Logistics

MIGA issues US$62.6mn guarantee to Mota-Engil for Angola's Lobito railway corridor, boosting jobs and mineral trade. (Image source: MIGA)

The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), part of the World Bank Group Guarantee Platform, has issued guarantees backing the modernisation of Angola's Lobito railway corridor, a move set to generate employment while strengthening the country's trade and logistics capacity for critical minerals vital to the energy transition

MIGA has provided US$62.6mn in guarantees to Portuguese construction firm Mota-Engil, covering its equity investments in Lobito Atlantic Railway, which manages the Lobito Corridor under a 30-year concession granted by the Angolan government. The company oversees the operation, upkeep, and long-term upgrading of roughly 1,300 kilometres of railway running from the Port of Lobito on Angola's Atlantic coast to Luau at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with a mineral terminal at the port.

The corridor provides one of the shortest and most cost-effective paths connecting the DRC's copper- and cobalt-rich Copperbelt to global export markets, cutting transit times well below those of existing road routes. Both copper and cobalt are critical to clean energy technologies such as EV batteries and energy storage systems, and demand for these minerals is projected to rise sharply in the decades ahead.

At full capacity, the project is expected to create more than 1,600 direct jobs, with Angolan nationals making up 97% of the workforce. The corridor currently employs around 945 workers, including 529 who transferred from state-owned rail and port operators — a shift that is helping build local skills across the route.

"The Lobito Corridor will play an essential role in creating jobs, strengthening trade, and supporting the global energy transition," said Tsutomu Yamamoto, managing director at MIGA.

"We are proud to support Mota-Engil and Lobito Atlantic Railway in this landmark project, which will bolster the country's trade and logistics infrastructure and boost Angola's economic competitiveness, while creating jobs for Angolans."

"The partnership with MIGA strengthens the conditions required to deliver an investment of this scale and reflects international confidence in the project and in the execution capabilities of its partners," said Manuel Mota, Vice-CEO of the Mota-Engil Group.

"For Mota-Engil, its participation in the Lobito Corridor represents the continuation of an 80-year commitment to Angola and the conviction that strategic projects must be built on strong partnerships, a long-term vision and the creation of sustainable value for the country and the wider region."

Through its political risk insurance, MIGA will shield Mota-Engil's equity stake in Lobito Atlantic Railway from risks including expropriation, war and civil unrest, and breach of contract.

Wärtsilä expands support for Mercy Ships vessels. (Image source: Wärtsilä)

Technology group Wärtsilä has signed new Lifecycle Agreements with Mercy Ships International, extending its support for the organisation’s hospital vessels that provide free medical care and training across underserved communities in Africa

The agreements cover a five-year renewal of the existing service agreement for Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, as well as a three-year service agreement for Africa Mercy II, Mercy Ships’ latest newbuild vessel. Both ships are equipped with Wärtsilä engines.

The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2026.

For Mercy Ships, vessel reliability is critical to its ability to deliver medical services. The organisation operates hospital ships that provide free surgeries, medical care and healthcare training in regions where access to healthcare is limited. Keeping the vessels operational and reducing unplanned downtime is therefore essential to maintaining continuity of these services.

"Our ability to provide medical care depends on the availability and reliability of our vessels. Wärtsilä's support helps us plan maintenance more effectively and reduce the risk of unexpected disruptions, allowing us to focus on our mission. Based on the positive results of our existing agreement for Global Mercy, we are pleased to continue this collaboration and extend similar support to Africa Mercy II,” commented Ciarán Holden, director of technical operations - Mercy Ships International.

Wärtsilä brings predictive maintenance to Mercy Ships

The Lifecycle Agreements combine several services designed to support the long-term operational performance of the vessels. The scope includes spare parts, field services, crew training and Wärtsilä’s Expert Insight digital predictive maintenance service.

Expert Insight combines advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and Wärtsilä’s technical expertise to identify potential equipment issues before they develop into operational disruptions. By providing earlier insight into possible maintenance requirements, the service supports vessel availability and enables more predictable maintenance planning.

