Connecting Africa with the rest of the world

The African Supply Chain Confederation (ASCON) has officially launched, marking a new chapter for Africa’s role in global trade and logistics integration

Founded in Accra, Ghana, on August 22, 2025, the confederation aims to unite professional standards and networks across the continent to strengthen competitiveness and collaboration.

Africa’s supply chains have long lagged behind more developed regions and today are under pressure to adapt to global disruptions and seize opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

ASCON provides a unified framework to professionalise the sector, ensuring Africa is not just a participant but a strategic player in global value chains, according to Ronald Mlalazi, the group’s president.

“Elevating the role of supply chain management in Africa is critical for economic development,” he said.

“ASCON will ensure Africa becomes a strategic player in global value chains.”

Its mission is to foster a cohesive African supply chain ecosystem grounded both in professionalism and collaboration, he added.

Key pillars include: establishing ethical codes and accreditation frameworks; advancing standardised qualifications and continuous professional development; fostering cross-border partnerships and professional alliances; and promoting research, publications and knowledge exchange.

As part of this, ASCON offers: a unified framework for professional mobility and recognition; support for resource mobilisation and membership growth; platforms for networking and partnership; and advocacy to shape policy and promote best practices.

Elevating competencies and ethical standards is expected to enable greater mobility and quality of work for professionals across Africa, a collective effort that will help to build overall resilience and growth across the sector.

ASCON is committed to positioning the continent as a leader in global supply chain development, according to professor Douglas Boateng, goodwill ambassador and Africa’s first Professor Extraordinaire in supply and value chain management.

He outlined the importance of professionalising supply chains to unlock industrialisation, reduce waste, and strengthen competitiveness under AfCFTA.

“The Africa we desire is in our hands,”said Boateng. “By integrating supply chains, we can deliver generational impact.”

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Introducing Bobcat’s new B16-20NT series. (Image source: Bobcat)

Bobcat has unveiled the new B16-20-NT series, its first 3-wheel forklift to be based exclusively on the latest lithium-ion technology

Designed for light to medium-duty use, the B16NT, B18NT and B20NT models offer a combination of compact design, high manoeuvrability, and an emission-free drive — a “future-proof investment for in-plant logistics,” according to the company.

“With the new Li-ion forklifts in the BNT series, the new Li-ion batteries, and the corresponding fast chargers for the existing range, Bobcat is clearly demonstrating its commitment to sustainable and efficient intralogistics,” the company said in a statement to announce the launch.

“The combination of zero-emission technology, high user-friendliness, and modern energy management makes the B16-20NT series and Bobcat’s Li-ion energy packs the ideal solution for forward-looking companies.”

Key features

The compact 3-wheel forklifts in the NT series offer load capacities of 1.6 to 2.0 tons with a load centre of 500 mm.

Equipped with a 4.5 kW dual drive, a 12 kW hydraulic motor and a maintenance-free lithium-ion battery, they boast high-performance capabilities.

According to Bobcat, the models are particularly impressive in narrow warehouse aisles thanks to their manoeuvrability and small turning radius.

Ergonomically designed driver’s seats with generous legroom, a low entrance and modern controls – including the intuitive colour display with onboard diagnostics and optional fingertip controls – ensure a high level of comfort and safety in daily use.

The electric parking brake including ramp stop completes the safety concept.

Lithium-ion batteries

Alongside the market launch of the new B16-20-NT series, Bobcat is also introducing its own lithium-ion batteries.

These can be ordered as an alternative to the lead-acid energy pack for the existing electric forklift product range.

The new batteries are available in 400 and 600 Ah versions – regardless of voltage and series – and can be seamlessly integrated into the forklift’s CAN bus, making a separate display redundant.

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, also known as LFP) is used as the cell chemistry, ensuring high safety and a long lifespan.

Thanks to the integrated thermal management system, operation is even possible at temperatures as low as -18°C.

The Machine IQ telematics and diagnostics system, which allows important system data to be read out in real time, provides additional transparency and control.

“Not only is the service life of Bobcat’s lithium-ion batteries two to three times longer than that of conventional lead-acid batteries, they also require significantly less maintenance and offer higher efficiency,” the statement added.

