Logistics

The project team consists of GoMetro, Powerfleet, HSW, ACDC Dynamics alongside various entities within Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Engineering. (Image source: GoMetro)

A consortium led by GoMetro, a transport technology platform, has launched eKamva, South Africa’s first electric minibus taxi model

Revealed at the Smarter Mobility Africa Summit, the announcement was made alongside the launch of an integrated new electric vehicle business model and charging infrastructure product called flx EV.

The unveiling of eKamva comes at a time when South African commuters are reportedly spending up to 40% of their income on transport and minibus taxis contributing an estimated 30mn tonnes of CO₂ in South Africa alone.

The flx EV website will allow minibus taxi owners and operators to apply to be added to the waiting list for the solution. flx EV is in the process of developing charging hubs with partners across South Africa, with the first hubs slated for development in Century City and Stellenbosch in the next 12 months. The flx EV app will let taxi owners manage their fleets, see each vehicle’s status and prepay for recharging, while drivers will be directed to their closest charging hub.

“This is a new approach to electrifying the smaller-vehicle public transport industry,” remarked GoMetro CEO Justin Coetzee. “We believe it will spark an entirely new economic sector and is socio-economically very important for the automotive sector.”

The benefits of electric

Switching electric will bring numerous advantages to taxi owners and, of course, to the environment. According to GoMetro, replacing urban taxi and shuffle fleets with eKamvas could reduce CO2 emissions by 13.7 tonnes per vehicle per annum.

“Most taxis spend up to three hours a day between morning and evening peak hours at the ranks we have analysed, more than sufficient time to fast-charge an eKwamva,” commented project lead Rudi Kriel. “EVs have fewer breakdowns than internal combustion vehicles, and are cheaper to run, which leads to increased profitability per vehicle – and they have a longer life expectancy. EVs also reduce nitrous oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter (known as PM2.5 particles) in the air, improving community health, a major cost factor for the Government.”

With a range of more than 200 km, the 15-seated eKamva is able to fast-charge within 75 minutes via a 60kW DC charger. Alternatively, it can be slow-charged overnight for 10 hours. An estimated 40-70% running cost savings are achieved by using the eKamva over traditional vehicles.

“The minibus taxi has long been a cornerstone of South Africa’s public transport system, reliably moving millions of people — from families to daily commuters— every day,” said Mario Maio, founder and CEO of ACDC Dynamics. “As the demand for sustainability grows, it is clear that the transportation industry must evolve. At ACDC Dynamics, we are proud to play a pivotal role in this transformation by providing EV charging solutions and sustainable energy products. By integrating electric-powered taxis and expanding charging networks, we are not only reducing the carbon footprint of this essential industry but also helping to create a greener, more responsible South Africa for future generations.”

E-mobility is certainly taking off on the continent, led by a number of innovative companies. Ampersand, for example, has targeted expansion into East Africa following the raising of significant capital over the last year.

The Môle Est project has been described as a major step for Pointe Noire port. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Congo Terminal, a subsidiary of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), has committed to a significant investment in order to construct a new port terminal at the port of Pointe-Noire

EU€400mn (approx US$447mn) has been earmarked for the new terminal that will have 750 m of quays with a draught of 17 m, 26 ha of quayside, and 16 gantries 100% electric, including 4 STS and 12 RTG. A major dredging campaign will also be undertaken in order to widen the challen to 300 m at the bend and 250 m at the other sections. Named ‘Môle Est’, work has reportedly already begun on the new terminal and it is expected to be operational in 2027.

“The construction of the East Mole is a joint project of the Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire (PAPN) and Congo Terminal to increase the nautical and operational capacities of the Pointe-Noire container terminal, in order to anticipate the new needs of users of the Port of Pointe-Noire and shipping lines that will be able to ship in their largest vessels. Pointe-Noire is becoming a benchmark on the world maritime landscape,” remarked Anthony Samzu, managing director of Congo Terminal.

With the new infrastructure, Congo Terminal will be able to accommodate larger capacity vessels from around the world and will increase terminal capacity from 1mn to more than 2.3mn twenty foot equivalent containers (TEUs) handled per year. Not only will this provide a welcome economic and social injection into the country but more than 900 additional jobs are expected to be created alongside the new development.

The railway is expected to create economic benefit of approximately US$3bn. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has signed concession agreements with the governments of Angola and Zambia in a boost for the Zambia Lobito Rail Project

This project includes the construction of approximately 800 km of greenfield rail line connecting the Benguela rail line in Luacano to the existing Zambia Railways Line in Chingola. This will greatly improve the efficient movement of goods, while promoting investments in agriculture, health, digital infrastructure, mining, and electricity access along the corridor.

Last year, AFC was appointed lead developer on the Zambia Lobito Rail Project in collaboration with the United States Government, the EU, the African Development Bank and the governments of Angola, the DRC and Zambia. The new agreements are for the financing, construction, ownership and operation of the project and were signed on the sidelines of the 79th UN general Assembly.

“The Zambia Lobito Rail Project is an important milestone in our efforts to modernise infrastructure, enhance the competitiveness of our economy, and improve the livelihoods of our people,” said Frank Tayali MP, Minister of Transport for Zambia. “We look forward to partnering with Africa Finance Corporation to deliver on this groundbreaking project.”

AFC also signed an agreement to receive US$2mn grant funding from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for the completion of the environmental and social studies for the project.

“The Zambia Lobito Rail Project represents a game-changing development for the region, unlocking tremendous potential for trade, industrialisation, and socio-economic growth,” remarked Samaila Zubairu, president & CEO of AFC. “AFC is proud to partner with the governments of Angola and Zambia to deliver worldclass rail infrastructure, which will accelerate industrial development in Africa, promote regional integration and provide a vital export route for copper and other critical minerals for the global energy transition.”