Logistics

Kenya to expand air transport capacity (Image source: Adobe Stock)

China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has signed an agreement worth around US$1.2bn for the expansion of Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

The project update was shared by the country’s Transport Minister Davis ​Chirchir, posting to his X social media account, and later reported by Reuters.

“The project scope includes ​the construction of a new terminal building and associated support ‌facilities, ⁠the modernisation and upgrading of existing infrastructure, the improvement of airside and landside operations," Chirchir said in his update.

The expansion of Kenya’s main gateway airport in Nairobi forms part of national efforts to revitalise infrastructure and open the door to more arrivals.

The project aims to almost triple annual passenger ⁠capacity at the airport from around 7.5 million people to 22 ​million people.

Progress was hit thwarted, however, after the cancellation of a previous agreement with India’s Adani Group following the indictment of its founder ​in the United States.

Last week, Chirchir also noted that the Kenyan government had appointed Africa's Trade and Development Bank and the Africa Finance ⁠Corporation ​to arrange financing for the project.

As East Africa’s largest economy, Kenya is keen to expand its transport infrastructure, including ports, roads and rail lines, to reassert its position in the region, and to boost logistics and supply chain efficiencies.

In air transport, Kenya hopes to maintain ​its role as ​a regional ⁠aviation hub in the face of growing competition from countries such as Ethiopia and Rwanda, which are also investing in ​new airport construction.

While CRBC has yet to formally confirm the award, the company holds strong links in Kenya already.

In February 2026, Kenyan President William Ruto visited the construction site of the Talanta Sports City Project in Nairobi, which is being undertaken by the company.

Talanta Sports City is a 60,000-seat professional football stadium fully compliant with FIFA standards and will serve as the core venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

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Advanced LNG Vessel makes Suez Canal debut. (Image source: Suez Canal Authority)

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has announced the successful transit of the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, a giant French container ship and one of the world’s largest LNG-powered vessels, during its maiden passage through the Canal

The vessel travelled as part of the southern convoy while operating a route from Singapore to France.

Owned by French shipping company CMA CGM, the vessel measures 399.9 metres in length, has a 61.3-metre beam, a 16.5-metre draft, weighs 245,000 tonnes, and can accommodate 24,212 TEUs.

Powered by LNG and equipped with advanced AI technology, CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is considered France’s most technologically advanced vessel. The ship is designed for long-distance voyages and operates under the FAL3 maritime service connecting the Far East and North-West Europe.

SCA Chairman and Managing Director Adm. Ossama Rabiee directed teams to ensure the vessel’s safe passage through the deployment of senior pilots and escort tugboats. Following SCA protocol, senior pilots welcomed the crew and presented a commemorative gift to the shipmaster.

Adm. Rabiee highlighted the Canal’s readiness to handle the world’s largest container vessels, citing its strategic importance in protecting global supply chains and delivering economic efficiencies. He added that the SCA continues to enhance maritime services and introduce new navigation solutions to meet client requirements and maintain the highest safety standards for mega vessels.

Gabon begins Kobe-Kobe deep-water port development to boost mining exports. (Image source: Présidence de la République Gabonaise)

Gabon’s president and head of state, Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, has officially launched construction works for the Kobe-Kobe deep-water port in Nyonie, located in the Komo-Ocean department

The inauguration ceremony marked a significant milestone for the country’s infrastructure development agenda and brought together government officials, administrative authorities, legislative representatives, traditional leaders, and members of the diplomatic community accredited to Gabon.

The deep-water mineral port project follows a tripartite agreement signed on 23 April 2026 between the Gabonese State, Africa Global Logistics (AGL), and the Algest Investment Bank group. With the commencement of construction, the project has moved into its implementation phase.

Located along the Atlantic coast in the Estuary province, the large-scale development will cover approximately 500 hectares. The project includes a mineral port with four berths, a 535 km mineral railway line, the 400 MW Booué hydroelectric dam, and infrastructure supporting the Belinga iron mine, which is expected to reach a production capacity of 100 million tonnes of iron annually.

The integrated infrastructure network will provide a connection between mining production areas, railway facilities, and the port platform, enabling the transport and export of processed mineral products to international markets.

The Kobe-Kobe project reflects Gabon’s broader ambition to develop, process, and maximise the value of its natural resources at a regional level. It aligns with the Head of State’s vision of creating strategic infrastructure that supports resource extraction, industrial processing, and exports while promoting economic transformation, employment creation, territorial development, and greater industrial sovereignty.

Through the development of these interconnected infrastructures, the project is expected to generate more than 9,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs by 2030.

The initiative has attracted investment and expertise from partners across multiple regions, bringing together companies involved in infrastructure, rail development, energy, mining, and mineral marketing. Key partners include AGL for infrastructure, China Railway for railway development, EDF Synohydro for energy infrastructure, Tragigura for international marketing of minerals and processed products, and Fortescue for mining and industrial expertise.

The project further reinforces Gabon’s position as an attractive investment destination supported by strong institutions, political stability, and openness to international partnerships.

The development of these strategic projects represents the implementation of the Head of State’s vision for Gabon’s economic and industrial transformation, with the objective of creating value, generating employment, strengthening competitiveness, and positioning the country as a centre of excellence in Central Africa and beyond.