"Mercy Ships performs extraordinary work in delivering healthcare where it is needed most. These agreements are designed to provide the operational reliability, maintenance predictability and technical support required to keep their vessels available for service,” explained Henrik Wilhelms, director, Agreement Sales - Wärtsilä Marine.

“We are proud to support an organisation whose mission has such a meaningful impact on communities around the world."

The Global Mercy operates as both a floating hospital and medical training centre. The vessel has six operating rooms alongside extensive training facilities and is powered by four Wärtsilä 32 engines, each delivering 3,360 kW of power for propulsion and critical onboard hospital operations.

Wärtsilä’s continued service support is intended to help maintain the vessel’s operational readiness as it carries out Mercy Ships’ medical mission.

Meanwhile, Africa Mercy II is currently under construction and is scheduled for delivery in 2028. The new vessel will further expand Mercy Ships’ capacity to provide medical services and strengthen healthcare systems in underserved communities across Africa.

Through the renewed and extended Lifecycle Agreements, Wärtsilä will provide ongoing technical and maintenance support for both vessels, helping Mercy Ships maximise vessel availability and maintain the reliability required for its healthcare operations.

Volvo Buses to supply 38 locally bodied electric buses to Cape Town. (Image source: Volvo)

Volvo Buses will supply 38 Volvo BZR Low Entry Electric buses to the City of Cape Town, introducing the first locally bodied electric buses in South Africa

The buses will operate within the city’s electric passenger transport system, supporting its transition towards zero-emission public mobility.

“This is a landmark project for both Cape Town and for us. We can be very proud to introduce electric buses to the city, and in doing so, prove that we acknowledge and support a sustainable future,” commented Leon Nelson, director, Volvo Buses in South Africa.

Electric bus platform and local manufacturing

Based on Volvo Buses’ flexible BZR platform, the Volvo BZRLE Electric is designed to accommodate different operational requirements while supporting long-term electrification strategies. The bus bodies will be designed and manufactured locally by Gauteng Bus and Coach Centre in Johannesburg.

The platform combines energy efficiency, operational reliability and passenger comfort for urban transport applications. The buses will feature a modern exterior and spacious interior designed to accommodate both seated and standing passengers.

The low-entry configuration is intended to provide smooth boarding and universal accessibility, including wheelchair accommodation and preferential seating. The installed energy capacity has been configured to meet the operational requirements of the City of Cape Town.

The transition from diesel to electric buses represents a significant change for public transport operators and requires detailed planning, coordination and collaboration between multiple stakeholders. Volvo Buses has acted as a strategic advisor throughout the process, applying a 360-degree approach that brings together local and global expertise to support infrastructure planning and system implementation.

For the Cape Town project, the charging infrastructure will be managed by the City of Cape Town, while Gauteng Bus and Coach Centre will manufacture the bus bodies locally in Johannesburg.

“The first buses are scheduled for delivery in 2027,” stated Rob Quintas, city councillor responsible for urban mobility in Cape Town. “We have ordered a minimum of 38 buses, but this number may increase with funding availability. The new buses will be paid for by means of Public Transport National Grant funding.”

Supporting South Africa’s electric mobility transition

The project combines electric bus technology with local manufacturing, infrastructure development and public transport funding. The introduction of locally bodied electric buses is also expected to strengthen domestic capabilities and build technical expertise as South Africa progresses towards more sustainable urban transport.

“This project demonstrates how electrification can be implemented in a way that strengthens local capabilities, builds technical competence, and contributes to the development of a future-ready public transport ecosystem. We are proud that Cape Town has chosen Volvo Buses as a partner towards a cleaner and more efficient urban transport system,” commented Manish Sahi, vice-president, Volvo Buses MIAC.

The Cape Town deployment forms part of Volvo Buses’ broader focus on sustainable passenger transport solutions. The company provides city and intercity buses, coaches and bus chassis, together with services designed to support productivity, uptime and safety.

