Logistics

Electric motorcycles drive Uganda’s cleaner future, says Cambridge

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A Cambridge University report highlights how electric motorcycles can reduce air pollution, improve health, and transform urban mobility in Uganda. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

A recent report highlights the potential of electric motorcycles in reducing air pollution and improving public health by lowering harmful emissions

Published by the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership, the report by Dr Gabriel Okello and Dr Lambed Tatah examines the role of two-wheeled petrol motorcycles—widely known as ‘boda bodas’ in Uganda—as a crucial component of urban transport. These motorcycles provide essential last-mile connectivity and navigate congested city roads efficiently due to their size and manoeuvrability.

However, they are also a major source of air pollution, producing more particulate matter per kilometre than cars.

E-mobility’s impact in Africa

In 2022, Africa had approximately 27 million registered motorcycles—a staggering 440% increase over the past decade. Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) now contributes to 25% of global urban pollution and is linked to severe health issues, including cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and asthma.

The report explores how transitioning to electric motorcycles in Kampala could positively impact local air quality and public health, while also identifying key challenges and opportunities for widespread adoption.

It highlights that achieving the benefits of e-mobility requires addressing major barriers, including the high upfront cost of electric motorcycles, limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, concerns over resale value, and health risks related to battery technology.

The study emphasizes that further action should focus on gathering evidence and engaging stakeholders to overcome these obstacles and develop effective strategies for scaling e-mobility solutions in Uganda and across Africa.

Siemens unveils intelligent automation for intralogistics

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Siemens presents cutting-edge AI and automation solutions for intralogistics, enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability at LogiMAT 2025. (Image source: Siemen)

At LogiMAT 2025, taking place March 11-13, Siemens presents its latest advancements in industrial automation and digitalisation for the intralogistics sector

In response to global challenges such as labor shortages, rising sustainability demands, and demographic shifts, Siemens introduces cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. A key highlight, Simatic Robot Pick AI Pro, an advanced industrial vision AI, enables AI-powered picking robots. This technology exemplifies how software-defined and data-driven automation drives adaptability in automation solutions, tackling the complexity of modern intralogistics while ensuring long-term reliability. The Siemens Xcelerator ecosystem plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and cross-platform integration, accelerating the shift toward a Digital Enterprise.

Revolutionising robot-based picking with AI

At the core of Siemens' LogiMAT showcase, Simatic Robot Pick AI Pro, a pre-trained deep-learning vision software, enables robots to perform model-free 3D picking of unknown objects. Equipped with adaptable vacuum multi-grippers, the system determines gripping poses (6-DoF) in milliseconds, handling a diverse range of inventory items regardless of their shape, size, or packaging. This innovation paves the way for cost-effective, autonomous, and scalable robot solutions in single-piece order picking, particularly benefiting e-commerce and addressing workforce shortages in repetitive picking tasks.

As part of the Siemens Industrial Operations X portfolio within Siemens Xcelerator, Simatic Robot Pick AI Pro integrates software-defined automation and data-driven solutions in industrial ecosystems. A critical element of this approach, Simatic AX, a modern development environment, enhances efficiency in managing both physical and virtual controls. Siemens leverages virtual PLCs to enable greater flexibility and scalability, deploying control systems as software containers through industrial edge management. By integrating these technologies, Industrial Operations X facilitates seamless collaboration across different systems while leveraging edge and cloud computing to optimise operations. This enables machine builders to create highly adaptable and scalable robot order-picking systems tailored to specific industry needs.

Siemens’ AI-powered vision software allows robots to autonomously recognise and handle a vast array of objects, significantly boosting adaptability in dynamic warehouse environments. Additionally, seamless integration with Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) ensures continuous data flow from robot picking cells to broader operational processes. Through the Siemens Xcelerator ecosystem, certified partners like Zivid (industrial 3D cameras) and Piab (vacuum tools) contribute to the ongoing development of innovative automation solutions.

