Logistics

AfDB supports Kigali's first urban cable car project

African Development Bank funds feasibility for Rwanda’s US$100mn cable car to improve urban transport access. (Image source: AfDB)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a US$500,000 grant to fund a feasibility study for Kigali’s proposed aerial urban transit system, set to become sub-Saharan Africa’s first cable car network

The initiative is being spearheaded by Ropeways Transit Rwanda Ltd (RTRL).

The funding comes from the Bank’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) and will support the development of the Kigali Urban Cable Car Project. Valued at US$100mn, the 5.5 km transport solution is designed to alleviate traffic congestion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve access to jobs and essential services for underserved communities.

Hosted by the African Development Bank, the UMDF provides technical assistance and financial support to cities, helping them identify and prepare investment-ready urban projects.

Phase 1 of the project will cover two main routes: from Nyabugogo Taxi Park to the Central Business District, and from the Kigali Convention Center to Kigali Sports City, passing key landmarks such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena and Zaria Court.

The feasibility study aims to attract international investment, potentially through platforms such as the Africa Investment Forum (AIF). UMDF has previously supported Rwanda’s Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project to enhance investor confidence in the transport sector.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with commissioning planned for 2028. Once operational, the system could carry over 50,000 passengers daily on a 15-minute end-to-end journey, fully integrated with Kigali’s broader transport network.

African Development Bank Group president Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said, “This transformative project aligns perfectly with the Bank’s vision for sustainable, green climate-resilient urban mobility infrastructure, and with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, which focuses on urbanisation, and the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA), a global partnership initiative driven by the African Development Bank Group, Africa50 and the African Union. By financing Rwanda’s urban cable car system, we are investing in a scalable model of low-carbon, inclusive public transport that cities across Africa can emulate.”

The project also supports Rwanda’s climate targets, as outlined in its Green Taxonomy, E-mobility Strategy and Climate and Nature Finance Strategy, aiming to cut emissions by 38% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

The cable car project will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), according to Imena Munyampenda, Director General of the Rwanda Transport Development Agency.

The feasibility phase will draw insights from successful cable car systems in cities like La Paz, Bolivia and Singapore, and will incorporate inclusive design principles for disabled access and employment opportunities for women, low-income groups, and youth.

Blended financing model

The project’s US$100mn financing will include grants, concessional loans, blended capital, and technical assistance. The UMDF grant will specifically support assessment of the viability gap. The Rwandan government will partner with the African Development Bank Group and others including IFC, Africa50, TDB, AFC, and private investors under the AGIA to structure blended and commercial finance.

CEVA Logistics expands with new base in Kribi

CEVA Logistics has already built a strong operational base in Cameroon

CEVA Logistics continues to grow its presence across the African continent with the construction of a new logistics base in the port area of Kribi, Cameroon

The 30,000 m² facility is scheduled to open between September and January and will feature 25,000 m² of space for import-export container storage and 5,000 m² of warehouse space.

A global leader in third-party logistics, CEVA is strengthening its commitment to the development of trade in Central Africa through the strategic expansion of its regional operations and logistics capabilities. The company is focused on delivering innovative and sustainable logistics solutions tailored to the specific needs of the African market. As part of this commitment, CEVA has launched the construction of a new logistics platform near the Port Authority of Kribi, supporting its role as a key contributor to economic growth in the region.

Located just two kilometres from the port, the new platform will be capable of receiving and storing up to 2,200 import and export TEUs on its 25,000 m² container storage area. The 5,000 m² warehouse will accommodate export-bound products such as cotton, sesame, cocoa, gum arabic and lumber.

Growing footprint in Cameroon

CEVA Logistics has already built a strong operational base in Cameroon, with offices in Douala, Yaoundé and Kribi. The company manages a 20,000 m² container depot in the port area of Douala, offering storage for up to 1,200 TEUs, along with warehousing and bonded storage facilities. This is supported by an additional logistics hub in the Bonabéri industrial zone.

Cameroon’s transport and logistics sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing trade volumes across Central Africa. By establishing operations in Kribi, home to the country’s only deep-water port, CEVA has made a strategic investment in what is becoming Cameroon’s most important logistics and economic gateway.

