african trends

Dangote’s Sh2 Trillion Refinery Set to Transform Lamu, Unlock LAPSSET Potential

The planned construction of a massive oil refinery in Lamu by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, could transform Kenya’s northern coast into a major

AUDA-NEPAD Opens DRC Office to Drive Projects and Investment

The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) is establishing a permanent office in the Democratic Republ

Mombasa Port Expansion Set to Boost Cargo Capacity as Hapag-Lloyd Eyes Regional Growth

The Port of Mombasa is positioning itself for a new phase of growth through major infrastructure expansion projects that will significantly increase c

Mozambique, Zimbabwe Move to Cut Border Delays and Boost Beira Corridor Trade

Transporters, exporters, and travellers using the strategic Beira Corridor are set to benefit from faster border clearance, lower transport costs, and

Tanzania Boosts Maritime Security with High-Speed Patrol Boats

Tanzania has strengthened its maritime security capabilities with the launch of two high-speed patrol boats designed to combat growing threats in its

Rwanda Diversifies Fuel Imports as First Tanga Shipment Arrives

Rwanda has received its first government-backed fuel shipment through Tanzania's Port of Tanga, marking a significant shift in the country's petroleum

Framework Sets Out Criteria for Selecting Host Country for Regional Maritime University

A comprehensive multi-criteria assessment framework developed by the World Maritime University (WMU) for the Maritime Organization for Eastern, Southe

MOESNA, SADC Forge Maritime Partnership to Advance Regional Shipping

The Maritime Organization for Eastern, Southern, and Northern Africa (MOESNA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have agreed to col

Proposed Regional Maritime University Seeks to Close Africa's Maritime Skills Gap

A proposed Regional Maritime University (RMU) for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa region aims to tackle the region's growing shortage of qualifi

MOESNA Study Recommends Phased Approach to Regional Maritime University

A proposed Regional Maritime University (RMU) for Eastern, Southern, and Northern Africa should be established through a phased approach rather than l

DP World Investments Transform Tanzania's Premier Maritime Gateway

Dar es Salaam Port has reduced vessel discharge time by more than 90 percent following operational reforms introduced by global port operator DP World

Dar es Salaam Prepares to Host Ocean Summit

Tanzania will host the 12th Nairobi Convention Conference of the Parties (COP12) from October 6 to 9 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Ce

Rwanda diversifies fuel import routes to boost energy security

Rwanda is accelerating efforts to diversify its petroleum import routes as part of a broader strategy to strengthen energy security, lower supply risk

Kenya Railways Sets July Start for Naivasha-Malaba SGR Project

Construction of the long-awaited Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension will begin in July 2026, with Kenya Railways announcing

Uganda's SGR Investment Reinforces Regional Maritime Trade Corridor

Uganda has secured a major infrastructure boost after receiving Shs2.73 trillion (€650.75 million) in financing from the Islamic Development Bank (IsD

DRC Rail Protocol Move Could Transform Regional Trade and Logistics

The Democratic Republic of Congo's accession to the Luxembourg Rail Protocol marks a potentially transformative development for Africa's transport and

Digital System Set to Drive Kenya’s Marine Insurance Reform

Kenya is poised to retain billions of shillings previously lost to foreign insurance markets following the government's decision to enforce mandatory

Northern Corridor States Strengthen Capacity to Secure Better Infrastructure Deals

Government officials and infrastructure experts from across the Northern Corridor have undergone advanced training aimed at strengthening their abilit

KPA Expands Quay Capacity As Cargo Volumes Surge

As cargo volumes at the Port of Mombasa continue to grow, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is accelerating investments in critical infrastructure to en

Uganda Kenya SGR Integration Receives Major Backing

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to financing Uganda's Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), providing fresh momentum to effo

Africa Pushes for Regional Maritime University to Fix Training Gaps

Amid growing concerns over fragmented Maritime Education and Training (MET) systems, inadequate training infrastructure, shortages of qualified instru

LNG-Powered Vessel Signals Green Shipping Shift in East Africa

The arrival of the LNG-powered container vessel CMA CGM Adventure at the Port of Mombasa has marked a symbolic milestone in East Africa’s gradual tran

Ethiopia Fully Opens Freight Forwarding Market to Global Investors

Ethiopia has opened a new chapter in its logistics and trade services sector with the removal of long-standing restrictions on foreign participation i

Modern Maritime Skills Lacking Among Coxswains in MOESNA States

A major regional drive to reform and standardize coxswain training across Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa is gaining ground amid growing concern

Calls Intensify for Recognition of Informal Coxswain Experience

A regional push to harmonize coxswain training and certification across the Eastern, Northern and Southern African regions is taking shape as countrie

Tanzania Accelerates Port Expansion as Cargo Volumes Hit Record Highs

The Tanzanian government is undertaking a sweeping overhaul of the Port of Dar es Salaam to enhance its capacity and efficiency amid a surge in cargo

Urgent Rail Expansion: Kenya’s Strategic Answer to Mombasa Port Cargo Surge

Faced with an unprecedented surge in transit cargo through the Mombasa Port, the Kenyan government has unveiled a robust strategy to expand the countr

Lamu’s Deep-Water Advantage Puts It on the Global Map

In a historic feat that cements its rapid ascent, the Port of Lamu recently welcomed the largest vessel ever to dock at any port in East and Central A

