The wagons will arrive in weekly deliveries starting from this first delivery until 2026. (Image source: LAR)

The first batch of 275 new container wagons have arrived in Lobito, Angola, to strengthen the transport capacity of the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR)

Purchased from Galison Manufacturing in South Africa, the new 13.5 ton wagons boast a load capacity of up to 60.5 tons and are designed to each carry one 40-foot container or two 20-foot containers.

This investment comes part of LAR’s expansion and modernisation plan covering the next three years. The wagons include a modern pneumatic braking system and light steel structure to ensure safer and more efficient transport operations and, overall, will reinforce LAR’s ability to increase the volume and capacity of the railway in the coming years.

The wagons will arrive in weekly deliveries starting from this first delivery until 2026.

This announcement is but another demonstration of efforts to upgrade the regional rail infrastructure. Elsewhere, AFC signed agreements to construct 800 km of greenfield rail in relation to the Zambia Lobito Rail Project and Yapi Merkezi has won a contract to oversee the construction of the Malaba-Kampala Railway Project.

TransVerde Airlines is seeking US$15mn through a combination of equity and debt financing. (Image source: TransVerde Airlines)

According to TransVerde Airlines, the rapid growth in Cabo Verde’s tourist economy will be restricted without the introduction of a modernised airline service

Tourism to the state in West Africa has rebounded strongly since the pandemic, surpassing the record 2019 year by 23% in 2023 and reaching around one million visitors. This year, it appears the country is on course to achieve another record year with Cabo Verde passenger traffic increasing by 15.5% in July 2024 from July 2023.

While the reputation of the islands as a popular tourist destination continues to build, there are fears that this growth will be capped without an airline that is suitably equipped to meet the blossoming domestic and visitor demand.

Filling the transportation gap

To address this concern, TransVerde Airlines, a low-cost digitally-enabled airline start-up is exploring a US$15mn investment to revolutionise air travel across the islands of Caro Verde while extending its service to neighbouring countries.

“The passenger demand for Cabo Verde is a given. But growth is happening quickly and the islands need to be ready for change,” remarked Rui Lima, TransVerde Airlines founder and president. “Overtourism in other parts of the world is driving holidaymakers to new destinations, to discover the unknown, to find hidden gems and new experiences. Cabo Verde has a unique cultural heritage, serene beaches and climate which are very attractive.

“But we need to respond quickly – firstly, we need better transport infrastructure to get local people and employees around the islands to ensure a smooth transition of produce and workforce. The demand from travellers for local, community-sourced produce is high. There is no point in growing local food on one island if we cannot move it in good time to another – that will hamper the local economy and not allow our own resources to be utilised.

“We also need to get tourists moving around the islands. At the moment, the big operators send them in, they stay on one island and do not explore or fairly share their holiday spend. It’s not their fault, we don’t make it easy for them. But there is so much opportunity which we need to harness to better manage and distribute tourism’s value to the benefit of all local communities.”

The airline aims to offer passenger and cargo transport services with an initial focus on inter-island connectivity within the country. Specifically, the company has an initial goal to bridge the islands of Santiago, Sal, and São Vicente before expanding to include all of Cabo Verde and other West African countries.

Raul Zapico, project director, TransVerde Airlines, commented, “We’re in the process of securing our Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and excited to make the next step in connecting Cabo Verdeans with each other, seamlessly. With advise and support from Brookfield Aviation Finance, our next move is to secure funding to progress our inter-island travel strategy. With our fleet of three leased ATR-42/72 aircraft in the initial phase, we’re ready to take to the skies.”

The repowering of the retired locomotives is part of a significant railway refurbishment. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce, a developer of complex power and propulsion solutions, and SMH Rail (SMH), a leading engineering services provider from Malaysia, have repowered three Kenya Railways heavy haulage locomotives with 16V series 4000 mtu engines

The project by Kenya Railways is aimed at reviving locomotives that are more than 40 years old, returning them to service and providing a boost to the transportation of goods across the region. Supported by Rolls-Royce, it was carried out by SMH which conducted the broader refurbishment.

“With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), we are experiencing an increase in cross-border trade,” said Philip Mainga EBS, managing director of Kenya Railways Corporation. “By reviving this fleet, we are confident in our ability to meet the rising demand effectively, affordably and sustainably, contributing to the growth of our East African economy.”

According to Rolls-Royce, the mtu 4000 Series engines represent the pinnacle of its technology for high-performance and low-emission power systems. Designed to withstand demanding condition, the engines are known for their reliability, durability and fuel-efficiency and will deliver increased horsepower. The engines will enable the locomotives to handle heavier loads across the challenging landscapes and will enhance the overall efficiency of Kenya’s transport system.

“We are honoured to partner with SMH and Kenya Railways on this important, first-of-its-kind project that has already proven successful,” remarked Andreas Görtz, president business unit mobile & sustainable of Rolls-Royce Power Systems division. “By integrating our advanced mtu Series 4000 engines into these locomotives, we contribute to a more sustainable and efficient rail transport system in Kenya. This partnership is an excellent example of our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers.”

This announcement serves as another demonstration of the growing influence of Rolls-Royce within the region having just announced a new partnership to deliver advanced mtu power solutions across Tanzania. This development was explored by African Review through a dedicated Q&A in the November issue available here.

AGL received the recognition at the Invest in African Energy Awards 2024. (Image source: AGL)

At the Invest in African Energy Awards 2024, organised as part of the Africa Energy Week (AEW), Africa Global Logistics (AGL), a leading multimodal logistics operation in Africa, received the Service Provider of the Year award

AGL provides tailor-made solutions to meet the complex requirements and unique needs of energy industry projects on the continent. It has an investment strategy of EU€500mn (approx. US$535mn) per year, allowing it to support Africa’s major transformation with the objectives of connecting the continent to the global market, supporting intra-African trade and reducing the environmental impact of its logistics activities.

According to AGL, it is this commitment to the development of innovative and sustainable logistics solutions for the energy sector in Africa that has earned it the prestigious awards. Mohamed Diop, regional director, AGL Senegal, explained, “This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability and operational excellence. We are honored by this recognition and remain committed to supporting our customers and partners with world-class logistics solutions, serving Africa's sustainable development.”

The company is involved in large-scale projects across Africa and supports strategic initiatives such as the GTA project in Mauritania and Senegal, the development of the Tilenga CPF, and the management of Sasol's land base in Pemba, Mozambique. AGL also supports the implementation of modular and integrated solutions, adapted to the different phases of energy projects, from exploration to production.

Providing specific infrastructure and skills for logistics bases, supply chains and energy construction projects, AGL also offers advanced logistics services (4PL), renewable energy solutions, and rigorous compliance systems that ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental compliance for large industrial projects.