“The Bobcat Machine IQ app can be used to easily monitor and analyse operating data, charging cycles and the battery status. The warranty of 5 years, or 10,000 operating hours, is another plus.”

Smart charging infrastructure

Bobcat has also developed its own series of powerful charging solutions for use with the new lithium-ion batteries, designed for efficiency and speed.

Depending on the model, a full charge takes around two hours at a charging capacity of up to 300 A. The chargers are available for both 51.2 V and 80 V systems and cover capacities from 400 to 600 Ah.

“Thanks to their flexible connectivity…and robust design, they are ideal for a wide range of applications, whether in existing charging premises or distributed throughout the application environment. Thanks to the smart charging electronics, the charging process is always safe and adapted to the current status of the battery, thus extending its service life.”

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Ethiopian Airlines expands Boeing Fleet. (Image source: Ethiopian Airlines)

Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing have announced that Africa's largest carrier has committed to acquiring 11 additional 737 MAX aircraft

The agreement, covering 11 B737 8 jets and signed during the Dubai Airshow, will support the airline's plans to strengthen both its regional and international networks while further expanding its hub in Addis Ababa.

Why add Aircraft?

“We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional11 B737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow,” remarked Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow over the years and we look forward to flying Boeing airplanes for years to come and that we will continue to serve our customers by bringing them high performance airplanes with passenger comfort.”

Ethiopian Airlines continues to rely on the 737 MAX family for its efficiency, reliability and operational flexibility. The aircraft type is a key part of its network strategy, serving destinations across Africa, the Middle East, India and Southern Europe where high frequency operations and quick turnaround times are essential.

“Ethiopian Airlines commitment to expand its 737 MAX fleet underscores its leadership in Africa. Our new agreement also strengthens our nearly 80 year partnership with the airline and region,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice-president of commercial sales and marketing.

“We are proud that our efficient and versatile airplanes will continue to play a pivotal role in Ethiopian Airlines growth as they further connect the African continent and the world.”

The airline already operates the largest Boeing fleet on the continent and holds Africa's biggest order backlog of 737 MAX, 777X and 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Boeing, a leading global aerospace manufacturer and major United States exporter, designs, produces and supports commercial airplanes, defense platforms and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Its workforce and supplier network contribute to innovation, economic growth, sustainability and community development. The company remains committed to its core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Kalmar’s latest order from Transnet Port Terminals advances hybrid cargo handling, boosting efficiency and sustainability across South African ports. (Image source: Kalmar Global)

Kalmar has strengthened its sustainability-driven partnership with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) through a major order for 16 hybrid straddle carriers

The agreement, recorded in Kalmar’s Q4 2025 order intake, will see the machines delivered to TPT’s Cape Town and Port Elizabeth container terminals by Q2 2026.

TPT, a key provider of integrated and cost-efficient cargo-handling services across Southern Africa, manages 16 sea-cargo terminals situated in Durban, Richards Bay, East London, Cape Town, Gqeberha, and Saldanha. Its extensive equipment portfolio includes diesel-electric straddle carriers, RTGs, reach stackers, empty container handlers, forklifts, and terminal tractors.

The newly ordered hybrid straddle carriers mark a regional milestone, as they will be the first of their kind to be deployed in Southern Africa. Of the 16 units, 12 are designated for the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal, while the remaining four will operate at the Cape Town Container Terminal.

Dean Moodley, general manager of capital projects at TPT, said, “We are committed to continuously improving efficiency and sustainability at all our port terminals, and hybrid straddle carriers have an important role to play in supporting this commitment. The new machines will enable us to significantly reduce fuel consumption, noise and carbon emissions all while enhancing operational excellence. Kalmar continues to be one of our valued partners in the renewal of our cargo-handling fleet.”

Karri Keskinen, head of global sales, horizontal transportation at Kalmar, added, “Kalmar is a true partner for TPT, supporting their journey towards more sustainable and cost-efficient cargo handling operations. We have built a strong supplier-customer relationship over many years of working together. We are delighted that TPT has chosen our proven hybrid technology to future-proof their port terminal operations.”