Logistics African Magazine

05/01/2026

Compliments of the new season!.

The Logistics African Magazine is a quarterly periodical renowned for its comprehensive coverage of the transport and logistics sectors. We specialize in both print and digital marketing, serving as a bridge for companies seeking to connect with their target audience in Africa. Our mission is to foster connections, disseminate information, and enhance understanding within the

Transport and Logistics Magazine and related equipment industries by forging valuable partnerships between manufacturers, service providers, and their clientele. Whether your objective is to bolster brand recognition, educate the market, generate actionable leads, or achieve all of the above, our integrated print and digital channels are poised to deliver a robust and quantifiable return on investment.

Our publication reaches a diverse array of decision makers, including technicians, engineers, contractors, consultants, users, distributors, dealers, directors, general and project managers, owners, procurement and management professionals in key sectors encompassing: Breakbulk & Bagging Material Handling Shipping & Transportation Ports, Terminals & Logistics Trade & Commodities Engineering & Equipment We are dedicated to keeping these professionals well-informed and connected, facilitating growth and progress within the industries we serve.

Logistics African Magazine, one of Africa’s leading trade publications, is the place to promote any and all transport and logistics as well as new product ranges. On a Quarterly basis, we work with a multitude of repeat and new clients looking to promote their business with Logistics African Magaz...

05/01/2026

AES makes a solid case for coal and biomass as fuel source options.

Solid fuels such as coal and biomass (for example, wood chips) are both cost-effective and readily available fuel source options. However, both come with unique benefits and challenges says specialist steam and boiler operations maintenance and service provider, Associated Energy Services (AES).

Once fed into a furnace, solid fuel takes time to ignite. Conversely, liquid or gaseous fuel allows for almost immediate ignition: “The response of liquid- or gas-fueled boilers to any changes in steam demand is rapid. With solid fuels, there is a delay in the response of the boiler to ramp up adequately and meet the new demand,” explains AES Operations Director Ray Lund.

“With biomass – where moisture content can fluctuate between 20% and 55% – the response is even slower than coal, as it takes time to drive off extra moisture before ignition,” he adds.
https://logisticsafricanmagazine.co.za/2026/01/04/aes-makes-a-solid-case-for-coal-and-biomass-as-fuel-source-options/

05/01/2026

Strengthening SA’s roads for the long haul.

AfriSam’s Roadstab Cement continues to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s road infrastructure. As a purpose-designed stabilising cement, it provides engineers and contractors with a dependable high performance solution for improving the strength, durability and longevity of road layers – particularly in challenging local conditions.

Engineered for Performance and Reliability

Developed specifically for road construction applications, AfriSam Roadstab Cement enhances the performance of in-situ materials used in base and sub-base layers. The result is a stable platform with superior load bearing capacity and improved resistance to deformation, ensuring that roads can withstand high traffic volumes and harsh climatic conditions.

According to AfriSam’s Cementitious Executive, Vishal Aniruth, AfriSam Roadstab Cement has been formulated to meet the exacting demands of road layer stabilisation. “It provides superior strength gain and reduced shrinkage cracking, ensuring that the stabilised base layers performs optimally over the road’s design life.”
https://logisticsafricanmagazine.co.za/2026/01/04/strengthening-sas-roads-for-the-long-haul/

12/12/2025

EU Invests €50 Million to Modernize Zambia Railways.

LUSAKA – Zambia’s ambitions to develop a modern and efficient railway system received a significant boost this week as the European Union (EU) announced a €50 million grant to Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL). The funding is earmarked for the rehabilitation of key railway tracks and the upgrading of signalling systems, marking a major step toward modernizing the country’s rail infrastructure.

The signing ceremony, held in Lusaka, was attended by high-profile officials, including EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali, European Investment Bank Vice President Karl Nehammer, and EU Ambassador to Zambia Karolina Stasiak. The delegation toured the railway line from Ngwerere to Lusaka Station prior to unveiling the funding package.

EU officials emphasized that the support is intended to modernize Zambia Railways’ aging infrastructure, enhance signalling systems, and create opportunities for private operators. “A modern railway network not only reduces transport costs and congestion but also helps lower greenhouse gas emissions,” Síkela said, highlighting the EU’s commitment to sustainable and efficient transport systems.

