New joint venture strengthens Angola’s air services. (Image source: Menzies Aviation)

Menzies Aviation, a leading global service partner to airports and airlines, has entered a strategic partnership with TAAG Angola Airlines and Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos (SGA) to form Menzies Aviation Angola, Lda

This collaboration aims to enhance ground handling, cargo, and airport services across Angola, driving operational excellence and innovation within the nation’s aviation ecosystem. It also underscores Menzies’ expanding footprint in Africa and supports the operational development of the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) in Luanda.

With operations at over 350 airports in 65 countries, Menzies Aviation brings global expertise in safety, service quality, and efficiency. The inclusion of TAAG Angola Airlines as a shareholder reinforces the national carrier’s dedication to sustainable aviation growth, while SGA, as the operator of Angola’s national airport network, contributes vital infrastructure knowledge and local experience.

Operating as Menzies Aviation Angola, Lda, the joint venture will strengthen Angola’s position as a regional aviation hub, offering dependable and efficient services to airlines, passengers, and cargo operators while boosting the national economy.

Charles Wyley, executive vice-president – MEAA, Menzies Aviation, stated, “By uniting Menzies’ global expertise with TAAG’s national significance and SGA’s local leadership, Menzies Aviation Angola is well positioned to deliver world-class safety, service and innovation while supporting the economic ambitions of Angola. We are proud to deepen our partnership in Angola and contribute to a new era of aviation services across the country.”

Clóvis Rosa, chairman of TAAG Angola Airlines, added, “TAAG’s entry as a shareholder in Menzies Aviation Angola reflects our strategic vision for the future of aviation in Angola. By combining Menzies’ global operational excellence with TAAG’s deep understanding of the domestic and regional market, we are investing in growth and strengthening Angola’s role as a key aviation gateway in Africa.”

Building upon the 2023 joint venture with SGA, this new agreement further advances Menzies’ growth strategy in Angola by enhancing its operational capacity and supporting the country’s expanding aviation market. It also reinforces the partners’ shared commitment to collaborate with the Government of Angola and industry stakeholders in developing a competitive and sustainable aviation sector.

Kuehne + Nagel streamlines operations

In response to an increasingly strained market environment defined by overcapacity and margin pressure, the Kühne + Nagel Group has announced a comprehensive cost-reduction programme designed to secure its competitiveness and profitability going forward

In the first nine months of 2025, the Group achieved a net turnover of CHF 18.5 billion (approx. US$23.3bn) and an EBIT of CHF 1.0 billion (approx. US$1.3bn). Earnings amounted to CHF 761 million (approx. US$960mn). Currency effects in Q3 alone weighed on EBIT by CHF 14 million (approx. US$18mn).

Despite the difficult environment, Kühne + Nagel made notable gains in market share, especially in Air Logistics, driven by targeted investments in services for cloud-infrastructure and perishables. In Sea Logistics, the company strengthened its position in the SME segment while focusing on strategically important routes. Free cash flow reached CHF 521 million (approx. US$ 657mn), up CHF 209 million from the prior year.

However, management acknowledges that cost actions are now essential. The Group-wide cost-reduction initiative aims to deliver annual savings of at least CHF 200 million (approx. US$252mn) through structural and sustainable measures. Key elements include process optimisation in central functions and geographic markets, increased automation and the introduction of shared service centres.

Stefan Paul, CEO of Kühne + Nagel International AG, commented, “Despite very challenging market conditions, Kühne + Nagel was able to gain market share through targeted investments in key areas. With the launch of group-wide cost reduction measures, we are now taking action to safeguard our cost base. Challenging external factors are forcing us to sustainably and permanently improve our efficiency and performance culture. Keeping high quality levels of customer service remains a top priority.”

Additional corporate news: On 19 August 2025, Partners Group exercised its put option to sell its 24.9 % ownership stake in APEX International Corporation. The transaction, expected to settle in cash during Q4 2025, is recognised against a redemption liability of CHF 886 million (approx. US$1.12bn). The deal will be funded through available funds and credit lines.

Looking ahead, the Group anticipates full-year 2025 EBIT of more than CHF 1.3 billion (approx. US$1.63bn), amid continuing external uncertainties and the impact of the trade war.

