Work begins on the Cross Rivers State SAPZ. (Image source: AfDB)

Nigeria’s Cross River State has commenced the construction of its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SPAZ), set to play a key role in transforming agricultural trade and logistics in the area

The SAPZ aims to tackle food insecurity, enhance local production, and position Nigeria as a food export leader by leveraging Cross River’s ports and research assets to boost global trade, reduce food imports and drive prosperity through the agro-industrialisation of crops like cocoa and cassava.

The project is one of a number of similar schemes being supported in Nigeria by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The groundbreaking in Cross River follows that of Kaduna, which took place days earlier, while six other states — Kano, Kwara, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory — are included in Phase 1 of the US$538mn SAPZ programme.

There are plans to expand to the remaining 28 states this year pending approval for Phase 2 funding.

Nigeria’s vice-president Kashim Shettima said the SAPZ programme has been recognised as a national priority for food security in the country.

“There is no better time than now for the federal and state governments, development partners, the private sector, and our communities to work hand in hand to ensure the success of the SAPZ project.”

AfDB president Dr Akinwumi Adesina called it a “big day” for Nigeria, bringing “good news to farmers, agribusinesses and all rural areas of Nigeria. Good news of jobs, wealth and prosperity with agriculture as a business.”

He also highlighted Cross River’s export potential: “Bakasi deep seaport will turn the state into a logistics hub in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, enabling trade with Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.”

The 130-hectare Agro-Industrial Hub in Adiabo will leverage the ports of Calabar and Bakassi, plus a 23 kVA power plant in Tinapa and a 630 kVA Calabar power plant.

Its Agricultural Transformation Centre, supported by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and the University of Calabar, sits 45 minutes from Ikom, Etung, and Boki, boosting cocoa production for global markets.

Adesina added that the SAPZs will help Nigeria reduce food imports, conserve foreign exchange, expand local production and processing of food and agricultural commodities, strengthen the Naira, and attract significant private investment into the development of agricultural value chains.

The AfDB has committed US$934mn to SAPZs across 11 African countries.

In Nigeria, the initiative has also received funding from the Islamic Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Green Climate Fund.

Cross Rivers State Governor Bassey Otu said the establishment of clusters of smallholder farmers focused on staple and cash crops such as rice, cassava, millet, cocoa, and oil palm marked a vital step toward agro-industrialisation.

“These initiatives are aimed at strengthening food security, diversifying our state’s economy toward export-oriented agriculture, and boosting our GDP,” he said.

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Nuno Rangel, CEO, pictured at the new South African warehouse. (Image source: Rangel Logistics Solutions)

Portugal-based Rangel Logistics Solutions has invested a further €6mn (US$6.8mn) in a new warehouse facility in South Africa

The family-owned international logistics group first entered the South African market in 2020, keen to explore opportunities arising out of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

The company will also open a new office in Nakop, on the Namibian border, to augment its presence in Zambia and Tanzania, according to Tiago Pocinho, Rangel’s country manager.

Covering an area of 10,000 square metres, near OR Tambo International Airport, he said the new South African warehouse will serve as a central hub for Rangel’s expanding Contract Logistics offering.

The facility also provides bonded storage, divided into an OS Bond Store (Operating Store) for goods storage up to 24 months and an SOS Bond Store (Special Operating Store) for storage up to six months, as well as cross-docking services.

The new warehouse is expected to create at least 160 new jobs.

Since entering South Africa, Rangel’s primary focus has been on transportation and cross-border logistics as it sought to establish a presence at key border points, but it is now looking to strengthen its footprint in the logistics sector.

Rangel CEO Nuno Rangel said he anticipated further growth in line with the Contract Logistics business, leveraging the AfCFTA and expanding regional trade links.

He said the warehouse enhances Rangel’s South African capabilities while facilitating trade between neighbouring markets such as Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, with an emphasis on supporting the mining sector.

“Today, we are becoming a benchmark in transport for the mining sector in the main logistics corridors of the SADC region, from the DRC to the main ports — Durban, Beira, Walvis Bay and Dar es Salaam — carrying out highly demanding and complex operations, especially in the transport of copper (cathodes, concentrate, blister) cobalt hydroxyde and zinc,” he said.

Since 2020, Rangel has opened four offices on the main South African borders and expanded its presence to Zambia in 2021 and then Tanzania in 2022, bringing the total investment in the three countries to €7mn (US$8mn).

“We want to be an African company and not only help connect the Southern African Development Community to Europe, but also facilitate trade among African countries,” Rangel said at the launch ceremony of the new warehouse.