Zambia’s government welcomed the investment, describing it as a crucial component in positioning rail transport as a central driver of national development. Minister Tayali noted that a modernized railway network is key to achieving the government’s target of producing three million tons of copper annually by 2031. “Efficient rail infrastructure will strengthen Zambia’s role as a central link in the Lobito Corridor, providing a shorter and more effective route to the Atlantic Ocean,” he said.

The Lobito Corridor project is expected to not only support the country’s mining sector but also expand opportunities in agriculture, logistics, and regional trade. EU officials said that their investment in Zambia Railways is part of a broader strategy to promote regional integration and sustainable economic growth through improved transport infrastructure.

Under the funding plan, Zambia Railways will focus on upgrading critical sections of its mainline, improving train speeds, and enhancing operational efficiency. The network, which has struggled with long-standing inefficiencies, is expected to benefit from safer, faster, and more reliable train operations once the improvements are completed.

Two major European logistics firms, C. Steinweg Bridge Zambia and Africa Global Logistics, attended the Lusaka ceremony and expressed optimism about the potential impact of the EU investment. Both companies highlighted that a modern rail system could revitalize Zambia’s transport and logistics ecosystem, making it more attractive to private investors and international trade partners.

Zambia Railways is controlled by the state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which serves as the shareholder. The EU funding will particularly target the mainline between Livingstone and Ndola, one of Zambia’s busiest and most economically critical routes. The improvements are expected to not only support the mining and agriculture sectors but also contribute to broader economic development and regional connectivity.

With the €50 million investment, EU and Zambian authorities hope to transform Zambia Railways into a modern, competitive, and transparent system capable of supporting the country’s long-term economic goals. The project represents a major milestone in Zambia’s efforts to modernize its transport infrastructure while promoting sustainable growth across Southern Africa.
https://logisticsafricanmagazine.co.za/2025/12/09/eu-invests-e50-million-to-modernize-zambia-railways/

23/10/2025

Concor’s wind energy gamechanger – full BOP under one roof.

In a milestone achievement for South Africa’s renewable energy sector, Concor has taken full control of the Balance of Plant (BoP) scope on the TotalEnergies Renewables De Aar 2 South Wind Energy Facility in the Northern Cape. This marks the first time the company is delivering a fully wrapped BoP contract under its own direct engineering and construction management. Not only is Concor the main contractor for the 25 turbine project spread across five farms near Philipstown, but it is also responsible for both the Civil BoP (CBoP) and Electrical BoP (EBoP) – from design and engineering through to ex*****on including the Eskom Distribution self-build scope. This comprehensive self-perform approach represents a bold departure from traditional contracting models and signals Concor’s evolution into a truly turnkey BoP provider.

“With over 13 years of experience in renewable energy infrastructure, more than 10 wind farms successfully completed since 2012 and a further six wind farms currently in various phases of construction, Concor is no stranger to the demands of this sector,” says Stephan Venter, Contract Director at Concor. “But this project sets a new benchmark. By taking full ownership of both the engineering and construction elements, we are reducing interfaces, improving accountability and de-risking the process for our clients.”

This strategic shift positions Concor at the forefront of renewable project delivery in South Africa, offering clients a streamlined single-source BoP solution that enhances coordination and ensures delivery certainty.

The 5,473 hectare facility is on a fast track programme, with early works launched in November 2024 and completion expected by Q3 of 2026. The company’s scope includes 54 km of gravel road infrastructure, starting with the realignment and upgrading of 15 km of the existing Kranskop district road to accommodate heavy turbine components. Additionally, 41 km of new internal access roads are being constructed, supported by extensive blasting and cut-and-fill earthworks to adapt to the local terrain.
https://logisticsafricanmagazine.co.za/2025/10/01/concors-wind-energy-gamechanger-full-bop-under-one-roof

23/10/2025

Wits DigiMine develops innovative digital platform for mining.

A new digital platform developed at the Sibanye-Stillwater Digital Mining Laboratory (DigiMine) within the Wits Mining Institute is offering a practical solution to one of the mining sector’s most persistent challenges: building trust with the communities located near mining operations.