Siemens industrial copilot: AI-powered engineering assistance

At LogiMAT 2025, Siemens Industrial Copilot enhances automation engineering by streamlining code generation, fault diagnosis, and system development. As the first generative AI assistant for industrial engineering, the Siemens Industrial Copilot for TIA Portal Engineering simplifies complex development workflows while reducing errors. Thanks to seamless integration into the TIA Portal, the AI assistant accelerates automation projects and enables less experienced professionals to apply their skills effectively.

Afreximbank to boost Kenya’s logistics sector

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President William Ruto of Kenya and president Benedict Oramah of Afreximbank in Mombasa, Kenya. (Image source: Afreximbank)

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a loan agreement to fund development and operationalisation of two major industrial parks and special economic zones in Kenya

The projects include the development of the Dongo Kundu Integrated Industrial Park and the Naivasha Special Economic Zone (SEZ) II (Naivasha II).

The proposed industrial parks — to be developed by Afreximbank through its affiliate company, Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP) — will create and sustain an environment in which export-oriented industries can thrive, by leveraging economies of scale, shared infrastructure and access to global markets, the bank said in a statement.

Arise IIP is a special economic zone developer with experience in the development of integrated industrial parks in Africa.

Afreximbank has also committed to a three-year US$3bn country programme to support trade and trade-related investments intended to bolster Kenya’s industrialisation and export manufacturing.

“These parks are an integral part of the government’s plan to boost the country's economic growth under the Vision 2030 development blueprint,” said Professor Benedict Oramah, president and chairman of the board of directors at Afreximbank.

The Dongo Kundu Industrial Park within the Mombasa SEZ is expected, upon completion, to boost the area with a state-of-the-art industrial park that will contribute significantly to economic growth and industrialisation efforts in Mombasa County and in Kenya as a whole.

The Naivasha II Special Economic Zone – Naivasha II project is located at Mai Mahiu and will include a free trade zone, an industrial park, a logistics zone and a public utility area with a supporting road network. The project will occupy an area of approximately 5,000 acres.

The Naivasha II project will also derive value from its strategic geographic position as it sits on the gateway to East and Central Africa through the Northern Corridor Transport System, which comprises both a standard gauge railway and a major highway.

Moreover, the SEZ will be close to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot, which serves the East African hinterland countries of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda.

Kenya’s President Dr. William S. Ruto, at the signing ceremony, commented: “The signing of these agreements…marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s development, expanding opportunities to enhance our manufacturing sector and create a more conducive environment for investment.”

Elevating African trade with air cargo

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Emirates SkyCargo partners with Astral Aviation to enhance global trade routes, boosting cargo connectivity and economic opportunities across Africa. (Image source: Emirates SkyCargo)

Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astral Aviation, a leading African cargo airline, to explore new opportunities for enhancing global trade to and from Africa

Astral Aviation operates an extensive intra-African network, serving 50 destinations through scheduled and ad hoc charter services. Paired with Emirates SkyCargo’s expansive global network of over 145 destinations and a fleet that includes both passenger aircraft and dedicated freighters, the collaboration highlights Africa’s growing role in global commerce. Both airlines have extensive expertise in handling delicate cargo such as fresh produce and pharmaceuticals, which are essential commodities in the region’s trade.

Expanding Connectivity and Trade Opportunities

The agreement was formalised at Air Cargo Africa by Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice-president of Emirates SkyCargo, and Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation Limited. As part of the MoU, both airlines will collaborate on initiatives such as expanding cargo interline options and block space agreements to improve connectivity and expand market access for African businesses.

Badr Abbas highlighted the potential of the partnership, stated, “Home to 11 of the 20 fastest-growing economies, coupled with bold trade ambitions, there is immense growth potential in Africa. Given the breadth of our network, our all widebody fleet and our specialist product portfolio, we are well placed to support businesses reach new suppliers and customers in every corner of the globe. This partnership with Astral Aviation solidifies our longstanding commitment to the market, creating mutually beneficial economic opportunities to keep goods flowing quickly, reliably and efficiently.”