New Maritime Pact to Ease Trade Barriers Between Kenya and Tanzania

Kenya and Tanzania have taken a significant step toward strengthening regional maritime cooperation after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Standard Chartered Fuels Tanzania SGR Regional Integration Push

The Standard Chartered Bank has arranged a $2.33 billion syndicated financing facility for Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), underscoring the a

The Ripple Effects of a Revitalized Dar Port

The Port of Dar es Salaam is on course to surpass 30 million tons of cargo in the 2026–27 financial year, a milestone that underscores how privatizati

Africa’s Internal Solutions in Focus as Gulf Disruptions Bite Hard

Queues stretching for days at fuel stations in Addis Ababa have become the most visible symbol of a crisis rooted thousands of kilometres away in the

Mombasa Port Overhaul: The Shift Towards the PPP Model

Kenya is preparing a major restructuring of the Port of Mombasa, as the government turns to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to address rising conge

Hormuz Conflict Pushes Africa into Costly Import and Debt Crisis

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are hitting Africa hard financially. This is not just because of reduced oil supply, but also because the US dollar i

Twin Rail Corridors Signal New Era for East African Trade

In a decisive move to unlock the economic potential of the African interior, transport ministers from Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic o

Tanzania’s New Shipbuilding Era Set to Revolutionize Inland Connectivity

The Tanzanian government is redefining the nation's transport landscape by developing a robust local shipbuilding industry, a strategic move designed

Strait of Hormuz Tensions Ignite Energy Panic Across East Africa

The escalating Iran conflict and the subsequent chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz are sending alarm bells across East Africa and the Horn of Africa, e

SGR Extension Seals East Africa’s Missing Link in Regional Trade Corridor

A new chapter in East African integration is being written as Kenya and Uganda break ground on a crucial Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension. T

Middle East Conflict Accelerates Lamu’s Rise as Key Shipping Node

The Grande Florida Palermo, a car carrier owned by Grimaldi Lines, has become the second vessel in quick succession to be diverted to the Port of Lamu

Zambia Railways Launches Phased Upgrade to Boost Freight Capacity

Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) has initiated a strategic fleet rehabilitation programme aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and increasing locomo

Efficiency and Integration Drive New Era for East Africa’s SGR

A transformative shift in East Africa’s logistics landscape is on the horizon, driven by a renewed commitment to transport efficiency and deepened reg

Three Countries Move to Secure Trade and Fisheries Through Ruvuma Basin Management

Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania have launched a landmark $7.12 million initiative to jointly manage the Ruvuma (Rovuma) River Basin, a move that sign

MSC Leads, Will Maersk Follow? The Cost Crisis at Mombasa

The Port of Mombasa, the principal maritime gateway for East and Central Africa, is bracing for a significant escalation in freight costs. While Medit

Governance Takes Centre Stage in Regional Cabotage Overhaul

Anchored on a feasibility study that affirmed both the practicality of the cabotage protocol and the commercial viability of establishing regional shi

Africa to Operate Own Shipping Lines Under a Regional Cabotage Framework

Twenty-three regional States under the Maritime Organization for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa (MOESNA) are advancing plans to establish regio

African Nations Hit Hard by False Ship Flags

The global shipping industry is grappling with a growing scandal involving vessels sailing under false flags, claiming registration in countries where

Electric SGR Positions Tanzania as Green Logistics Leader

Tanzania has placed carbon emission reduction at the center of its freight transport strategy with the launch of East Africa’s first fully electric-po

IMO Launches Technical Support Initiatives for Sub-Saharan African Countries

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has opened four new technical support windows for Sub-Saharan African countries under its Future-Ready S

Zambia, Mozambique Strengthen Economic Ties Through OSBP

Zambia and Mozambique will officially open the Chanida–Cassacatiza One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) and Cross-Border Interconnection on 21 February 2026. T

Mozambique Opens Port of Nacala to Investors

Mozambique has moved to reposition the Port of Nacala as a competitive regional gateway through a new international concession tender that is expected

KPA Moves to Address Space Constraints Amid Cargo Surge

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Shippers Council of East Africa (SCEA) have agreed on a set of urgent measures to ease operational pressure at

US, Tanzania Deepen Maritime Security Cooperation

The United States and Tanzania have strengthened their security cooperation following the official handover of a US-funded maritime facility to the Ta

Strong Growth Forecast Boosts Africa Investment Appeal

Africa is projected to record one of the highest GDP growth rates globally, averaging about four percent annually over the next four years, as leaders

Transit Cargo Emerges as Key Growth Engine for Port of Mombasa

Transit cargo has emerged as the strongest signal of the Port of Mombasa’s growing regional importance, anchoring a record-breaking performance in 202

Reforms, Private Investment Recast Dar Maritime Hub

Private-sector participation and sweeping institutional reforms at the Port of Dar es Salaam are rapidly reshaping Tanzania’s maritime sector, making

Lobito Corridor Tops Projects to Watch 2026

Construction of a new railway link connecting Zambia’s copper belt to Angola’s Lobito port is expected to begin in 2026, marking a major step in the r

Maritime Single Window Gains Momentum Across African Ports

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP) and the World Bank, working with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry o

Tanga Port: New Investments Set the Stage for a Transformative Future

Tanga Port is entering a defining era as fresh investments and expanded infrastructure position it to become one of East Africa’s most competitive mar