Transport-a-logistics - Transport a logistics

Hapag-Lloyd expands African network with new offices

Hapag-Lloyd strengthens shipping presence across Africa. (Image source: Hapag-Lloyd)

Hapag-Lloyd is expanding its presence across Africa by opening new offices in Namibia, Rwanda and Burundi, strengthening its local customer support and regional network

Effective 1 October 2026, the company will establish its own office in Namibia and introduce a new setup in Kigali, Rwanda, serving customers in both Rwanda and Burundi. The developments strengthen Hapag-Lloyd’s operations across Southern and East Africa, enabling the company to combine local market knowledge and customer proximity with the wider reach of its African and global network.

Africa is becoming increasingly significant in global trade as economies expand, trade flows develop and connections with international markets strengthen. The evolution of supply chains across the continent, alongside rising demand for dependable international coSW5nnectivity, is creating new opportunities for businesses and communities. Hapag-Lloyd’s latest investments reflect its strategy of moving closer to customers while continuing to develop local expertise, capabilities and network connections.

The company’s expanded footprint includes a new office in Walvis Bay, which will establish Hapag-Lloyd’s own local presence in Namibia. In East Africa, the new Kigali setup will serve customers in Rwanda and Burundi, extending the company’s reach into two landlocked markets while connecting them to its regional and international network.

The Kigali operation will build on Hapag-Lloyd’s existing connectivity in East Africa. The company currently operates two weekly services through Dar es Salaam, supporting imports and exports from Rwanda and Burundi with direct connections to India and the Far East. The new setup in Kigali will complement these services by providing customers in both countries with closer access to Hapag-Lloyd’s support and local market expertise.

“Strengthening our presence in Namibia, Rwanda and Burundi is an important milestone in the continued development of Hapag-Lloyd in Africa,” said Jesper Kanstrup, managing director Sub-Region Africa at Hapag-Lloyd.

“Africa is a highly diverse continent, and serving our customers successfully requires a strong understanding of the individual markets in which they operate. By strengthening our presence, we combine local industry knowledge and customer proximity with the reach of Hapag-Lloyd’s global network. Each market offers different opportunities, and this expansion reflects our long-term commitment to our customers and to Africa.”

The expansion forms part of Hapag-Lloyd’s wider Strategy 2030 ambitions, with Africa continuing to feature in the company’s growth plans. By investing in local teams and market expertise and maintaining close relationships with customers, authorities and partners, Hapag-Lloyd aims to develop an organisation capable of responding to the specific requirements of individual African markets while connecting them to its global liner network.

The new operations in Namibia, Rwanda and Burundi represent another stage in Hapag-Lloyd’s African expansion and underline its long-term commitment to developing alongside customers across the continent.

Expanding project logistics support for Africa

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Expanding Africa's project logistics expertise (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Combi Lift, which offers project logistics and heavy lift transportation services for the energy, mining, infrastructure, industrial, and renewable sectors, is strengthening its footprint in Africa

The company has announced the launch of Combi Lift Sub-Saharan Africa (CL SSA) with a regional headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The new entity draws on the experience of a strong international leadership team, including Dr Martin Harren, owner and CEO of Harren Group, who provides strategic leadership and guidance for the international expansion.

Harren said the expansion marks a key moment in Combi Lift’s global growth strategy and reinforces its commitment to supporting complex industrial and infrastructure projects across Africa.

“Africa offers significant opportunities and our presence in Johannesburg strengthens our ability to deliver integrated logistics solutions,” he said.

“Together with our global network and the strong support of Combi Lift India, we are well positioned to support major industrial and infrastructure projects across the continent.”

He said CL SSA positions Combi Lift closer to customers and stakeholders in key African markets, enabling enhanced operational support, faster response times and stronger regional engagement across key industry sectors.

Africa continues to attract significant investment in large-scale infrastructure and industrial development, driving demand for specialised project logistics expertise.

From its Johannesburg hub, CL SSA will provide integrated solutions ranging from project forwarding and heavy lift transportation to multimodal logistics, cargo engineering, customs management, warehousing and turnkey execution.

Sunil Shetty, managing director of Combi Lift India, has been appointed CL SSA managing director, and will lead regional growth and engagement with customers.

“CL SSA combines global expertise with local execution,” said Shetty.

“Our goal is to become the preferred logistics partner for large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects across Africa, while supporting Indian EPCs and OEMs expanding into the region.”

By combining global resources with local expertise, the company aims to serve as a trusted partner for major projects across the continent.