CEVA Logistics continues to expand in Africa

The development of the Kribi platform forms part of CEVA’s wider strategy to become a major player in transport and logistics throughout Africa. The company is already present in 24 countries and plans to extend its logistics services to four more, including Gabon, Ghana, Guinea and the Republic of Congo by the end of 2025.

Mehdi Ghozayel, head of Central Africa Cluster, CEVA Logistics, said, “The construction of this new logistics base in Cameroon, designed to meet the growing logistics needs of economic operators in the region, marks a new stage in the development of our presence in Central Africa. With this platform, strategically located close to the port area in Kribi, we will continue to support our customers in their commercial exchanges to and from Cameroon.”

Emirates Logistics' new hub in Kenya’s Tatu City

Entrance to Tatu City Special Economic Zone in Kenya. (Image source: Emirates Logistics)

Emirates Logistics has announced its expansion into Kenya, with plans to build a state-of-the-art logistics facility at Tatu City Special Economic Zone (SEZ), just outside Nairobi

The company said in a statement that the facility will support the growth of its clients across sub-Saharan Africa.

“We are proud to strengthen our presence in Kenya with our expansion to Tatu City, reinforcing Emirates Logistics’ global footprint of comprehensive logistics capabilities," said Steven van der Vliet, chief commercial officer, Emirates Logistics.

“This new strategic facility is part of our broader commitment to offering world-class infrastructure in key growth markets,” he added.

“Being located at the heart of Kenya's economic engine allows us to deliver flexible, seamless and tailor-made logistics solutions that empower both our existing and new customers to thrive.”

Construction of the new logistics facility will begin this year, adding to Emirates Logistics' global presence spanning 15 countries and a worldwide network of agents.

Within Africa, the company operates owned warehousing, offices, and transport fleets in Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, as well the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Malaysia, outside the continent.

“Tatu City warmly welcomes Emirates Logistics to its new home in Kenya, where it will thrive in a conducive business environment,” said George Kapanadze, group chief financial officer at Rendeavour, the owner and developer of Tatu City SEZ.

Rendeavour is now Africa's largest new city builder, with developments for individuals and businesses across the continent, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“As a mixed-use Special Economic Zone, we specialise in attracting foreign direct investment to Kenya in an infrastructure-ready location that offers the services and amenities global investors like Emirates Logistics demand, including housing, retail, schools, parks, and recreation,” remarked Kapanadze.

Tatu City is Rendeavour's flagship development in Kenya and already welcomes 25,000 people daily, who live, work and study within its thriving community.

The city hosts over 100 businesses, including Heineken, Cold Solutions, CCI Global, Dormans, FullCare, Kärcher, CKL, Naivas, NCBA, Grit Real Estate Income Group, Hewatele, Freight Forwarders Solutions, Tamarind Group, ADvTECH, Friendship Group, Bakels, Novis, and Davis & Shirtliff.

Firms in the SEZ benefit from a range of incentives, including a 10% corporate tax rate for the first 10 years and 15% for the following 10 years, compared to the standard 30%.

Businesses also enjoy VAT zero-rating on goods and services and exemptions on import duty and stamp duty.

Read more:

Elevating African trade with air cargo

Kenya's largest call centre opens in Tatu City

The groundwork for growth

First ES43ACi locomotive joins Guinea railway

Wabtec and Rio Tinto SimFer reveal new locomotive to support Guinea’s largest mining infrastructure project. (Image source: Wabtec)

Wabtec Corporation and Rio Tinto SimFer, a joint venture among the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), recently marked a significant milestone with the unveiling of the first Evolution Series ES43ACi locomotive for the TransGuinéen Railway

This delivery is part of SimFer’s 2024 locomotive order, supporting rail operations critical to the Simandou high-grade iron ore project in southeastern Guinea, which is Africa’s largest mining and infrastructure development initiative.

Charles Zimmermann, global head of projects for Rio Tinto, stated, “This locomotive symbolizes a major step in our strategy to connect the Simandou project to the world, while bringing opportunities to the people of Guinea. We are proud to see the first SimFer locomotive roll off the production line and begin to make its way towards Guinea. This locomotive and the entire TransGuinéen Railway are critical for transporting the high-grade iron from the mine to the global market. We are grateful for Wabtec’s contribution and the role it is playing in this unique project.”