Sanjeev Gadhia added, “Today marks a pivotal step in our, over 15 years, commercial partnership and reflects our shared vision to elevate air cargo solutions to, from and within Africa. Together, we will unlock new opportunities, driving innovation and strengthening global trade connectivity.”

Strengthening economic ties between the UAE and Africa

Economic and investment ties between the UAE and Africa continue to expand, with the UAE ranking as the top GCC investor and the fourth largest global investor in Africa. Recently, the UAE and Kenya signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at accelerating trade and investment across key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, financial services, and renewable energy. The partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and Astral Aviation aligns with these efforts, fostering trade growth and supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost Africa’s global exports by 32% by 2035.

Decades of commitment to Africa

Emirates SkyCargo launched its African operations in April 1986 with its first flight to Cairo, Egypt. Over nearly four decades, the airline has expanded its footprint across the continent, now operating seven dedicated freighters alongside bellyhold capacity on 172 passenger flights per week to 20 African destinations.

Astral Aviation, with global hubs in Nairobi, Johannesburg, Liège, and Dubai, has been a key player in African airfreight for 24 years, offering cost-effective and reliable cargo solutions across the continent.

Also check out: How Is TAAG Angola modernising its fleet?

MSC introduces iReefer tracking system

MSC launches iReefer, a real-time container monitoring system for reefer cargo, enhancing shipment tracking, security, and temperature control. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has introduced iReefer, a state-of-the-art container monitoring system designed for temperature-controlled cargo

This innovation enables customers to track and oversee their refrigerated shipments in real-time, from any location worldwide.

With iReefer, users gain instant access to crucial shipment details, including location, temperature, humidity, and more. The service is accessible through myMSC, the company’s digital business platform, or via an API for seamless integration.

Customers can choose from three tailored iReefer packages based on their business needs. The entry-level option, iReefer Essential, is available at no cost and provides an overview of current and past reefer shipments, a container journey log, and analytical graphs. iReefer Pro expands on these features by offering unlimited data downloads and GPS tracking. For businesses managing large cargo volumes, iReefer Ultimate ensures direct API connectivity for streamlined data exchange. The premium packages, iReefer Pro and iReefer Ultimate, will be available starting 1 March 2025.

As a global leader in refrigerated transport, MSC moves over 1 million reefer containers annually. The company operates one of the most sophisticated reefer fleets and is supported by a team of more than 1,000 reefer specialists worldwide.

The launch of iReefer represents a key milestone in MSC’s ongoing digital transformation, aimed at enhancing shipping efficiency and providing real-time insights for supply chain optimisation. This new solution complements MSC’s existing digital portfolio, which includes MSC Smart Containers for remote dry cargo monitoring.

As part of this global initiative, MSC has integrated iReefer technology into over 210,000 reefer containers and equipped more than 500 vessels, with plans to expand deployment across its entire fleet in the coming years.

“This exciting launch highlights MSC’s unique ability to combine forward-thinking digital solutions with personalized customer care. iReefer is designed with customers in mind: we fully understand their need to closely monitor and control cargo, to facilitate planning and ensure products are delivered in pristine condition. It builds on the already high levels of care we apply to reefer cargo and takes this support to the next level,” said Giuseppe Prudente, Chief Logistics Officer of MSC and President of MEDLOG.

Digital Innovation in Cold Chain Logistics

The introduction of iReefer aligns with the rising global demand for refrigerated cargo and user-friendly digital solutions. Customers will benefit from real-time container monitoring, precise temperature control, improved security, regulatory compliance, and valuable data insights. Additionally, connected reefer containers help minimize costs by reducing spoilage, preventing damage, and lowering insurance claims.

Also read: https://africanreview.com/manufacturing/modular-training-workstation-to-inspire-current-and-future-professionals