A key element of its strategy is close cooperation between CL SSA, Combi Lift India and other Combi Lift offices.

This will include tracking opportunities with Indian EPC contractors and OEMs as they continue to expand their presence in Africa.

Combi Lift India already manages complex project cargo flows from manufacturing and project sites in India to destinations across sub-Saharan Africa, leveraging its expertise in heavy lift and turnkey logistics solutions.

“Together, Combi Lift India and CL SSA provide an integrated platform that enhances supply chain visibility, efficiency and risk management for clients investing in the region,” a statement released by the company noted.

Wabtec signs US$700mn Guinea locomotives deal

MND establishes Africa subsidiary to expand cable transport

Maersk opens 1,500-TEU container depot in Cameroon

Maersk expands container network in Cameroon. (Image source: Maersk)

Maersk has opened a new container depot with a capacity of 1,500 TEU in Kribi, Cameroon, as part of its investment strategy to strengthen logistics infrastructure across Africa

Kribi is home to a growing deep-water port and serves Cameroon as well as neighbouring states and countries.

"By easing logistics bottlenecks we can, together with our customers, mutually unlock stronger growth for Cameroon’s economy. Efficient, reliable supply chains are levers for market growth, lowering costs and strengthening competitiveness," Franck Dedenis, managing director of Maersk Area West Africa.

Container depots connect the ocean and inland legs of global supply chains, supporting more seamless and efficient import and export operations.

“Our customers will greatly benefit from the new facility,” Dedenis added.

The new Maersk depot in Kribi provides specialised cargo-handling services, storage options, and customs inspection and clearance services. These capabilities can help accelerate supply chains, while also providing flexibility when demand changes or customers need to manage overstocking.

The facility also improves the availability of different types of container equipment closer to customers’ facilities.

Alongside manual cargo-handling services, customers using the Kribi depot will have greater visibility into their container status through Maersk’s digital booking, tracking and monitoring solutions.

"In disruptive times like ours, visibility translates directly into supply chain resilience. Right now, resilience of supply chains is on top of many customers’ agenda," commented Dedenis.

The Kribi depot also allows cargo owners to temporarily expand their storage infrastructure by integrating the facility into their supply chains. This provides flexibility compared with renting additional warehouse capacity at short notice.

The depot is equipped to handle reefer containers, supporting the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. It will also offer food grade containers.

The facility enables customers to return empty containers more easily, helping them avoid detention and demurrage costs.

With the opening of the Kribi facility, Maersk now provides dedicated services through eight Maersk-owned depots across West Africa, alongside more than 20 depots operated by third-party vendor partners.

The new depot adds 16,000 sqm to Maersk’s depot network, which already includes 150,000 sqm in Maersk-owned depots and more than 280,000 sqm in third-party depots.

Maersk’s dedicated depot services are now available across ten West African countries, including Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

The investment comes as increasing ocean transport volumes place pressure on terminals and hinterland logistics, while insufficient investment in port and landside infrastructure has contributed to logistics bottlenecks in many regions.

"This is why Maersk is investing significantly in land-based infrastructure, including building or modernizing terminals, expanding its depot network and offering warehousing facilities where needed. The Kribi depot is another example of Maersk’s priority to simplify and strengthen global supply chains, from factory to end consumer and from farm to fork for fresh agricultural produce," concluded Dedenis.

Wabtec signs US$700mn Guinea locomotives deal

Wabtec signs locomotives support deal (Image source: Wabtec)

Wabtec Corporation has signed a long-term services agreement worth over $700mn with La Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG) to support its fleet of new Evolution Series locomotives

The locomotives serve the giant Simandou mining and infrastructure project in the Republic of Guinea.

The agreement is the US-based company’s largest services contract in Africa — combined with its original order to supply locomotives in 2024, the Simandou project has now generated US$1.2bn in total value for the group.

“Wabtec is proud to support the Simandou project, which we believe represents a transformative opportunity for Guinea. We are committed to ensuring the reliable operation of the railway to help unlock its full economic potential,” said Sameer Gaur, president, global freight services for Wabtec.

“This agreement is designed to help maximise locomotive availability, efficiency and reliability, while supporting the development of local capabilities through workforce development, skills training, and partnerships with Guinean businesses.”

CTG’s railway extends over 600 kilometres and connects the Simandou mine to the Port of Morebaya on the Atlantic coast.It forms a critical transportation corridor for one of the world's largest untapped reserves of high-grade iron ore, as well as passengers and non-mining goods.

