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.

DHL ramping up Africa services. (Image source: DHL)

DHL Group has announced a €300mn (approx. US$348mn)-plus investment in sub-Saharan Africa to expand infrastructure, enhance service capabilities and unlock opportunities in areas such as e-commerce, perishables, energy, life sciences and healthcare

“Africa is at a pivotal moment in its trade journey,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express.

According to the latest update of the DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, sub-Saharan Africa led all world regions in the first half of 2025 with a 10% year-on-year increase in trade value (in current US dollars), ahead of North America at 7% and South & Central America, Caribbean at 5%.

Current forecasts as of September 2025 indicate the region’s trade volume will grow by an average of 4.3% per year over 2025 to 2029, the second-fastest globally behind South & Central Asia.

“Despite global volatility, the continent continues to show resilience and momentum,” said Pearson.

“Our investment reflects confidence in Africa’s trajectory and DHL’s commitment to enabling the trade flows that drive inclusive growth. By strengthening our network and capabilities, we aim to make it easier for African businesses, from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to large corporates, to compete on the world stage.”

The company highlighted the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its potential to deepen intra-African commerce and open new corridors with the rest of the world.

While progress depends on continued improvements in infrastructure and trade facilitation, it noted that cross-border flows have remained resilient and African enterprises are increasingly connecting to global value chains.

Across DHL Express, the new investment will include upgrading gateways, adding aviation uplift and extending time-definite coverage into second cities that are emerging as demand centres under AfCFTA.

The intention is to link these cities more tightly to Africa–Europe and Africa–Asia lanes, building on recent growth in Ethiopia and Nigeria.

“Our focus is to be closer to customers and make cross-border shipping simpler and more reliable,”said Hennie Heymans, CEO, DHL Express sub-Saharan Africa.

“As trade expands, businesses are asking for predictable transit times, consistent delivery performance and support that understands local conditions. By raising the bar on service and proximity, we will help more African companies trade efficiently and compete on a bigger stage.”

DHL Global Forwarding is expanding its capabilities in energy and industrial projects, supporting Africa’s role in the global energy transition; enhancing cold-chain and perishables logistics for agriculture and horticulture exporters; and scaling its expertise in life sciences and healthcare with specialised temperature-controlled transport.

DHL Supply Chain will add capacity and transport-led solutions with a focus on the transporter sector and life sciences and healthcare, including additional temperature-sensitive capability to support critical healthcare flows and fast-moving fulfilment as supply chains mature, particularly as demand for third party logistics services continues to grow in the core South African market.

“DHL Supply Chain is expanding in South Africa as the economy gains momentum and supply chains become more sophisticated,” said Orkun Saruhanoglu, CEO, DHL Supply Chain Middle East & Africa.

“We are seeing growing demand for specialised, outsourced logistics, particularly in life sciences and healthcare and across the transporter sector. By adding capacity, strengthening transport-led solutions and applying our contract logistics expertise, we will help customers improve service quality, manage risk and scale with confidence.”

The company said that it is also investing in programmes that extend participation in trade and support sustainable growth — for example, its GoTrade initiative provides SMEs with training and customs expertise to access international markets.

In addition, the business is piloting renewable energy and alternative fuel projects across its sub-Saharan African facilities and advancing digitalisation through AI-enabled monitoring, route optimisation, and digital customs tools to reduce friction in cross-border trade.

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Locomotives power Guinea’s progress. (Image source: SimFer)

SimFer, the joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and the Chinalco-led CIOH consortium, has achieved another significant milestone with the safe arrival of the first four CTG locomotives at the Port of Morébaya

These units mark the initial batch of a total of 78 locomotives ordered by Rio Tinto SimFer in July 2024 on behalf of La Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), the organisation established to own and manage the rail and port infrastructure connected to the Simandou mines.

Purpose-built to support Africa's largest integrated mining and infrastructure project, these locomotives will play a vital role in transporting high-grade iron ore from the Simandou mines to the newly developed Morebaya port facilities in Forécariah. The 670 kmTrans-Guinean Railway will link Guinea from east to west for the first time, unlocking new opportunities for trade, agriculture, and passenger transport. The arrival of these locomotives highlights the crucial role of rail infrastructure in advancing the Simandou project.

Chris Aitchison, CEO of Rio Tinto SimFer, said,“This is a historic moment for the Simandou project and for Guinea. These locomotives are a visible sign of the progress made and the future benefits that the Trans-Guinean Railway will bring by connecting communities, facilitating trade and supporting sustainable development across the country.”

Mamoudou Nagnalen Barry, president of the Compagnie du TransGuinéen, stressed: “The TransGuinéen is gradually becoming a tangible reality, and we are proud to work hand in hand with our industrial partners to ensure the full operationalisation of the CTG. We are committed to making the TransGuinéen corridor an important vector of development for local businesses and a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity for communities in Guinea, in line with the Simandou 2040 vision.”

The Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG) will oversee the operation of the railway and port, ensuring long-term sustainability under Guinean leadership. CTG is a joint venture between Rio Tinto SimFer and Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), each holding a 42.5% share, while the Government of Guinea retains a 15% free stake. Following a 35-year operational period, ownership of the entire infrastructure will be transferred to the Government of Guinea, marking it as a transformative national asset.

With the arrival of the first four locomotives and additional deliveries expected in the coming months, the project continues to advance steadily. This milestone reflects continued progress towards the full realisation of the Simandou project, generating opportunities for the Guinean people and positioning the nation as a global leader in high-grade iron ore production.