GEODIS launches new road service from Johannesburg, boosting cross-border trade and logistics across Southern Africa

GEODIS, a global leader in the transport and logistics sector, has launched a new road transport service to assist businesses moving goods across Southern Africa

Introduced in July, the cross-border trucking service delivers fast, flexible, and dependable connections from South Africa to ten countries in the region.

Centered on its operational hub in Johannesburg, this service highlights GEODIS’ commitment to providing logistics solutions tailored to the unique demands of African markets. Operational for three months, the service links South Africa with Angola (Luanda), Botswana (Gaborone), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Lubumbashi), Eswatini (Mbabane), Lesotho (Maseru), Malawi (Blantyre and Lilongwe), Mozambique (Maputo), Namibia (Windhoek), Zambia (Lusaka and Ndola), and Zimbabwe (Harare and Bulawayo).

The Johannesburg hub functions as a strategic and efficient gateway for the distribution of diverse commodities. It offers flexible options that include predefined transit schedules, scalable capacity, and customised routing to meet individual customer requirements. The model is designed to streamline cross-border logistics for businesses managing both full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipments.

“Cross-border logistics in Africa often comes with challenges. With this new service, we aim to offer our customers a seamless flow of cargo from origin to destination, backed by our regional expertise and reliable infrastructure,” said Cobus Fourie, managing director at GEODIS in South Africa.

The launch further expands GEODIS’ presence in Africa and underscores its long-term commitment to enabling trade and economic growth across the region. By enhancing its logistics capabilities, GEODIS continues to provide practical, end-to-end solutions that strengthen the efficiency and reliability of Africa’s supply chain.

LEO services enhance AD Ports digital transformation. (Image source: AD Ports Group)

AD Ports Group, a global leader in trade, logistics, and industrial services, has begun the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services across its worldwide fleet and terminal operations

This initiative represents a major advancement in the Group’s digital transformation strategy, designed to provide vessels with real-time data and ensure resilient, uninterrupted connectivity for ports and terminals. The move is expected to enhance efficiency and support fuel savings.

The rollout commenced this month following agreements signed with two leading global LEO satellite service providers.

Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, group chief information officer, AD Ports Group, said, “LEO satellite connectivity serves as the digital backbone that unlocks the full potential of our technology ecosystem. With high-speed, low-latency communications, we can deploy advanced AI applications for predictive maintenance, dynamic route optimisation, and automated cargo tracking in real-time. This is not just about faster connectivity; it's about creating a smart, resilient infrastructure that maintains business continuity even in the most remote areas. By integrating this connectivity with our IoT sensors, smart port platforms, and AI analytics, we are building a truly connected supply chain that provides unparalleled visibility and control to our customers and partners.”

The phased introduction has started on several vessels within the Group’s 270-ship fleet. With high-speed, low-latency communications, LEO services enable real-time vessel tracking, predictive maintenance, and dynamic route optimisation.

The satellite-enabled digital backbone will also drive AI-powered applications at sea, such as smarter voyage planning, fuel optimisation, and advanced safety monitoring, unlocking efficiencies previously restricted by limited connectivity.

At the port level, deployment is expanding to AD Ports Group’s network of 34 terminals across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southwest Asia. The technology will deliver uninterrupted communications and operational continuity, particularly in remote regions and during critical activities. It will also bolster cargo monitoring, emergency response coordination, and service reliability.

This initiative aligns with AD Ports Group’s wider digitalisation programme, which includes smart port platforms, integrated supply chain systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) adoption. With LEO satellite connectivity serving as the foundation, these systems will now deliver richer, real-time insights and greater automation across the Group’s global operations.

Through the introduction of LEO satellite services, AD Ports Group underscores its commitment to driving digital innovation and sustainable growth in the global maritime sector. 

