Category: News

Ethiopia’s Bold $2.6 Billion Railway and Port Infrastructure Upgrade: A Path to Modernizing Logistics

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A report by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics has outlined an ambitious plan to upgrade the country’s railway and port infrastructure, with an estimated investment need of more than USD 2.6 billion. The document, titled “Reform Prospects for Ethiopia’s Railway and Surface Transport,” highlights a range of infrastructure and operational improvements necessary for Ethiopia to modernize its logistics networks and enhance connections with neighboring countries. Key areas of investment include upgrading the Ethio-Djibouti Railway, enhancing port and terminal facilities, and introducing standardization for railway safety. In addition, significant resources…

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Historic Agreement for the Creation of the “Russo-African University Network for Transport”

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From October 21 to 22, 2024, a historic meeting took place at the Russian University of Transport (RUT), resulting in the signing of an agreement for the creation of the “Russo-African University Network for Transport”. This agreement, signed by RUT’s rector, Alexander Klimov, along with representatives of Russian and African universities, aims to establish a common educational platform uniting 19 transport-specialized institutions from Africa and Russia. The primary goal of this partnership is to develop a shared educational network that will train the next generation of professionals in this strategic…

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Vulnerability of supply chains exposed as global maritime chokepoints come under pressure

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The latest Review of Maritime transport urges action to strengthen infrastructure and operations, promote low-carbon shipping and combat growing concerns over fraudulent ship registrations. The global economy, food security, and energy supplies are at increasing risk due to vulnerabilities at key maritime routes. The Review of Maritime Transport 2024 from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reveals that critical chokepoints – such as the Panama Canal (connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans), the Red Sea and the Suez Canal (linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Arabian Peninsula), and the…

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Maritime Transport: A Pillar of Resilient African Trade 

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Maritime transport is emerging as a fundamental lever in building resilient African trade, as highlighted in UNCTAD’s recent report. This evolution revolves around several strategic axes that strengthen the continent’s capacity to maintain stable trade exchanges despite global disruptions. Significant Maritime Growth and Flexibility in Crisis The notable increase in port activities in Africa, marked by a 20% rise in container vessel calls and a 38% increase in tanker calls between 2018 and 2023, demonstrates a strengthening of the continent’s logistics capabilities. This progression creates a solid foundation for more…

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Rabbit Mobility Raises $1.3 Million: A New Breath for Green Mobility in Egypt

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Rabbit Mobility, a pioneer in micromobility in Egypt, has just completed a $1.3 million funding round led by venture capital firm 500 Global and Untapped Global, a specialist in smart asset financing. This major fundraising will enable the company to accelerate its mission: to offer Egyptians sustainable, efficient, and accessible transportation alternatives. With over 1 million trips completed and 450,000 users, Rabbit Mobility has already demonstrated its great potential. This new funding will enable the company to: Expand its offer: By tripling its fleet, Rabbit Mobility will be able to…

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IZI secures Green Fund backing and adds new Electric Buses to its expanding Rwandan Fleet

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Kigali, Rwanda – IZI, the innovative Africa-focused e-mobility provider, today announced significant milestones in its mission to electrify Rwanda’s public transport sector. In just four months of operation, IZI’s initial fleet of five electric buses has demonstrated remarkable success. The buses have travelled over 74,000 electric kilometres, carried more than 250,000 passengers, saved operators 38% in running costs ($34,000 saved in diesel costs alone), and mitigated over 60 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This impact data is tracked in near real-time via the IZI Connect platform, providing unprecedented transparency to client…

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Jumia Withdraws from South Africa and Tunisia: Analysis of the African E-commerce Giant’s Refocusing Strategy

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In an announcement marking a major strategic shift, Jumia Technologies, often dubbed the “African Amazon,” has revealed its intention to withdraw from two important markets: South Africa and Tunisia. This decision is part of a broader restructuring aimed at achieving profitability, a goal that has long eluded the company despite its rapid growth. A Strategic Decision in a Challenging Economic Context According to Reuters, Jumia’s CEO, Francis Dufay, explained the reasons for this withdrawal: “The trajectory of the countries was not aligned with the group’s strategy.” He specifically cited “the…

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Uganda Signs Historic Contract for Major Railway Line Construction with Yapı Merkezi

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On October 14, 2024, Uganda took a crucial step in developing its transport infrastructure by signing a $3 billion contract for the construction of the Malaba-Kampala railway line. This ambitious project, entrusted to the Turkish company Yapı Merkezi, promises to revolutionize regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth in East Africa. A Project of Considerable Scale The Malaba-Kampala railway line, stretching 273 kilometers, represents a significant technical and logistical challenge. Erdem Arıoğlu, Vice Chairman of Yapı Merkezi, emphasized the importance of this project: “We are very proud to undertake the Eastern…

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Roam’s Electric Motorcycle Completes First-ever Solar-powered 6000km Journey through Africa

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● Roam Air completes a 6,000 km journey across varied African terrains, from rugged paths to highways, showing its adaptability in the African landscape. ● The entire 17-day journey relied on solar charging, proving the feasibility of sustainable energy even in remote areas. ● Roam donates 2 Roam Airs to the Electric Mobility Lab at SU to advance research in sustainable transport for Africa. ● Roam Air achieved a new single battery record range of 113 km, and a 1,000 km distance under 18 hours, highlighting its efficiency. October 16,…

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Afreximbank to Host 2024 Trade Finance Seminar and Factoring Workshop in Windhoek, Namibia

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The event will address critical trade finance trends, tools and offer training in innovative strategies to bolster Africa’s trade ecosystem African bankers, financiers, legal practitioners, insurers, and professionals from regulatory agencies and corporates, from across the African continent involved in trade finance will gather in Windhoek, Namibia, from 5 to 8 November for the annual Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar (ATFS) and Factoring Workshop (https://ATFS2024.AfreximbankEvents.com). The event will address critical trade finance trends, tools and offer training in innovative strategies to bolster Africa’s trade ecosystem. Mr. Titus Ndove, Executive Director, Ministry of…

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