Transforming Guinea's infrastructure

The launch event brought together dignitaries from the governments of Guinea, India, and the United States, alongside leaders from Rio Tinto SimFer, Indian Railways, and Wabtec. Among the notable attendees were Minister Djiba DIAKITE, President of the Strategic Committee of the Simandou project, accompanied by Bouna SYLLA, Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Geology, as well as other members overseeing the project’s progress. The locomotive was presented in the striking blue and turquoise livery of La Compagnie de TransGuinéen, the joint venture company responsible for operating the Simandou Railway.

Mpilo Dlamini, Wabtec’s regional vice-president for sub-Saharan Africa, commented, “It is an honor to celebrate this milestone with our partners as we supply the advanced locomotives needed to meet the demands of the world’s largest untapped high-grade iron mine. This unveiling is a tribute to a global team that designed and built a locomotive specifically tailored for the Simandou project. These locomotives will efficiently facilitate the export of the mine’s critical minerals, while contributing to economic development in Guinea and providing access to services across the infrastructure corridor.”

The event also marked the first and largest export order of heavy-haul locomotives assembled at Wabtec’s facility in Marhowra, India. The ES43ACi model features a powerful 4,500-horsepower Evolution Series diesel engine, developed and manufactured in the United States, delivering industry-leading fuel efficiency and reliable performance in high-temperature conditions.

The Simandou mountain range is renowned for its exceptional iron ore deposits, with Rio Tinto estimating reserves of approximately 1.5 billion tonnes of high-grade ore. The broader project includes the construction of a 600 km multi-purpose railway linking the mine to a coastal port in the Forécariah prefecture, facilitating efficient mineral exports. This major international investment not only promises to unlock Guinea’s mineral wealth but also represents a transformative opportunity to accelerate economic growth and regional development throughout the country.

DP World drives seamless automotive growth across sub-Saharan Africa

DP World unveils integrated logistics solution to help OEMs expand efficiently in sub-Saharan Africa’s auto market. (Image source: DP World)

DP World has introduced a comprehensive logistics and market-entry solution designed to overcome the longstanding challenges faced by automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) aiming to expand in sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is set to become one of the fastest-growing automotive markets globally, with vehicle demand forecasted to rise by 28.5% by 2030. This growth is fuelled by increasing incomes, urbanisation, and booming intra-African trade. However, despite the region representing about 18% of the world’s population, it accounts for only around 1% of global vehicle sales. Global OEMs have struggled to grow in the region due to unreliable logistics infrastructure, complex regulations, and inconsistent parts distribution.

DP World’s new turnkey offering marks its first automotive hybrid model in sub-Saharan Africa, combining contract logistics with customised market-entry and expansion services through a single integrated platform. This service provides nationwide delivery to most dealerships within 24 to 48 hours, a digital dealer portal featuring SKU-level inventory visibility, real-time tracking, automated ordering, and integrated payments.

Market entry success

The solution was successfully tested with Foton Motor, a prominent Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer. By utilising DP World’s end-to-end support platform, Foton swiftly launched aftermarket operations for heavy commercial vehicles in South Africa, encompassing warehousing, nationwide distribution, regulatory compliance, and digital dealer enablement. This fast market entry gave Foton South Africa a competitive edge with an integrated service network, helping to build early customer trust and engagement.

Fu Jun, president of Foton International at Foton Motor Group, added, “Growing our presence in South Africa is a priority for Foton, and our work with DP World has played an important role in making that possible. Their support with unlocking market and contract logistics services has helped make our aftermarket operations efficient and straightforward, allowing us to concentrate on serving our customers and building our business.”

The hybrid model also enables OEMs to gain a first-mover advantage in a market where aftermarket parts are often dominated by informal suppliers and grey imports. By providing a dependable service network, OEMs like Foton can establish trust, secure long-term customer loyalty, and reduce counterfeit parts risks, all while benefiting from a single point of contact and accountability within the region.

“The automotive industry’s outlook for Africa is changing fast. The question is no longer whether to enter the market, but how to do it effectively. With extensive infrastructure across the region, and deep expertise in complex logistics and market solutions, DP World is ideally placed to support international automakers looking to enter or expand into one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets,” stated Mark Rylance, chief operating officer for Logistics at DP World Sub-Saharan Africa.

DP World plans to develop further innovative solutions to assist more OEMs entering sub-Saharan African markets in the coming years as it scales its services to meet the rising demand for commercial and passenger vehicles across the region.