Logistics

Tata Motors and Iveco unite to create Global commercial mobility giant. (Image source: IVECO)

Tata Motors Limited, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, and Iveco Group N.V., an international manufacturer of commercial vehicles, buses and powertrains, have marked the start of a new phase as a combined global commercial mobility enterprise

Ranked fourth among commercial vehicle manufacturers worldwide, the combined business brings together the companies’ industrial heritage, established brands and complementary product portfolios, with operations and a growing presence across Europe, India, South America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

The announcement was made at a global press meet in Turin, Italy, where N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, Tata Motors and Iveco Group, said: “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Tata Motors and Iveco Group. Two strong and successful organisations, united by shared values, a common commitment to sustainable mobility and an ambition to shape the future of commercial transportation, have come together to create a truly global commercial mobility enterprise."

"We will invest for the long term, enable ideas and capabilities to flow in both directions, and harness our combined scale, reach and talent to shape a future of mobility that is safer, smarter, more connected and more sustainable. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Italian Government, the regulatory authorities across jurisdictions, our employees, shareholders and all the stakeholders whose trust, cooperation and support have helped us reach this important milestone. I also warmly welcome our colleagues from Iveco Group into the Tata family and look forward to all that we can achieve together.”

The combined expertise of the two companies in advanced powertrains, alternative energy, software, connected technologies and manufacturing is expected to support faster innovation and expand growth opportunities. Their shared capabilities will also help deliver cleaner and more technologically advanced mobility solutions to customers across markets.

Girish Wagh, managing director & CEO of Tata Motors, said, “We are pleased to turn our strategic vision into an operational reality alongside our colleagues at Iveco Group. Together we have a compelling opportunity to create greater value for our customers and stakeholders. Our complementary portfolios, capabilities and geographic strengths provide a strong foundation for growth, while ensuring continuity from day one for customers, dealers and partners. Our ambition is to build a stronger enterprise by combining our strengths in engineering, new age technologies, sourcing, distribution and customer networks. We will accelerate innovation, broaden our reach and bring advanced solutions to customers faster and more competitively.”

With a shared focus on growth and green mobility, the combined enterprise will draw on a workforce of more than 73,000 people. The companies also intend to facilitate the exchange of engineering expertise, technology and capabilities across their operations to strengthen the business and pursue new opportunities.

Olof Persson, CEO of Iveco Group, stated, “This is a defining moment for Iveco Group, and one we approach with confidence and great energy. We begin this new chapter proudly, with the brands, people, capabilities and industrial heritage that have shaped our company, alongside Tata Motors, a partner of great strength, with a deep understanding of the commercial vehicle business and a shared long-term perspective and commitment to sustainable transport. I want to thank our employees, customers, dealers, suppliers and partners for their trust and support. We now have the opportunity to build on everything Iveco Group has achieved, unlock new possibilities with Tata Motors and create an even stronger future.”

Revitalising Africa's railways (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Preferred bidders for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts on the 830-kilometre Zambia Lobito Railway Project have been named

It follows a competitive international tender process by lead sponsor and developer, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

The consortium comprising Webuild S.p.A., Mota-Engil and IC İçtaş Construction has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Zambian section, while the consortium comprising Mota-Engil and Odebrecht Engineering and Construction has been selected as preferred bidder for the Angolan section of the project.

Preferred bidders:

Zambian section: Webuild S.p.A., Mota-Engil and IC İçtaş Construction

Angolan section: Mota-Engil and Odebrecht Engineering and Construction

AFC announced that contract negotiations will begin in November 2026, with the aim of concluding EPC agreements within eight to twelve weeks, subject to technical, commercial and legal negotiations.

Key infrastructure project 

The Zambia Lobito Railway Project is expected to unlock billions of dollars in economic value through new opportunities for trade and industrialisation along the corridor connecting Zambia to Angola's Atlantic coast, facilitating value addition to the region’s strategic minerals, including copper and cobalt, as well as agricultural products.

According to the AFC, by reducing logistics costs and improving access to global markets, the railway will strengthen regional integration and enable African economies to process their resources locally.

The project is being developed by AFC through the Trans African Rail Company FZCO (TARC), the holding company, and the project companies, Zambia Lobito Railway Limited and Zambia Lobito Railway S.A.

“Africa’s growing market needs infrastructure that connects our resources to production, our producers to consumers, and our people to opportunity,” said Samaila Zubairu, AFC’s president and CEO.

“The Zambia Lobito Railway will help build competitive battery mineral and agricultural value chains, anchoring new industrial cities and creating jobs along the corridor.”

Zubairu said the selection of the preferred EPC bidders brings the project closer to delivery.

“Working with our partners, we are building the foundations for African economies to produce more, trade more and retain more of the value they create.”

Project makes headway

The announcement follows significant progress since the signing of a memorandum of understanding in October 2023 involving the governments of Angola, Zambia, the USA and Italy, as well as the European Union and the African Development Bank.

Subsequent milestones include the completion of feasibility and technical studies, the signing of concession agreements in 2024 and intergovernmental agreements in 2025, and the completion of preliminary engineering designs.

The Lobito Corridor is a flagship project under Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, a government initiative to strengthen investment and economic partnerships with African countries.

It includes a €250mn financing facility from Italian development finance institution CDP, backed by Italian export credit agency SACE, to support Italian participation in infrastructure projects, including the railway.

AFC and its partners have also advanced the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and Resettlement Action Plans, alongside preparations for the competitive EPC tender process.

Zubairu added that AFC remains committed to advancing this “transformative” infrastructure investment alongside its partners and mobilising capital to accelerate its implementation.

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.