Logistics

GALAXUS R5&C5 and TUNLAND V PHEV released in Africa

BAIC FOTON successfully hosted its Africa Partners Conference under the theme “Drive to Great” at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

The conference welcomed Chinese and African government and business representatives, senior leadership from BAIC Group and BAIC FOTON, distributors, key customers, industrial partners, and international media. The gathering provided a platform to strengthen business relationships, explore new opportunities for collaboration, and outline the company's vision for sustainable growth in Africa.

During the conference, the company presented its international development strategy, emphasising three key priorities: expanding its localised product portfolio, strengthening the regional business ecosystem, and accelerating localised manufacturing and operations. Its approach will incorporate multiple powertrain technologies, including conventional fuel, natural gas, battery electric, and plug-in hybrid solutions, catering to the diverse requirements of different African markets.

South Africa will play a strategic role in this expansion, serving as a key platform to strengthen the company's presence in Southern Africa while supporting further development across East, North, and West Africa.

The event also highlighted BAIC FOTON's growing business momentum on the continent, with major customer deliveries, new energy vehicle agreements, product introductions, and manufacturing partnerships forming part of the conference agenda.

Key Highlights from the Conference

1. Major Customer Deliveries and New Energy Partnerships

BAIC FOTON marked significant commercial milestones with the delivery of 1,000 heavy-duty trucks to customers in Ghana and 800 heavy-duty trucks to customers in Zambia.

The company also signed new energy vehicle project agreements covering 200 units in Mozambique, 100 units in Ethiopia, 100 units in Kenya, and an additional project in Zambia. These initiatives are aimed at supporting the transition towards cleaner transportation solutions across sectors such as mining, agriculture, and logistics.

2. New Product Launches for African Markets

Expanding its product offering to meet the region's diverse transportation requirements, BAIC FOTON introduced two heavy-duty truck models, the GALAXUS R5 and GALAXUS C5, alongside the TUNLAND V PHEV pickup.

These launches further strengthen the company's presence in heavy-duty transportation and versatile mobility segments, offering customers a broader range of solutions.

3. Expansion of Local Manufacturing and Strategic Partnerships

Building on its existing network of 16 localised factories across Africa, BAIC FOTON continued to advance its manufacturing and industrial cooperation strategy.

During the conference, six localised manufacturing cooperation agreements were signed with partners from Tanzania, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The company also announced collaborations with WesBank to support vehicle financing and purchase solutions, and with DP World to strengthen regional spare parts warehousing and distribution.

4. Strengthening Distributor Relationships and Market Development

Recognizing the contribution of its regional partners, BAIC FOTON hosted an awards ceremony celebrating outstanding achievements in key account development, new energy promotion, aftersales services, and distributor cooperation.

The company also officially launched the African leg of the FOTON GALAXUS Global Experience, with distributor representatives from Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe participating in the flag-presentation ceremony.

Through these initiatives, BAIC FOTON aims to deepen engagement with local partners, strengthen customer support, and create new opportunities for regional business development.

Driving the Next Phase of Growth in Africa

The 2026 BAIC FOTON Africa Partners Conference reaffirmed the company's long-term commitment to the African market. By combining an expanded product portfolio with localized manufacturing, stronger distribution networks, and a growing ecosystem of strategic partnerships, BAIC FOTON is working towards creating greater value for customers and partners across the continent.

As the company continues to expand its regional footprint, its focus remains on strengthening local capabilities, improving supply chain efficiency, enhancing aftersales support, and delivering transportation solutions aligned with Africa's changing industrial and mobility landscape.

With its partners at the centre of this journey, BAIC FOTON looks forward to building new opportunities and advancing together under the vision of “Drive to Great.”

