in facilitating the efficient importation of affordable protein products, while simultaneously supporting local food producers in reaching their markets. This world-class facility will adhere to the highest industry standards and provide exceptional logistics support to our customers.”

By providing integrated end-to-end logistics, and leveraging our global footprint and unrivalled infrastructure, DP World is reimagining the global supply chain. We are building better ways to bring goods to more people, by making the flow of trade smarter, faster, and more sustainable, ensuring we can all thrive in ways we never thought possible. By improving the efficiency of moving local goods across the globe, DP World is actively contributing to regional economic growth and changing what’s possible for Africa and her people.

The Namibia Port of Walvis Bay is about to make one of the most important strides in its modern history as it prepares for its container handling operations to come under private management from Terminal Investment Limited, aka TiL. This much-anticipated concession, expected to start during the second quarter of 2023, will now begin on October 1, 2024, after Namport and TiL conclude the details of their joint venture, Terminal Investment Namibia (TiN).

Privatizations of container handling at Walvis Bay were thus prompted by the need for private capital to develop infrastructure, improve efficiency, and boost volumes of cargo moved. The modernization of the port channel and the purchase of new equipment with advanced systems will put the TiN in a position where the port becomes competitive and capable of accommodating big vessels.

Although the cargo volume growth at the port has been more sluggish than anticipated, analysts in the industry note that the privatization and the improvement in infrastructure will spur activities. The acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics by MSC, further enhanced by the creation of Africa Global Logistics, is bound to give TiN the edge it needs in the broader market.

The concession agreement with TiN is foreseen to further solidify Namibia’s role as a vital logistics hub in Southern Africa. More shipping connectivity, more vessel traffic, and the capability for container handling will increase the volume of cargo handled and generally enhance the efficiency of the operations at the port.

This move follows the privatization of Walvis Bay’s container handling operations and the expansion of the Port of Lobito from its sister country, Angola. The Lobito Corridor also presents a very short transport route from the port into the Copper Belt and has, therefore, received considerable industrial interest.

As if to respond to this perceived incursion by the Lobito Corridor, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group has called for the development of a new North-West Corridor through Namibia. The road infrastructure to support this route is still under construction and faces delays.

This concession agreement represents a milestone between Namport and TiL for the Port of Walvis Bay as it leverages private capital and expertise to make the port more competitive, attracting cargo to contribute toward Namibia’s economic growth.

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With their incredible capabilities, jack-up systems have transformed heavy construction projects. From bridge construction to mining and shipbuilding, these hydraulic systems excel at lifting and lowering heavy loads with precision.

Read on to discover the benefits of Jack-up Systems, hear from satisfied users, view our video, and explore applications in our image gallery.

Jump to a section:

• When are Jack-up Systems Used?
• Jack-up System Overview
• Video
• User Comments
• Project Gallery
• Jack-up Systems Compared
• Summary

When are Jack-up Systems Used?
Enerpac Jack-up Systems are used extensively in construction projects – especially for bridges, for example whenever a deck section needs lifting or lowering. They can also be used in other industries too, such as mining, shipbuilding, dockyards, and decommissioning. The type of projects best suited to jack-up systems are those requiring the following:

• Multi-point lifting and lowering
• Ability to lift large and heavy loads weighing up to 3,360 tons (30,000 kN)
• Quick and easy mobilization
• Synchronized lifting and travel
• A system that fits where space or access is restricted
• When lifting the load from below (with header beams)
• When lifting the load from above (less often, and using slings)
• When the load has a large footprint
• When both speed and high accuracy are needed
• When it is important to lock the load mechanically

Jack-up System Overview
A jack-up system is a hydraulically powered solution for multi-point lifts. A typical setup includes four jack-up units positioned under each corner of a load. Unlike alternative systems that employ wooden cribbing blocks, they use steel barrels that are inserted, raised, and stacked to create lifting towers, enabling incremental lifting of the load.

Key Features
The essentials of a typical jack-up system are the four units, the software application, the smartbox software interface, steel barrels, and the top barrel which incorporates a swivel. Trolleys and tracks to enable horizontal travel are optional and can be controlled remotely.

Within each lifting unit are four powerful hydraulic cylinders, a cabinet housing the electrics, and the barrel insertion system, which depending upon the model, fetches the barrel automatically.

What Benefits Do Jack-up Systems Offer?
Put simply, a jack-up system provides accurate and synchronized multi-point lifting of large and heavy loads – typically those that need lifting from below. One alternative to this is using cranes, which usually take longer to mobilize and require more space. A second alternative is to use climbing jacks (stage lifts), but compared to a jack-up system, they do not provide the same safe lift heights, or resistance to sideload. Furthermore, the climbing jacks rely on cumbersome and unsustainable tropical hardwood cribbing blocks.

The benefits of a Jack-up System are summarized below:

• Allows lifting and lowering from below
• Lift towers can be built to reach impressive heights: e.g. 135ft (36m) can be reached when used with a suitable bracing system.
• Software controlled to provide synchronized accurate multi-point lifting and balance of the load
• Ideal for challenging access projects – e.g. can be installed on barges for bridge projects
• Small footprint of each unit
• Safe mechanical locking
• Self-contained hydraulics in each unit prevents a cluttered working area
• Fast and simple to transport and set up