Logistics

Ceva and Lagos Free Zone redefine West African logistics

One hub, endless West African possibilities. (Image source: Lagos Free Zone)

Lagos Free Zone has entered into a joint venture agreement with CEVA Logistics to strengthen integrated logistics capabilities in Nigeria and across the wider West African region

The agreement, recently formalised following approval from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, will see CEVA Logistics take a majority stake in the new entity.

The collaboration combines CEVA Logistics’ global expertise with Lagos Free Zone’s infrastructure and strategic positioning. It will establish the first warehouse in the zone operated by a global logistics provider, located within the free zone that hosts the Lekki Deep Sea Port. The facility is designed to support importers and multinational manufacturers seeking efficient access to regional markets.

Speaking on the strategic joint venture, the CEO and managing director, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja said, “This partnership with CEVA Logistics underscores our commitment to creating a one-stop solution for manufacturing and trade businesses in Nigeria. By integrating Lekki Port, reliable industrial infrastructure, and efficient logistics solutions, we are building a logistics hub for West Africa. Collaborating with CEVA, a global leader in logistics, strengthens our ability to deliver on this vision.”

The development leverages Lekki Port’s modern infrastructure as a key gateway for goods entering West Africa. Businesses operating within the free zone benefit from duty-free export access to markets under the Economic Community of West African States, supporting more cost-effective and streamlined supply chains.

This advantage is further supported by the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel, a Nigeria Customs Service-approved corridor introduced in February 2026, which enables faster cargo movement between the port and the free zone, significantly reducing delays and associated costs while improving supply chain reliability.

In his remarks, the vice-President, Air and Ocean Product at CEVA IMEA, Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, stated, “We are proud to partner with Lagos Free Zone in this strategic venture. Our targeted investments in Nigeria reflect our commitment to providing uninterrupted logistics services to our global clients exporting to West Africa, including ECOWAS. This free zone warehouse is the final piece in creating a seamless logistics journey for goods and products from around the world to West Africa.”

He added that the partnership signals a new phase in logistics development for the region, supporting smoother trade flows into a fast-growing market. By combining global logistics capabilities with integrated local infrastructure, the joint venture is expected to enable businesses to focus on core operations while ensuring efficient movement of goods from international origins to destinations across West Africa.

Volvo extends range on electric trucks

The new Volvo FMX Electric truck in action (Image source: Volvo Trucks)

Volvo Trucks has announced the launch of new electric vehicles with improved performance, flexibility and ranges up to 700 km, a new benchmark for electric heavy-duty trucks

The fleet includes the long-distance heavy electric truck, the FH Aero Electric, offering extended range, capable of driving up to 700 km on one charge.

Actual range depends on external conditions such as weather and wind resistance, as well as other factors such as total weight of the truck and the driver’s performance.

The fleet also includes the next-generation heavy-duty Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks, which include improvements in flexibility, productivity, driving comfort and with ranges up to 470 km.

Roger Alm, president Volvo Trucks, said it makes it possible to switch to electric truck operation for even more transport assignments.

“It has never been easier to replace diesel trucks with electric ones,” he said. “We stand firm in our belief that electric vehicles will deliver a large part of the world's truck transport in the future. With the amazing performance of all our new trucks, it's easy to see why.”

The new trucks will be rolled out step by step to markets starting in 2026.

“We’re really sharpening our offering here,” said Alm. “We are broadening it and making electric solutions possible for an even wider range of transport assignments, and also adding a cutting‑edge electric truck with a range of up to 700 km. This means we can fully match the business needs of our customers.”

The new long-distance truck, the Volvo FH Aero Electric with extended range, can drive up to 700 km on one charge thanks to a new driveline technology, the e-axle, which creates space for significantly more battery capacity onboard.

The truck is adapted to the new MCS (Megawatt Charging System) standard and charging the eight batteries from 20% to 80% will take approximately 50 minutes.

“This long-haul electric truck is the best in the industry,” said Alm. “It offers an outstanding range in combination with high payload, fast charging and great riding comfort. With this truck, our customers can drive the really long distances and throughout an entire working day with the same productivity as diesel trucks.”

The new FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks have an all-new driveline designed for maximum flexibility across different applications.

It offers excellent drivability and is engineered so that the driver can drive the truck and power auxiliary equipment such as a concrete mixer, hook lift or refuse unit without extra motors or add-ons. This is due to an integrated gearbox power take-off (PTO) with increased functionality enabling usage during driving. The trucks will have a range of up to 470 km and can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 65 minutes.

“The next-generation FH, FM and FMX Electric are packed with new, smart functions, they offer great driver comfort and make zero tailpipe emissions transport available for very wide range of transport assignments,” said Alm.

All new trucks – the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric, and the FH Aero Electric with extended range – are equipped with a gearbox optimised for electric transmission paired with dual motors to deliver smoother and more controlled performance.

The new powershift gearboxes, eight-speed on the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric and six-speed on the FH Aero Electric with extended range, offer seamless gear shifting and also produce less noise and vibration for a more comfortable workday.

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Hybrid green ferry launched on Gambia river

New green hybrid ferry commissioned on River Gambia (Image source: AfDB)

A new hybrid ‘green’ ferry has been commissioned in The Gambia as part of a sustainable transport project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB)

Designed with state-of-the-art hybrid technology, the newly ferry, named the Barra Ferry, is capable of carrying 1,000 passengers and over 50 vehicles across the River Gambia.