With 54 wagons and a capacity of 108 containers (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), the service will initially operate one train per week, with potential to increase frequency and introduce a return service. (Image source: CMA CGM)

CMA CGM, a leading international provider of maritime, land-based, air freight and logistics services, has inaugurated its first dedicated full block train service connecting the Port of Mombasa with the Nairobi-Embakasi Inland Container Depot (ICD)

Launched on 28 October, the new service features 54 wagons and can transport up to 108 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), enhancing cargo movement between Kenya’s principal seaport and its inland logistics hubs.

The launch event brought together senior government officials, diplomatic representatives and industry leaders, including Mohamed Daghar, Principal Secretary for Transport in Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport; H.E. Wadid Benaabou, Ambassador of France to Kenya; Capt. William K. Ruto, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA); Philip J. Mainga, Managing Director of Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC); Naveen Prabhu, Deputy Regional Director for East Africa at CMA CGM; and Benjamin Coston, Managing Director of CMA CGM’s East Africa Cluster.

Naveen PRABHU, Deputy Regional Director for East Africa at CMA CGM said: “Today’s launch is an important milestone for CMA CGM in Kenya. Our ambition is to strengthen connectivity between the sea, the port and inland economies. This project is also about partnership: with the Government of Kenya, the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Railways and our customers. It reflects our long-term commitment to Kenya and our ambition to contribute to the country’s growth by connecting people, businesses and opportunities”.

Strengthening rail connectivity between Mombasa and Nairobi

During the initial phase, the dedicated train will transport containerised imports from Mombasa to the Nairobi-Embakasi ICD, with one train scheduled to operate each week. The initial rollout will enable CMA CGM to evaluate customer requirements and determine whether the service can be expanded through more frequent departures and the introduction of a return journey to Mombasa.

The new rail offering complements CMA CGM’s existing maritime operations, providing customers with an integrated transport option for moving international cargo into Kenya’s key inland commercial centres. The initiative was established in collaboration with the Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Railways Corporation, reinforcing cooperation between the country’s port and rail infrastructure operators.

Expanding local capabilities and supporting communities

CMA CGM’s activities in Kenya also include investments in inland logistics and workforce development. Alongside its maritime operations, the Group continues to develop complementary inland transport solutions, including its Kilima service.

The company is also strengthening its commitment to local expertise through the renewal of its partnership with Bandari Maritime Academy. The collaboration supports the training and development of future Kenyan professionals in the maritime and logistics sectors.

Mohamed Daghar, principal secretary for Transport in Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport said, “Developing efficient connections between the Port of Mombasa and inland economic centres is essential to strengthening Kenya’s logistics chain. Partnerships between maritime and rail transport stakeholders help connect infrastructure, businesses and markets. This initiative demonstrates the importance of cooperation between public and private stakeholders in supporting trade and the country’s economic development”.

As part of the inauguration programme, Kenyan officials and the French Ambassador toured the CMA CGM PALMYRE, a vessel that operates on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The visit highlighted the Group’s ongoing efforts to limit the environmental impact of maritime transportation.

CMA CGM foundation Initiatives in Kenya

Beyond its logistics operations, CMA CGM contributes to community development in Kenya through the activities of the CMA CGM Foundation.

Since 2023, the Foundation has worked with the Kenyan Red Cross NGO to support the development of the I.O.Me001 Innovation Centre in Mombasa. As part of this initiative, it donated 11 repurposed shipping containers to help establish a facility dedicated to entrepreneurship and coding. In 2025, the centre engaged 15 institutions and more than 1,200 students. The Foundation, working alongside the French Embassy in Kenya, is now contributing seven additional containers to increase the centre’s capacity.

The Foundation is also involved in a project to refurbish the football pitch at the University of Nairobi, in collaboration with the university and the French Development Agency (AFD). The initiative seeks to improve the facility’s resilience to climate-related challenges while delivering benefits to approximately 50,000 students.

Through its new rail freight service, investment in local skills and support for community initiatives, CMA CGM continues to expand its presence in Kenya while strengthening connections between international trade, inland markets and local development.

