DHL Supply Chain, in collaboration with Scania Kenya, has introduced 25 Euro 5 biodiesel-powered trucks, marking a significant step toward more efficient road transport in Kenya and the broader East African region

This initiative, the first of its kind in the area, demonstrates both companies’ commitment to adopting cutting-edge transport technology, improving road safety, and enhancing fuel efficiency through specialised driver training and telematics integration.

Driving logistics innovation

The deployment of these state-of-the-art Euro 5 trucks is part of DHL Supply Chain’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet in Kenya using the most efficient solutions available.

Scania East Africa, which supplied these 25 vehicles, plays a crucial role in DHL’s operations. The company prioritises sustainability and adheres to its Scope 3 Science-Based Targets in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Scania actively promotes alternative fuel solutions, enhances vehicle efficiency, and supports industry-wide carbon reduction efforts.

Beyond Kenya, this collaboration extends to other markets, including a recent pilot of the first electric truck with a fuel-powered range extender at DHL’s German headquarters in Bonn. This partnership underscores Scania’s long-term vision for sustainable transport, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of road freight.

"At Scania, we recognize the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions across East Africa and beyond. This partnership with DHL is a reflection of our ongoing efforts to offer cleaner, more efficient alternatives that align with both regional and global sustainability goals. By introducing Euro 5 trucks powered by biodiesel, we are not only reducing emissions but also paving the way for a future where 100% renewable fuel adoption is possible. Our commitment extends beyond just providing vehicles—we continue to invest in innovations, services, and partnerships that support a long-term, greener transport ecosystem for the region," said Vincente Connolly, managing director, Scania East Africa.

Cutting emissions and boosting efficiency

The newly introduced Scania Euro 5 trucks offer substantial environmental benefits compared to conventional diesel models. These include:

• Lower nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, improving air quality.
• Enhanced fuel efficiency, maximising mileage while reducing overall fuel consumption.
• A reduced carbon footprint, helping customers meet their sustainability targets.

Prioritising safety and operational excellence

DHL’s commitment to safety and efficiency is further reinforced through AI-driven onboard cameras and Scania’s advanced Fleet Management System (FMS):

• AI-powered smart cameras monitor driver behavior, detecting fatigue and distractions to prevent accidents.
• Scania FMS enables real-time telematics tracking, optimizing route planning, fuel monitoring, and predictive maintenance to minimise downtime and enhance efficiency.
• Comprehensive driver training programs ensure optimal vehicle usage, promoting fuel savings and improved road safety.
• East Africa is at a critical juncture in its development, and reliable logistics and transport solutions are key to supporting this growth. The deployment of these Euro 5 trucks is a practical and immediate step to enhance the efficiency of our operations. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation and road safety and shows our dedication to support economic growth in East Africa through state-of-the-art logistics solutions," said Tito Okuku, managing director of DHL Supply Chain for East Africa.

The Bank of Brazil will enter into an agreement with Mozambique to finance the construction of the Moamba Major dam that will provide drinking water for the Maputo metropolis

The project will boost recycling efforts in Ghana and Nigeria (IMAGE SOURCE: Adobe Stock)

Ghana-based manufacturer Mohinani Group Limited has teamed up with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to undertake the recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) from plastic waste in Ghana and Nigeria

The initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs in both countries and help protect the region’s environment.

Under the partnership, IFC will provide a loan of US$37mn to help Mohinani Group subsidiaries Polytank Ghana Limited and Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Limited to establish PET recycling plants in Ghana and Nigeria.

Each plant will have the capacity to produce 15,000 tons of recycled PET (rPET) resins annually that will substitute virgin PET resins used to make food grade and beverage packaging containers.    

Some 90% of the raw materials will be sourced from local small businesses involved in plastic collection.

“The rPET project by the Mohinani Group was born out of a vision to close the bottle-to-bottle recycling loop in Africa and the group’s dedication to advancing environmental sustainability,” said Roshan Mohinani, strategy and transformation manager for Mohinani.  

“It is also inspired by our group's purpose of improving the quality of lives in Africa, as this initiative is expected to create over 4,000 jobs along the value chain in Nigeria and Ghana, thereby providing economic empowerment to a significant number of young people, particularly women.”

Combined, the new plants are expected to create more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs across the value chain and approximately US$21mn in annual savings from imports for each country.

PET is a polymer resin of the polyester family, widely used for making containers for liquids and foods.

Using recycled plastic waste for production will prevent harmful pollutants from being released into the environment and reduce the need for virgin plastics. This will lower greenhouse gas emissions because recycled plastics have a smaller energy footprint than new plastics.

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — will provide advisory services to strengthen Mohinani’s environmental and social practices and its capacity for efficient and sustainable PET recycling operations.  

The project aligns with IFC’s strategies for Ghana and Nigeria which are focused on mitigating climate change, job creation and economic transformation.

It is also consistent with the World Bank Group’s Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2025, which aims to reduce the use of virgin plastic resins and greenhouse gas emissions in the packaging materials value chain. 

“IFC's partnership with Mohinani underscores our dedication to promote environmental sustainability and economic development in Ghana and Nigeria,” said Dahlia Khalifa, IFC regional director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa.

“By recycling up to 30,000 tons of PET waste annually, these new plants will protect the environment and substitute imports with locally recycled materials.”

Read more recycling news here:
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ArcelorMittal indicated a weak domestic market for Long steel products. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

ArcelorMittal has taken the decision to wind down its Longs Business in light of sustained challenges

According to the company, issues around weak economy growth, high logistics and energy costs and an influx of low-cost steel imports (particularly from China) have left the Longs Business unsustainable. As a result, despite long consultations with government and stakeholders to find viable solutions to maintain the business, the decision was made to transition the Longs Business into care and maintenance. As such, steel production is anticipated to cease by late January 2025 with the remaining production processes to be wound down in Q1 2025.

“It is with deep regret that we must take this difficult decision,” said CEO Kobus Verster. “Over the past year, our employees and dedicated management team have shown remarkable commitment and resilience in the face of serious uncertainty. Unfortunately, despite everyone's best efforts, including significant engagement with stakeholders, the structural challenges in the Longs Business were not resolved. While this outcome is deeply disappointing, especially given the economic challenges facing South Africa, we remain focused on securing a sustainable future for the remaining operations.”

The company has estimated that approximately 3,500 direct and indirect jobs will be affected by this change with a broader economic effect on induced jobs.

Despite this setback, Verster made clear the company’s commitment to long-term sustainability and competitiveness, with a focus on improving the Flats Business. ArcelorMittal South Africa will focus on re-establishing itself as a champion of innovative, export-driven, steel-based industrialisation for South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and other key geographies.