It represents a milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise river transport and is expected to improve connectivity between the country’s North and South Banks, cut travel delays and enhance the safety and reliability of ferry services relied upon daily by thousands of Gambians.

The new vessel forms part of the Banjul Port Expansion Project, a US$20.56mn scheme financed through the AfDB’s concessional window, the African Development Fund (ADF).

The commissioning ceremony, held in Barra, was presided over by Gambian President Adama Barrow, who underscored the strategic significance of transport infrastructure to his nation’s development.

“The socioeconomic wellbeing of The Gambia is closely linked to the strength of its domestic production base and its participation in regional and international trade,” he said.

“For this reason, the efficiency of our major trade gateways, such as the seaports, ferry services, airport, and telecommunications systems, remains fundamental to sustained economic growth and competitiveness.”

The River Gambia, stretching about 360 kilometres inland, divides the country into two, making reliable ferry services linking the North and South Banks indispensable.

For decades, the country’s ferry services have operated under intense constraints, amid growing demand from increasing vehicular traffic, freight movement and passenger volumes.

The new ferry’s energy-efficient design, cleaner propulsion systems and improved safety are expected to reduce emissions, lower operational costs and ensure safer and more reliable transport services.

The commissioning of the new ferry also underscores the AfDB’s strategic focus on promoting low-carbon transport and climate-resilient infrastructure, in line with development priorities.

“This ferry represents a transformative innovation in sustainable maritime transport,” added Lamin G. Barrow, director general for West Africa at the AfDB.

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New South African freight & logistics trade body

New trade group aims to boost freight and logistics in South Africa (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The South African Freight and Logistics Association (Safla) has officially launched as a new industry body to represent freight forwarders and logistics operators across the country

The group aims to tackle friction points that have long slowed trade and burdened businesses, according to Dave Logan, Safla’s founding executive officer.

“We represent the operational reality others are too centralised to capture,” he said. “Safla exists to solve specific problems — border delays, permit duplication, valuation disputes — and to do so with data and accountability.”

Immediate priorities include engagements with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Transnet, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and all 17 government agencies and controlling authorities that intersect with freight forwarding and customs compliance.

The association will use shipment data, delay records and cost analysis to inform every regulatory submission and stakeholder engagement.

It will also maintain formal representation at key border posts and ports, including Durban, Cape Town, Beitbridge, Lebombo and Ngqura.

“We are not here to make noise,” said Logan. “We are here to deliver quick, visible wins with regulators and ensure measurable impact.”

One of its main commitments is equal representation across South Africa's provinces, with a structure that deliberately prevents the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal dominance that has historically marginalised operators in other provinces.

It also prioritises SMME development with tiered membership, including micro, SME, and corporate categories, to ensure smaller operators can access the same advocacy rights as large corporates.

“SMMEs are the backbone of this industry,” said Logan. “SAFLA takes pride in being an association that builds them up through fit-for-purpose workshops, capacity building, and training interventions that align with the aspirational objectives of SARS and the broader trade environment.”

Another priority is supporting and developing the next generation of freight and logistics professionals, with special training and initiatives for younger professionals.

An accreditation framework, developed in partnership with the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and other bodies, will introduce industry-recognised certifications in areas such as border clearance, customs compliance and multimodal logistics coordination.

Safla is ambitious in its plans for the first year, according to Logan.

“Within 12 months, we expect to demonstrate at least two measurable regulatory improvements, establish functional regional committees across key corridors, and publish data-backed position papers that shift the conversation,” he said. “Safla will be indispensable because it stays close to the friction points in the supply chain.”

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DHL study flags Africa’s growing integration with the global economy

Africa's growing integration into global markets (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Sub-Saharan African economies are strengthening their integration into global trade and investment flows, according to the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026

It highlights the region’s growing relevance in international commerce despite heightened geopolitical tensions and global trade uncertainty.

“As supply chains across the globe continue to develop and trade routes expand into new territories, connectedness is emerging as a key differentiator for businesses and nations alike,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub‑Saharan Africa.

“The countries in our region that are strengthening their global links are becoming more visible in international trade networks,” he noted, adding that Africa is “increasingly shifting from a narrative of aid to one of trade.”

The report, produced by DHL in partnership with New York University Stern School of Business, draws on more than nine million data points tracking global flows of trade, capital, information and people.

It found that global connectedness reached 25% in 2025, matching a record high first achieved in 2022.

Several countries are emerging as notable long-term improvers.

Namibia ranks among the top three globally for increases in connectedness since 2001, while Mozambique also features among the strongest performers over the same period.

More recent gains have been recorded in Nigeria and Zambia, which have posted some of the largest improvements since 2022.

Beyond trade and investment, the report notes a strong recovery in cross-border movement of people following the pandemic.

UN data shows that Africa recorded a 17% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025 compared with 2019, the second-largest increase among world regions after the Middle East.

In the report’s latest ranking of 180 economies, South Africa placed 53rd globally.

Other African economies with relatively strong positions include Seychelles (40th), Mauritius (65th), Namibia (68th), Ghana (97th), Nigeria (100th), Mozambique (107th) and Kenya (119th).

“To fully unlock this potential, the region needs strong regional connectivity, predictable cross-border processes and partners that understand both local conditions and global trade requirements,” added Heymans.

“At DHL Express, we are committed to being a catalyst for growth in Africa, ensuring that not only is Africa a part of global trade but a key driver within it.”

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