UD Trucks expands Southern African network with Zambia launch. (Image source: UD Trucks)

UD Trucks Southern Africa has officially entered the Zambian market through a strategic partnership with Imperial Motors Zambia, a member of Motus Africa

The launch took place on 1 October in Lusaka, establishing the brand’s presence at three operational locations in Lusaka, Kitwe and Solwezi.

The expansion introduces UD Trucks’ Japanese engineering heritage and international commercial vehicle expertise to Zambia, where reliable transport services are essential to economic activity. Through the partnership, UD Trucks and Imperial Motors Zambia aim to provide an integrated transport offering encompassing commercial vehicles, aftersales services and long-term customer support.

More than 90 guests attended the launch at Imperial Motors Zambia’s Kafue Road facility in Lusaka. The gathering included customers, industry representatives, media and senior executives from UD Trucks and Motus Africa. Fredrick Mwalusaka, Permanent Secretary at Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics, attended as Guest of Honour and participated in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The market entry reflects the companies’ shared ambition to establish a sustainable presence in Zambia and support businesses across the country’s key industries with dependable commercial transport solutions.

UD Trucks strengthens its Southern African presence

Zambia represents a strategic addition to UD Trucks Southern Africa’s regional network as the company seeks to expand its reach across important African markets.

The launch builds on the introduction of UD Trucks in Malawi in 2025 through Motus Africa, extending the collaboration between the two organisations and opening new opportunities to serve Zambian transport operators.

Demand for dependable commercial vehicles remains important across mining, agriculture, construction, logistics and distribution. Businesses operating in these sectors require vehicles that can withstand challenging working conditions, alongside services that help maintain fleet availability and manage operating costs.

UD Trucks’ approach centres on providing more than vehicles, combining product performance with an understanding of customers’ operational requirements and the support needed throughout the vehicle ownership cycle.

Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa, said:

“The official launch of UD Trucks in Zambia represents another significant milestone in our ambition to strengthen our presence across Southern Africa and contribute to the development of Africa’s commercial transport sector,” said Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa.

“Zambia is an important market, and our partnership with Imperial Motors Zambia provides a strong foundation for building the UD Trucks brand locally. By combining our Japanese engineering heritage and global expertise with an established local partner’s market knowledge and customer relationships, we are creating the platform to deliver dependable transport solutions and long-term value.

“Our ambition goes beyond introducing our products to a new market. It is about building lasting customer relationships, investing in the capabilities needed to support their operations and going the extra mile to help businesses move forward.”

Total transport solutions extend beyond vehicle sales

For Zambian fleet owners and transport operators, the partnership is intended to deliver support across the entire vehicle lifecycle, from selecting and acquiring suitable trucks to maintenance, servicing and ongoing technical assistance.

Graham Kolm, SSA Markets General Manager: Trucks Southern Africa, highlighted the importance of matching vehicle capabilities with the practical demands of customers’ businesses.

“For businesses operating in demanding industries, a truck is much more than a vehicle. It is a critical business asset, and its performance, availability and operating costs directly influence productivity and profitability.

“Ultimate Dependability is about understanding that responsibility. Through our partnership with Imperial Motors Zambia, we want to help customers identify the right solutions for their operations and support them in maximising uptime, improving operational efficiency and achieving long-term value. Our role is to work alongside our customers, going the extra mile to help keep their businesses moving.”

By integrating vehicle supply with aftersales support, the companies aim to help customers improve fleet utilisation, reduce operational disruptions and achieve greater value over the operating life of their vehicles.

Imperial Motors Zambia brings local market experience

Imperial Motors Zambia contributes 12 years of experience in the country’s automotive sector. Adding UD Trucks to its portfolio expands its commercial vehicle offering and reinforces its involvement in Zambia’s transport industry.

As part of Motus Africa, the business combines local market knowledge and established customer relationships with access to a broader regional automotive network. This provides a foundation for developing the UD Trucks brand and expanding the technical and service capabilities required by commercial vehicle customers.

