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Logistics

DP World opens Rwanda logistics hub

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The new community bridge in Rwanda (Image source: Adobe Stock)

DP World has expanded its footprint in Rwanda with the inauguration of the Rubavu Logistics Hub in partnership with Rwanda's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM)

The opening of the new hub coincided with the unveiling of a community bridge in Kabeza, a partnership with Bridges to Prosperity.

The milestones strengthen Rwanda's trade corridors and connect thousands of people to opportunities, showing how strategic infrastructure can drive economic growth, a DP World statement read.

The Rubavu Logistics Hub will act as a key trade corridor between Rwanda and neighbouring countries, it noted.

The facility features a 5,000 sqm bonded warehouse, advanced cold storage, modern office spaces and state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment.

In its first year, the hub is expected to handle 50,000 tonnes of cargo, with future capacity of up to 120,000 tonnes annually, significantly boosting Rwanda's GDP and creating valuable employment opportunities.

“The Rubavu Logistics Hub will serve as a critical artery of regional trade, helping better connect local businesses to Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and global trade ecosystems,” said Mark Rylance, chief operating officer logistics sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), DP World.

“The project builds on our work in Rwanda to drive socio-economic change by creating opportunities and supporting the communities in which we operate.”

The Kigali Dry Port near the capital, acts as Rwanda’s central logistics hub, connecting imports and exports to regional and global trade networks.

Rubavu Logistics Hub — on Rwanda’s western border with the DRC — is strategically placed to handle cross-border trade with the DRC, one of Rwanda’s largest trading partners.

Together, they form a national logistics corridor, the DP World statement added.

At the same event, DP World and Bridges to Prosperity unveiled a 50-metre suspended trail bridge, built with support from nine DP World volunteers and redundant steel cables repurposed from DP World operations.

The company said the bridge will help transform over 4,600 lives by providing year-round safe access to schools, healthcare, and markets.

Shushant Mallik, managing director, Rwanda, DP World said the partnership demonstrates DP World's commitment to both economic growth and empowering communities in Rwanda.

“With the Kigali Dry Port at the centre and the new Rubavu Hub on Rwanda’s western frontier, DP World is building a logistics ecosystem that connects local businesses to regional and global markets,” said Mallik.

“Our investment in logistics and infrastructure is delivering solutions that create growth and supports sustainable development. This dual milestone shows the two can go hand in hand”.

Opened in 2019, DP World built and operates the Kigali Dry Port, East Africa’s first end-to-end logistics hub, which connects Rwandan importers and exporters with the Indian Ocean, some 1,500 km away.

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TNPA advances Newark Road upgrade project

TNPA reports 75% completion of US$20m Newark Road upgrade at Richards Bay port, boosting cargo flow and logistics efficiency

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced significant progress in the upgrade of Newark Road, a vital access route to the Port of Richards Bay, with 75% of the work now completed

The project, valued at around R20 million (approx. US$1.08mn), is expected to be finalised by December 2025. It forms part of TNPA’s broader programme to modernise port infrastructure, improve safety, and enhance cargo flow efficiency for port stakeholders.

Since the commencement of construction in May 2025, approximately one kilometre of Newark Road has already been upgraded. To ensure safety during the works, the road has been closed, supported by a traffic management plan that directs vehicles through alternative access routes.

With an estimated monthly traffic volume of 67,289 light vehicles and 35,000 heavy vehicles, the route is critical to smooth port logistics and uninterrupted cargo handling.

“This strategic investment will ensure that the Port of Richards Bay continues to operate as a world-class logistics hub. We will continue to engage with port users on these project developments to ensure smooth transition both now and when the road upgrades are completed this festive season,” said Port Manager, captain Dennis Mqadi.

During the construction phase, the Bayvue port entrance will remain closed. Light motor vehicles are being diverted to enter via Urania Road near the Pioneer Centre and exit through the San Thom Road Gate. Heavy vehicles are directed to access the port through West Gate on Urania Road, move to terminals via Clinker Road, and leave through East Gate on Newark Road.

TNPA oversees the national port system in its landlord capacity, ensuring its safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning. It provides infrastructure and marine services across South Africa’s eight commercial seaports: Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay, and Ngqura.

Northern Cape industrial EV adoption project

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Putting EVs to work on the project site. (Image Source: Scatec)

Renewable energy firm Scatec has announced progress in its South African electric vehicle (EV) pilot project in the Northern Cape, demonstrating the use of EVs in remote, industrial settings

In partnership with local EV-as-a-Service company, Everlectric, the initiative is a component of Scatec’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.

“Scatec is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across all our global operations by 2040,” said Sean McGibbon, supply chain manager at Scatec.

He said the EV pilot project forms part of a series of net-zero initiatives implemented by the company to reduce emissions across its own operations and supply chain.

“This pilot, running in Kenhardt and Upington, is a key step towards that goal,”he said.

“We're not only proving that electric mobility can work in challenging conditions, but we're also gaining valuable local insights that will help us build more viable and cost-effective solutions than fossil fuel alternatives.”

The project also aligns with a growing global trend where industrial sectors are embracing electric mobility.

This shift is being driven by a combination of factors, including the need to meet national climate goals, the desire for energy independence, and the increasing availability of affordable, robust EV models.