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Volvo Trucks introduces Euro 6 FH model in South Africa, prioritising sustainability, performance, and driver experience. (Image source: Volvo Trucks)

Volvo Trucks South Africa has unveiled the Euro 6 version of its flagship long-haul truck, the Volvo FH, marking a significant step forward in its mission to deliver more sustainable and efficient transport solutions

The newly introduced technology meets the stringent Euro 6 Step E emission standards, which significantly reduce harmful pollutants, positioning Volvo as a frontrunner in clean transport innovation in the country.

While Euro 2 is still the current standard in South Africa, the introduction of Euro 6 demonstrates a bold move towards environmentally responsible operations. With improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, the Volvo FH Euro 6 is tailored for South Africa’s demanding long-haul market, where fuel and operational costs are key concerns.

“The introduction of the Volvo FH Euro 6 demonstrates a significant commitment by Volvo Trucks to reduce emissions on heavy-duty vehicles,” said Waldemar Christensen, managing director of Volvo Trucks South Africa.

Efficient.Sustainable.Ready

The truck is available in four engine power variants—420hp, 460hp, 500hp, and 540hp—all under the D13K engine range and in multiple cab configurations including Sleeper, Globetrotter, and Globetrotter XL. It also integrates features like cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection to meet emissions targets.

Volvo Trucks also emphasises comfort and safety. Enhanced insulation, ergonomic cabs, and advanced systems like the optional Camera Monitoring System (CMS) ensure a pleasant and secure driving experience.

“About 90% of the environmental impact generated by a truck occurs during its operation – when it emits harmful exhaust gases,” explained Takalani Tshirame, senior manager of product support.

Volvo Connect, a digital platform, allows fleet managers to monitor truck performance, optimise fuel use, and increase uptime with real-time data. Backed by a nationwide dealer network and trained technicians, Volvo ensures the FH Euro 6 is supported throughout its lifecycle.

“We are passionate about crafting a driver experience that fosters a comfortable, safe and enjoyable environment. By prioritising the needs of our drivers, we aim to create a sense of well-being and satisfaction that extends beyond the drive itself, recognising the profound impact it can have on their overall quality of life and ultimately, the success of our customers,” added Alwyn Engelbrecht, sales engineer at Volvo Trucks South Africa.

With cleaner 10ppm diesel fuel becoming widely available in South Africa, the new FH Euro 6 is well-positioned to meet both current demands and future regulatory requirements. This launch aligns with Volvo’s long-term sustainability goals—paving the way for a greener, more efficient future in freight transport.

“The choices we make today define the world we will live in tomorrow. Climate change, population growth, and increasing urbanisation is shifting the expectations on transport and infrastructure, making sustainable transportation increasingly important,” concluded Christensen.

Also read: https://africanreview.com/construction/volvo-penta-strengthens-dealer-network-strategy 

One of the new BYD electric buses serving Cape Town. (Image source: GABS)

South Africa’s Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) is rolling out its first batch of new electric buses from China’s BYD, with more than 100 more vehicles set to arrive this year to serve the Cape Town area

In a statement this week, the Western Cape government said that it marked a milestone in the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) into the province's public transport and government fleets, with GABS leading the way.

GABS has taken delivery of the first 20 electric buses, which have now been deployed across Cape Town, following its order placed last year with BYD, one of China’s largest privately-owned enterprises.

The new buses will be followed by 100 more vehicles to be delivered during the course of 2025.

GABS has also installed 30 charging units, with two dispensers each, the largest of its kind in South Africa, which will be expanded to 60 chargers with a total of 120 dispensers during the second half of the year.

The acquisition of the new vehicles follows trials of two BYD electric buses dating back to 2021.

The capacity of the BYD electric bus is 40 passengers with the highest range up to 320 km (200 miles).

The buses are also equipped with user-friendly features, such as free WiFi and a wheelchair ramp.

“As a key role player in Cape Town’s public transport system, Golden Arrow Bus Services is leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by introducing electric buses into its fleet,” said Isaac Sileku, Western Cape minister of mobility.

“In the public transport sector, the shift to electric vehicles is critical to achieving sustainable mobility for commuters and creating economic opportunities and job creation in various sectors of the province.”

The bus service operated by GABS, partially funded by the Western Cape Mobility Department, is a key part of Cape Town’s public transport system, moving approximately 230,000 passengers daily.

The deal to acquire 120 buses from BYD represents an almost 10 per cent electrification of its total fleet, which remains predominantly diesel.

The province’s transport sector accounts for 28 per cent of its carbon emissions, making it a high priority for the Western Cape Government’s climate protection efforts.

Western Cape officials also flagged Government Motor Transport (GMT) which manages a set of EVs as part of its permanent fleet.

It said that this year 2.5 per cent of its fleet will comprise 'new energy vehicles', which includes hybrid electric vehciles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The provincial government added that it is looking to appoint a service provider in the 2025/2026 financial year to accelerate the roll-out of EV charging infrastructure. 

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