Tim Jaques, Chairman of Imperial Motors Zambia and CEO of Motus Africa, highlighted the company’s continued commitment to the Zambian market. The addition of UD Trucks complements its existing brands, including Nissan, OMODA and JAECOO, while supporting its ambition to broaden its vehicle offering and continue investing in facilities, personnel and customer service.

Christophe Henning, General Manager of Imperial Motors Zambia, said the launch marked an important development for the company.

“The introduction of UD Trucks is an exciting new chapter for Imperial Motors Zambia. We are proud to partner with a commercial vehicle brand whose heritage in Japanese engineering and commitment to reliability align with our ambition to deliver quality products and customer support.

“Our focus is on building lasting relationships with Zambian businesses and becoming a trusted transport partner. We recognise that our responsibility extends well beyond the initial vehicle purchase. Customers need dependable products, access to genuine parts, skilled technicians and professional aftersales support throughout their vehicles’ operating lives.

“Through this partnership, we are committed to developing the local capabilities and customer relationships that will support the long-term growth of UD Trucks in Zambia.”

Investment in local facilities, skilled personnel, genuine parts and technical support will be central to the partnership’s efforts to build customer confidence and provide consistent service throughout the ownership journey.

Commercial transport investment supports Zambia’s economic ambitions

The launch also highlighted the connection between reliable commercial transport and Zambia’s broader economic development priorities.

Mr Fredrick Mwalusaka, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, attended the event as Guest of Honour. In his address, he emphasised the importance of transport and logistics in facilitating trade and supporting industries such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing.

He also highlighted Zambia’s potential to strengthen its position as a regional transport and logistics hub, with efficient movement of goods within the country and across international borders remaining an important consideration.

The event brought together public- and private-sector stakeholders to discuss the role of commercial transport investment in supporting business activity and economic development.

For UD Trucks, the Zambian market offers an opportunity to contribute through its commercial vehicle range, local distribution partnership and commitment to customer support.

UD Trucks targets long-term growth in Zambia

With operations established in Lusaka, Kitwe and Solwezi, UD Trucks and Imperial Motors Zambia have created an initial network to serve customers across key commercial transport markets.

Over the next three to five years, Imperial Motors Zambia aims to grow its UD Trucks customer base, strengthen the brand’s market position and continue developing its facilities, technical capabilities and aftersales services in response to customer requirements.

The expansion also supports UD Trucks Southern Africa’s wider strategy to build a stronger regional network and extend its total transport solutions offering to more customers across Southern Africa.

The partnership’s long-term performance will depend on its ability to provide reliable vehicles, responsive service and practical solutions that help businesses maintain productivity and manage operating costs.

Drawing on UD Trucks’ Japanese engineering heritage and its commitment to Ultimate Dependability, the companies aim to establish lasting relationships with Zambian transport operators and support the continued development of the country’s commercial transport sector.

Transnet sets world record with 696-Wagon freight train

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has set a new global benchmark in freight rail operations after safely running a 696-wagon empty train along the Iron Ore Export Line from Saldanha to the Northern Cape.

The train reached Loop 18 on 18 October 2026, completing the longest train movement ever assembled and operated on the corridor and establishing a new world record for freight rail operations.

Beyond the record itself, the achievement highlights the engineering capabilities, operational expertise and technological innovation underpinning the Iron Ore Export Line, one of the world's leading heavy-haul rail systems. The exercise also generated technical insights that could inform the future development of rail operations.

The initiative brought together TFR's Train Design Technology and Operations teams, Transnet Engineering, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) and the Railway Safety Regulator. Conducted as a dynamic train evaluation programme, the operation aimed both to establish a world record and to deepen technical understanding of train design, handling and operational performance.

The train consisted of 696 empty CR13/14 wagons operating in a Radio Distributed Power (RDP) configuration. It was hauled by a combination of Class 15E electric and Class 43D diesel-electric locomotives. The RDP system enables locomotives positioned at different points along the train to function in synchronisation, distributing traction and braking forces in a controlled manner across its entire length.