Volvo Buses operates in more than 70 countries and, together with Volvo Trucks, has a network of more than 2,200 service and support locations. The company is part of the Volvo Group, which provides transport and infrastructure solutions including trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial motors.

EDECS Group wins DP world contract to modernise Dar es Salaam port. (Image source: EDECS Group)

EDECS Group, a leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has secured a strategic contract from DP World to redevelop seven operational yards at Terminal 1 of Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port

The terminal is operated by DP World Dar es Salaam, with construction activities already underway on site.

The project strengthens EDECS Group’s growing portfolio of marine, port and logistics infrastructure projects across the region, while supporting the ongoing modernisation of one of East Africa’s most important maritime gateways.

Under the contract, EDECS is responsible for the design and construction of seven dedicated cargo and material-handling yards covering a combined 90,000m². The scope also includes associated gates and supporting utilities, alongside infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving port capacity, operational efficiency and long-term resilience.

The redevelopment incorporates infrastructure to support advanced digital yard management systems, enhanced cargo storage and handling facilities, and sustainable engineering solutions. EDECS is also delivering a comprehensive fire protection network covering the entire port, including areas outside the original project scope. In addition, the company is installing a port-wide high-mast lighting system designed to improve safety, security and operational efficiency throughout the port facilities.

Dar es Salaam Port expands regional trade capacity

Dar es Salaam Port is Tanzania’s largest and busiest port, handling more than 90% of the country’s international maritime trade. It also serves as a key maritime gateway for seven landlocked countries across East and Central Africa.

The port plays a critical role in regional trade and connectivity and supports Tanzania’s Vision 2050 ambition of establishing the country as a leading logistics and trade hub in Africa.

Dar es Salaam Port has now exceeded the 30-million-tonne annual throughput benchmark, reflecting growing demand for integrated logistics infrastructure across East and Central Africa. The increase also supports Tanzania’s wider transition towards technology-enabled port operations and more resilient long-term infrastructure.

The transformation of Terminal 1 is already producing measurable improvements. In July 2026, the terminal recorded its highest-ever monthly container throughput of 46,582 TEUs, compared with a starting benchmark of 13,779 TEUs in May 2024. The increase highlights the expanding capacity and operational efficiency associated with the port’s ongoing modernisation programme.

Hussein El Dessouky, chairman and managing director of EDECS Group, said, “We are proud to extend our partnership with DP World through the Dar es Salaam Port Modernisation Project, a development of strategic importance to Tanzania and the region.

Our teams are actively progressing works on-site across the project’s key operational areas, delivering the critical infrastructure required to support safer, smarter, and more efficient port operations. As Dar es Salaam continues to strengthen its role as one of the region’s most important maritime gateways, EDECS is proud to contribute to a project that advances trade connectivity, supports economic growth, and aligns with Tanzania’s long-term national development goals.”

CEO DP World Dar es Salaam, Martin Jacob, said, "The modernization of DP World terminal at Dar es Salaam Port remains central to efforts to enhance trade connectivity and logistics efficiency across East and Central Africa. Building on our relationship with EDECS Group, we are pleased to recognize the speed of execution in civil work."

EDECS expands regional marine infrastructure portfolio

The latest contract adds to EDECS Group’s established track record in delivering complex port, marine and logistics infrastructure projects across the Middle East and Africa.

With more than 30 years of industry experience and an expanding presence across strategic regional markets, EDECS applies its engineering and EPC expertise to infrastructure projects supporting trade, economic development, connectivity and sustainable growth.

The company provides turnkey EPC solutions covering planning, procurement, construction, commissioning and final handover. Its expertise enables clients to optimise designs, streamline project delivery and achieve efficient execution and long-term infrastructure performance.

EDECS specialises in logistics infrastructure, including sea terminals, logistics parks and marinas. Its capabilities also cover roads and bridges, railway infrastructure, water and irrigation projects, earthworks and buildings, allowing the company to deliver integrated infrastructure solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the region.

With its expanding regional footprint, EDECS continues to undertake projects designed to strengthen trade networks, improve connectivity and support long-term economic development.