The agreement was signed by Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Frederik Klinke, CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria. (Image source: APT Terminals)

APM Terminals’ West African Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne has joined forces with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to drive decarbonisation efforts across Nigeria’s port and transport sector

The partnership was formalised on Monday, September 22, at the Dutch Consulate in New York during the Global African Business Initiative, where both parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The MoU outlines a phased roadmap to electrify containerised freight, aligning with the policies of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

“We believe that Nigeria is ideally situated to lead West Africa’s transition to low-carbon logistics by electrifying its container transport sector,” said Frederik Klinke, CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria. “Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and trade hub, and our research shows us that the country can leapfrog fossil-fuel infrastructure and adopt proven electric technologies. We are therefore very optimistic about our joint plans to develop a phased roadmap towards an electrified future for container logistics.”

Responding to the MoU, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho stated, “By this development, the Onne Port will be the first green port in Nigeria and will thereby be promoting the decarbonisation efforts within the transportation ecosystem. This will also make Nigerian ports the leaders on the continent in terms of sustainable port operations.”

The collaboration, fully funded by APM Terminals with an investment of US$60mn, is expected to set a precedent for other African nations.

The agreement builds upon findings from a study APM Terminals presented to Nigeria’s vice-president at the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit held in Abuja in July. The study highlighted that transitioning from fossil fuels to electrified container freight could attract private investment, generate skilled employment, and improve energy reliability. However, achieving these benefits will require close coordination across industries and robust public-private partnerships.

“For APM Terminals, partnerships are key to generating long-term growth and value in the countries where we operate,” said Jeethu Jose, managing director of WACT. “Our investments are for our shared future and for the people of the region. We look forward to driving this project alongside our stakeholders in the port industry.”

Etihad Cargo introduces SmartTrack, offering real-time shipment visibility, proactive alerts, and a customer-centric digital dashboard worldwide. (Image source: Etihad Cargo)

Etihad Cargo, the logistics and cargo division of Etihad Airways, has officially introduced SmartTrack, a premium shipment visibility service that allows customers to monitor their cargo in real time

First unveiled earlier this year at Air Cargo Europe 2025 in Munich, SmartTrack is now accessible globally through the Etihad Cargo website. This makes Etihad Cargo the first air cargo carrier to offer such advanced smart tracking technology to customers worldwide.

Delivering unmatched shipment transparency

SmartTrack provides live location updates and condition monitoring throughout the supply chain. Using cellular, GPS, and Wi-Fi connectivity, it sends instant alerts for temperature, humidity, shock, tilt, and light events, ensuring greater reliability and proactive risk management.

To support customers further, Etihad Cargo has launched a 24/7 SmartTrack Control Centre, offering live case tracking, alert prioritisation, and actionable workflows for real-time intervention, repair, and resolution.

A streamlined digital experience

The accompanying customer dashboard provides a single, intuitive interface for monitoring shipments. Accessible via secure single sign-on on both mobile and web platforms, it allows users to:

• Track shipments in real time by AWB, origin, destination, or product type

• Monitor live sensor data and receive proactive SLA notifications

• Access custody chain insights covering pre- and post-Etihad Cargo handling

• Receive instant alerts on milestone delays, geofence violations, and temperature excursions

• Cutting-Edge Technology in Action

SmartTrack was developed in partnership with Tag-N-Trac, integrating booking data, sensor events, and geofence alerting to create a seamless customer experience.

Stanislas Brun, chief cargo officer at Etihad Airways, said, “SmartTrack marks a major step forward in the way we support our customers. By integrating simplicity, intelligence and automation, we are providing greater confidence and control over shipments while setting a new benchmark for transparency in the industry. This innovation reflects Etihad Cargo’s broader vision: to harness digital transformation in order to deliver smarter, more resilient, and more customer-centric logistics solutions.”

Driving the future of digital cargo

SmartTrack is part of Etihad Cargo’s broader digital roadmap, focusing on innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. By combining real-time tracking, round-the-clock monitoring, and a customer-focused design, the airline continues to solidify its position as a global leader in air freight innovation.