In South Africa, government policies like the EV White Paper and its associated tax incentives are further accelerating this transition by promoting local EV infrastructure development.

Scatec’s pilot, which uses two EV pick-ups and one panel van, has already demonstrated that with clever scheduling and charging stations, EVs can be seamlessly integrated into day-to-day operations with minimal disruption.

“Our tests have shown that an electric vehicle can be used in our day-to-day operations with limited changes to our daily behaviour," said McGibbon.

“What excites us is the positive change this brings to our planet. Our ambition is to roll out pilots in all our core markets by the end of 2027, with a target of full electrification of our operational fleets by 2030, where it is practical and possible.”

Everlectric, Scatec's partner in the project, provides an innovative ‘EV-as-a-Service’ model that removes common barriers to EV adoption, such as high upfront costs and infrastructure uncertainty.

This model offers full-maintenance leasing, charging infrastructure and smart fleet management in a single package.

“This new electric vehicle rollout represents a powerful convergence of clean energy and sustainable mobility in two traditionally high-emission and hard-to-decarbonise sectors — energy generation and transportation,” said Ndia Magadagela, CEO of Everlectric.

“This project will allow us to close the loop on clean energy by ensuring that both your energy generation and consumption are 100% renewable and emission-free.”

Operating in remote South African locations, Everlectric has tailored its approach to meet the unique challenges of the terrain.

“We prioritise robust panel vans and commercial EVs with higher ground clearance and reinforced suspension,” added Magadagela.

“In areas with limited grid access, we deploy solar-assisted charging stations and work with partners like Scatec to maximise the opportunity to utilise off-grid solutions.”

Both companies believe the success of the pilot project demonstrates that electric mobility is not an impossible task, even in a small Northern Cape town.

“Through our ongoing collaboration with Scatec, we have found that fit-for-purpose electric vehicles are exceptionally well aligned with the demands of these operations,” said Magadagela.

“Electric vehicles continue to demonstrate their reliability and energy efficiency, proving to be a strong and sustainable alternative to combustion-powered vehicles.”

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Janus Electric secures EVUNI partnership to drive African expansion

Janus Electric partners with EVUNI in a US$3.25mn deal to deploy electric drivetrain technology across Africa’s transport sector

Janus Electric Holdings Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EVUNI Pte Ltd, centred on a proposed A$5 million (approx. US$3.25 million) investment and the rollout of Janus’ electric drivetrain technology into Africa

Under the MoU, EVUNI will acquire up to 25 million ordinary shares at A$0.20 (approx. US$0.13) each, in staged tranches tied to binding agreements and delivery milestones. The investment is expected to bolster Janus’ balance sheet and support its international growth strategy.

The agreement also grants EVUNI exclusive rights to distribute and deploy Janus’ conversion technology across African markets. Janus has committed to supplying a minimum of 250 conversion modules annually for five years, with an option to extend for a further five years.

The partnership aims to fast-track the electrification of heavy transport fleets operating in Africa’s mining and logistics sectors, positioning Janus to expand its global footprint while enabling EVUNI to spearhead regional adoption of sustainable transport solutions.

“This partnership with EVUNI represents a major milestone in our international validation, alongside the demand from US fleet company Ability Tri-Modal’s two-truck order, supporting our long-term growth strategy,” Janus Electric CEO Ian Campbell said.

“By combining our technology with EVUNI’s regional expertise, we are well positioned to deliver sustainable, scalable electrification solutions for Africa’s heavy transport sector.

“We look forward to progressing this collaboration and delivering value to our shareholders.”

Strategic collaboration

The MoU establishes a strategic partnership for the deployment of Janus’ patented electric drivetrain conversion technology, battery swap infrastructure, and proprietary fleet management software across Africa. EVUNI will act as the exclusive distributor and licensee in the region, funding the rollout and building local operational capabilities.

Ethiopia gets AfDB funds for new mega airport

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Addis Ababa to become Africa's leading air gateway (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Ethiopian Airlines and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a mandate letter for financing what will be Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure project

The bank will contribute US$500mn towards the financing of the new Bishoftu airport, which is expected to be Africa's largest when completed in 2029.

The four-runway airport, to be sited near the town of Bishoftu, about 45 km southeast of Addis Ababa, will position Ethiopia as a leading air transport hub for the continent.

The total project cost is estimated at around US$10bn, with the airline expecting to provide around 20% of the funding and the rest to come from creditors.

The signing of the mandate letter — naming AfDB as Initial Mandated Lead Arranger for the financing of the mega airport — is a big step in attracting full funding for the remainder of the project.

“We are pleased to partner with the African Development Bank in arranging the required financing for the development of this iconic aviation infrastructure,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew.

“The signing of this mandate letter marks a decisive step toward realising a world-class pan-African gateway that will boost intra-African trade, regional integration, tourism, and global connectivity.”

The new greenfield airport will have an initial capacity of 60 million passengers annually, with future expansion to 110 million, making it the largest airport in Africa, and one of the top global hubs.

The mega airport will serve as a future international hub for passenger and cargo traffic at Addis Ababa, complementing the existing Bole International Airport, which will retain its domestic operations.

The airport will also anchor a so-called ‘aerotropolis’ designed to stimulate regional development, enhance logistics capacity and generate tens of thousands of jobs.

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