MoCTI, SALPOST, and GIGL join forces to digitise Sierra Leone’s postal system and boost logistics efficiency

The Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), Sierra Leone Postal Services Limited (SALPOST), and GIG Logistics and Technologies Limited (GIGL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to transform postal and logistics services in Sierra Leone

This collaboration represents a major step toward improving efficiency, accessibility, and service quality for citizens and businesses across the country.

What the partnership aims to achieve

The MOU sets out several key objectives for the partnership:

• Modernising postal services: Upgrading SALPOST’s offices, systems, and operations to align with international standards.

• Using technology to improve services: Implementing digital tools for parcel tracking, logistics management, and customer support.

• Expanding options for citizens and businesses: Offering more services ranging from courier deliveries to e-commerce facilitation.

• Building skills and capacity: Providing training for staff in modern logistics and customer service practices.

• Creating jobs: Generating new employment opportunities in logistics, transport, and technology-driven services nationwide.

• Strengthening public–private partnerships: Establishing a model for sustainable cooperation between government institutions and the private sector.

• Connecting Sierra Leone globally: Leveraging SALPOST’s international network and GIGL’s expertise to enhance global connectivity.

SALPOST joined the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1961, linking Sierra Leone with 192 countries worldwide. Since independence, it has remained committed to delivering affordable and universal mail services. The organisation was incorporated as a limited company under the government in 1990, marking an important milestone in the modernization of postal operations.

This partnership aims to strengthen connections between citizens, businesses, and communities throughout Sierra Leone. With SALPOST’s long-standing experience and GIGL’s technology-driven solutions, the collaboration is expected to deliver more reliable postal and logistics services. For citizens, it means improved access to essential services; for businesses, smoother deliveries and new growth opportunities; and for Sierra Leone as a whole, it signals a commitment to embracing innovation, boosting economic resilience, and deepening global integration.

DP World launches new Jebel Ali–Berbera route, enhancing East Africa’s trade links

DP World has unveiled a new strategic shipping route linking Jebel Ali Port in the UAE to Berbera Port in Somaliland

Operating every nine days, the service strengthens DP World’s global network and enhances Berbera’s position as a key logistics hub and maritime gateway in East Africa.

The Jebel Ali–Berbera route improves trade connectivity between the Gulf and East Africa, providing a faster maritime link to Somaliland. Scheduled stops at Aden and Djibouti further expand access to vital port cities, enabling smoother connections to markets across the Horn of Africa.

From Berbera, cargo can reach inland destinations, including Ethiopia, offering an alternative to the traditional Djibouti Port-dependent overland routes. The service also promises more predictable transit times while mitigating risks from regional bottlenecks.

Berbera Port features a 1,050-metre quay with a 400-metre section capable of handling Triple E vessels, extensive bulk and breakbulk facilities, and an annual livestock handling capacity of around four million heads.

Ganesh Raj, group chief operating officer, Marine Services at DP World, said, "The Jebel Ali to Berbera service further complements our investment drive into Africa. Building on the significant infrastructure we have developed across the continent, the service enhances connectivity for our customers as we continue to boost trade links between the Middle East and East Africa."

"In doing so, we are supporting the growth of resilient, sustainable corridors that unlock prosperity for our partners, customers and the communities we serve," he added.

Berbera is home to the region’s most modern container terminal and the Berbera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), designed to attract foreign investment and support long-term industrial growth.

DP World holds a 58.5% stake in the Berbera container and general cargo terminal, providing deep-water access to major East–West shipping lanes. The nearby Berbera Economic Zone further accelerates local industrialisation, while the port handles over 4.1 million heads of livestock annually, generating trade worth more than US$1bn.

Community initiatives, including training the region’s first “Solar Mamas” as solar-energy technicians, illustrate how trade infrastructure can deliver economic and social benefits.

Supachai Wattanaveerachai, CEO, DP World Horn of Africa, commented, "The launch of this new corridor is a milestone in our ambition to build faster, safer, and more reliable trade routes. It reflects our commitment to creating meaningful economic benefits for businesses and communities in the region."

"Our work in Berbera is already stimulating trade and industry, while supporting wider community development. Looking ahead, this service will strengthen Berbera’s role as a gateway for East Africa’s future growth and prosperity," he added.