Logistics

The project will extend and modernise the Moroni and Boingoma ports. (Image source: AfDB)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a US$135mn package to the Union of the Comoros in East Africa

The significant funding (provided by the African Development Fund and the Transition Support Facility) will support the Maritime Corridor and Regional Trade Facilitation Project (PCMFCR) and help to extend and modernise two ports on the island as well as establish a special economic zone.

With around 90% of freight to and between the three islands transported by sea, the upgrades to the ports (two of three located in the Union of the Comoros) is thought to be essential to its continued economic development. The project will improve the Union of the Comoros' national and international connectivity by upgrading port infrastructure, promoting regional integration and creating an ecosystem conducive to the development of value chains.

“The project, which has just been approved by the Boards of Directors of the Bank Group, aims to increase the capacity and efficiency of the ports of Moroni and Boingoma to meet current and future needs,” said the Bank's director general for eastern Africa, Nnenna Nwabufo. “It will help develop local value chains in fisheries and agriculture sectors, and facilitate inter-island and regional trade. This is a flagship project of the Plan Comores Émergent, which will certainly help to improve the living conditions of the Comorian population and reduce Comoros' vulnerability to climate change.”

To accommodate ferries and fishing boats, the port of Moroni will be expanded by a new 240 metre quay and the port of Boingoma by a 136-metre quay. The project will also support the modernisation of the customs administration, the establishment of a national single window for trade and business facilitation, and the development of a special economic zone to support import and export logistics.

Furthermore, 10 fisheries product stores equipped with solar-powered cold rooms and refrigerated island transport solutions will be constructed. These will be adapted to women’s need and will support female cooperatives by providing them with deep-freezing equipment for the production and processing of fisheries and agricultural products.

The project will be co-financed by several institutions including the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the Agence Française de Développement.

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The new website is optimised for use on desktop computer, tablet or smartphone. (Image source: Haulotte Group)

Haulotte Group, a specialist in lifting equipment, has overhauled its corporate website and launched new sites for each of its 21 subsidiaries in a bid to provider a superior online experience for users

Enhanced functionality and responsiveness has been weaved into the modern design of the corporate website to ensure it is as user-friendly as possible, the company has stated. The new site enables fluid navigation and easy access to essential information, whether accessed on a desktop computer, a tablet or smartphone. It is also now available in both English and French.

And these features also extend to the 21 subsidiary websites to make sure they are well suited to serve local markets. According to Haulotte, each website is tailored to provide region-specific information and support including subsidiary information, contact and language; product and service information; and distributor networks.

In addition, the new ‘Find the Right Machine’ comparator component has been introduced, providing customers with the ability to identify the perfect machine for their specific needs through a questionnaire. After the client inputs the desired information, the comparator generates a top three list of machines that are best matched to the specified requirements and alongside a side-by-side detailed comparison of the three.

The AfDB board complemented Transnet for progress made in rolling out its compliance and governance improvement programme. (Image source: AfDB)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a US$1bn corporate loan to Transnet, a major freight transport and logistics company in South Africa

The company has faced significant operational challenges over the last few years and has been an ever-present stay in media headlines due to underinvestment in infrastructure and equipment, theft and vandalism, and external shocks (such as floods) that have affected critical rail and port businesses.

It has now committed to addressing these past challenges, fostering integrity and enhancing efficiency. This is being pursued, primarily, through its recovery plan that was launched in October 2023 that seeks to rehabilitate infrastructure and accelerate the relaunch of operations over 18 months. Restoring operational performance and freight volumes to meet customer demands has been recognised as a priority.

Vital AfDB support

In order to assist with these recovery and growth plans, AfDB has now committed to a US$1bn corporate loan to Transnet. The 25-year loan – fully guaranteed by the Government of South Africa – will facilitate the first phase of the company’s US$8.1bn five-year capital investment plan.

“Transnet, the custodian of South Africa's critical transport and logistics infrastructure, plays an indispensable role in the economy of the country, ensuring a competitive freight system and serving as a gateway to the SADC region,” commented African Development Bank’s vice president for private sector, infrastructure and industrialisation, Solomon Quaynor. “Our partnership will enable Transnet to execute a comprehensive recovery plan, addressing operational inefficiencies, particularly in rail and port sectors.

“It is aligned with South Africa's strategic 'Roadmap for Freight Logistics System,' and overseen by the National Logistics Crisis Committee, chaired at the Presidency level. This initiative signifies our commitment to enhancing national logistics capabilities and driving sustainable economic growth.”

Michelle Phillips, group chief executive of Transnet, added, “We appreciate the support demonstrated by the African Development Bank, the loan extended by the bank will make a significant contribution to Transnet’s capital investment plan to stabilise and improve the rail network and to contribute to the broader South African economy. The accompanying grant funding to the loan will also greatly assist Transnet with to its energy efficiency efforts and with Infrastructure Project Preparation initiatives.”