The Simandou project represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Guinea's history and is intended to support long-term economic growth and development throughout the country.

Contract terms

In a statement, Wabtec noted that the multi-year customised services agreement is designed to support CTG’s “unique operational requirements” and long-term fleet strategy.

The scope of work includes scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, parts and components overhauls, parts management, logistics support, training, advanced remote diagnostics and a strong localisation component.

The contract will support CTG’s fleet of Wabtec ES43AC locomotives, powered by 4,500-horsepower Evolution Series engines.

Built for demanding operating environments, the locomotives deliver high fuel efficiency and reliability in extreme temperatures, including the challenging conditions of eastern Guinea.

“The TransGuinean Railway is one of Africa's most significant rail infrastructure projects, and operating it successfully requires world-class technology and support, as well as a clear commitment to localisation and technology transfer,” said Mamoudou Nagnalen Barry, chairman of the TransGuinéen Company.

Bouna Sylla, Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Geology of Guinea, said the project also reflected the country’s keenness to work more closely with US firms.

“This agreement is intended to support the long-term performance of the locomotive fleet as we work to build a railway designed to contribute to economic growth and development across Guinea,” said Sylla.

“It also highlights Guinea’s vision to build win-win partnerships with American companies, in the country’s ambition to grasp the best technologies from all over the world.”

The Simandou iron ore project itself is a joint venture between global mining giant Rio Tinto and several major Chinese state-backed industrial groups, while the locomotives are being produced at Wabtec’s Marhowra plant in India.

Trans-Gabon railway funding boost

AFC announces financial close on Lobito Corridor railway project

MND establishes Africa subsidiary to expand cable transport

MND launches Casablanca base for African cable transport. (Image source: MND)

French industrial group MND, which specialises in ropeway transport, snowmaking systems, mountain safety and leisure infrastructure, has established MND Africa, a new subsidiary headquartered in Casablanca, Morocco

The new company is intended to support and accelerate MND’s development of urban mobility and tourism solutions across Africa and the Indian Ocean. The move forms part of the Group’s international expansion strategy, with more than 70% of its business already generated outside France and projects and references in around 50 countries.

Cable transport responds to urban mobility challenges

Cable transport is gaining relevance as cities look for mobility solutions that can overcome difficult terrain, rivers and other geographical constraints. The technology can also provide an alternative where conventional heavy transport infrastructure, including metro and tramway systems, is difficult to deploy because of land, topographical or urban limitations.

Across Africa and the Indian Ocean, interest in urban cable transport is growing. North Africa already has several urban cable transport systems, while new developments are emerging elsewhere on the continent, including projects supported by major international financial institutions.

"This mode of transport has a clear role to play in the new mobility solutions being developed across the continent. In the future, African cities will also move by cable. We want to contribute to this transformation, with humility and a long-term commitment," said Xavier Gallot-Lavallée, chairman of MND.

Casablanca base to support regional development

MND describes the establishment of MND Africa as a long-term commitment to the region. The Casablanca-based team will focus on developing projects across Africa and the Indian Ocean while maintaining close engagement with customers.

The subsidiary will work with governments, cities and financial partners to develop urban and tourism cable transport projects designed around reliability, sustainability and long-term operation.

Morocco was selected as the base for the new entity because of the maturity of its urban cable transport market and the number of projects being developed in the country. This includes initiatives linked to preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

MND is also monitoring opportunities in Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, alongside projects in the Indian Ocean, including Madagascar and Mayotte.

ZÈL La Montagne demonstrates MND’s capabilities

MND is also drawing on its current project in La Réunion Island as a reference for its African ambitions. The Group is building ZÈL La Montagne, which is planned to become the world’s first energy self-sufficient urban cable car.

“We are bringing a powerfull demonstration of our expertise with us,” siad Xavier Gallot-Lavallée. “This is the same level of ambition we want to bring to the African continent.”

The project adds to MND’s experience in urban transport infrastructure, including the renovation of the Montmartre funicular in Paris and the cable car in Huy, Belgium.

Mehdi Caillis-Menadjlia to lead regional expansion

MND has appointed Mehdi Caillis-Menadjlia as director of Africa & Indian Ocean Development to lead the subsidiary’s regional growth.

He brings experience of the African and Indian Ocean markets, as well as knowledge of the financing mechanisms used for infrastructure projects of this type. His previous work includes responsibility for MND’s urban cable car project in La Réunion Island.