Logistics

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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Trafigura, Aurubis and Kamoa Copper complete first sale of low-carbon

First low carbon copper anode shipment advances Lobito corridor and sustainable DRC to Europe supply chain. (Image source: Trafigura)

Trafigura has finalised the inaugural sale of low-carbon copper anodes manufactured by Kamoa Copper to the Aurubis Group, a globally recognised non-ferrous metals producer known for its high sustainability standards

The milestone delivery represents an important move towards supplying some of the lowest-carbon refined copper available worldwide.

The anodes were transferred to Trafigura’s dry port facility in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and are scheduled for rail transport on the Lobito Atlantic Railway in the coming days. After reaching the Port of Lobito, the shipment will continue by sea to Aurubis for processing at its European refining facilities. The Lobito corridor offers the most direct connection between Kolwezi and an African export port, shortening inland transit to approximately seven days.

Production of the copper anodes took place at the newly commissioned smelter at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC. The facility features advanced direct to blister smelting technology provided by Metso Outotec. The Kamoa-Kakula operation has been recognised as the lowest carbon-emitting major copper mine globally.

Kamoa Copper manages the complex through a joint venture partnership between Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin Mining. Trafigura serves as one of three designated offtake partners for output from the smelter. Following full ramp-up, the facility is expected to produce up to 500,000 tonnes annually of 99.7% pure copper anodes, positioning it as Africa’s largest copper smelter.

Gonzalo De Olazaval, head of metals, minerals and bulk commodities, Trafigura, commented, "Bringing together Trafigura, Aurubis, Kamoa Copper and the Lobito Atlantic Railway to complete the sale and transport of low-carbon copper anodes from the DRC shows what the mining supply chain can achieve when it works together."

"This transaction reflects the strength of our long-standing relationships with Aurubis, a world class company in its field, and Kamoa Copper, whose state-of-the-art smelter is among the least carbon-intensive in the industry - a testament to the world-class operation it has established in the DRC."

"We are equally proud that these anodes will be transported via LAR - a milestone made possible by the vision and support of the governments of the DRC and Angola, as well as the loan package provided by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).”

Ivanhoe Mines’ founder and executive co-chairman, Robert Friedland, commented, "The first shipment of 99.7%-pure copper anodes marks another milestone for Kamoa-Kakula and for Africa’s rapidly advancing infrastructure. The Lobito Atlantic Railway has become a transformational gateway linking the extraordinary mineral wealth of the DRC with global markets at unprecedented speed and efficiency."

"Copper produced at Kamoa-Kakula, transported via the Lobito Atlantic Railway and refined in Aurubis’s industry-leading low-carbon facilities in Europe, represents a new paradigm in the creation of the greenest and most sustainable refined copper supply chain serving global markets. Combined with our state-of-the-art smelter, this integrated supply chain is setting a new global benchmark for low-carbon-intensive copper for generations to come."

Operational data reflects the corridor’s growing momentum. In 2025, the Lobito Atlantic Railway transported more than 200,000 tonnes of cargo through the Port of Lobito. In January 2026 alone, volumes reached 30,000 tonnes, while the port handled a record 50,000-tonne bulk sulphur shipment.

Throughput is expected to rise consistently over the course of the year as the Lobito Atlantic Railway continues to strengthen its role as a dependable, high-capacity export route for the region.

Transnet launches RFQ for Richards Bay terminal

RFQ marks first step in private sector participation process to strengthen operations and attract private investment

Transnet SOC Ltd has released a Request for Qualification to begin identifying a private sector partner for its Private Sector Participation project at the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal

The RFQ marks a significant step under Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth Strategy and reflects its intention to formally engage the market to enhance operational efficiency, secure private investment and reinforce the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s freight and logistics network.

The Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal serves as a vital export hub for bulk commodities, especially chrome and magnetite. Through the PSP initiative, Transnet aims to harness private sector capital and operational expertise to strengthen reliability and efficiency, enable future capacity expansion and maintain strategic control of the asset.

In addition, the project is expected to create opportunities linked to supplier development, local participation and community upliftment, particularly in the Richards Bay area.

As the first stage of the selection process, the RFQ calls on interested bidders to demonstrate their technical expertise, operational track record, financial strength and compliance with Transnet’s stipulated requirements. Applicants must also present clear and measurable proposals detailing how they will advance community upliftment through the PSP arrangement. Parties that satisfy the qualification criteria may progress to a subsequent Request for Proposal phase.

Transnet has emphasised that the PSP process will be managed transparently and competitively, in full alignment with applicable governance standards and regulatory obligations. Ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, including employees, organised labour and government, will remain central throughout the process.

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