The platform, known as the Intelligent Community Dialogue Agent (ICDA), is being developed in collaboration with local and international partners as part of the MASTERMINE project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme.

According to Dr. Ahsan Mahboob, Head of DigiMine and principal investigator on the ICDA project, many of the most pressing challenges facing the mining industry today are not technical or operational, but social. “The most complex challenges facing mining companies today are no longer technical or geological, but social, particularly in how they manage their impact on local communities and the surrounding environment,” said Dr. Mahboob.

He explained that while many mining companies recognise the importance of responsible community engagement, there is often a gap between intention and effective action. The ICDA aims to close that gap by enabling structured, two-way communication and transparent, responsive interaction. “Addressing these tensions requires more than outreach. It demands consistent, transparent, and reciprocal engagement. Communities must feel that their concerns are not only heard but responded to with clarity and urgency,” he said.
https://logisticsafricanmagazine.co.za/2025/10/01/wits-digimine-develops-innovative-digital-platform-for-mining

10/09/2025

NFCA CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN ZAMBIA AND PLAN US$400 MILLION EXPANSION.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe says Government will be relying on partners such as Non-Ferrous China Africa (NFCA) mining to actualise its dream of ramping up copper production to three million tonnes by 2031.

Speaking when he officiated at the NFCA’s 25th anniversary in Zambia at a ceremony in Chambishi on Monday 25th September 2023, Mr. Kabuswe said Government will continue levelling the playing field in the mining sector so as to encourage investments from giants such as NFCA.

He said NFCA’s presence in Zambia in the last 25 years in no mean achievement or coincidence but a confirmation that the country is a good investment destination.

The Minister praised NFCA for investments exceeding US$1.5 billion as at the end of 2022 and contributing over US$350 million to the treasury though taxes.

“I am confident that the planned expansion of the South East Ore Boady, which will result in increasing copper production to 110,000 metric tonnes, will come along with an employment boost and technological transfer, looking at the level of automation,” he said.

NFCA Chief Executive Officer Zhamyan Li said the company’s investment has culminated into the creation of about 5,600 local jobs over the years.

Mr. Li also said the company plans to invest another US$400 million that will create 2,400 jobs and increase annual copper production to 110,000 tonnes.

NFCA Group Chairperson Xi Zhengping said President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent visit to China will inject new impetus into Zambia’s social and economic development agenda.

ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson Kakenenwa Muyangwa said the company appreciates NFCA’s level of commitment to Zambia as evidenced by the payment of US$10.1 million in dividends to ZCCM-IH in 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2022 respectively. Mr. Muyangwa said the board appreciates the level of commitment by NFCA in expanding the mine and creating jobs for the local people.
https://logisticsafricanmagazine.co.za/2025/09/09/nfca-celebrates-25th-anniversary-in-zambia-and-plan-us400-million-expansion

10/09/2025

Ivory Coast: Abidjan port reaches 40 million tonnes of traffic by 2024.

The autonomous port of Abidjan recorded record traffic of more than 40 million tonnes in 2024, according to its general manager, Hien Sié. This increase confirms its central role in Côte d’Ivoire’s foreign trade and its regional positioning.

Le Port of Abidjan exceeded the 40 million tonne mark for the first time in 2024, compared to 34,7 million the previous year. Container traffic contributed particularly to this growth, with an increase of 33% to reach nearly 1,65 million TEUs.

This dynamic is part of a long-term trajectory, since the overall volume has increased from 22 million tonnes in 2010 to 40 million in 2024.

To support this expansion, significant investments have been made since 2012, estimated at around 1.100 billion CFA francs. These include the widening of the Vridi Canal, the commissioning of a second container terminal, the construction of a roll-on/roll-off terminal, the modernization of the fishing port, and the creation of additional industrial space.

These developments strengthen the port’s logistical capacities and competitiveness in the face of the growing importance of regional trade.

With over 75% of the volume of foreign trade and almost 79% A major contributor to Ivory Coast’s customs revenue, the port of Abidjan remains a strategic infrastructure for the national economy. Created in 1951, it also acts as a hub for West Africa, handling transit and transshipment flows, while supporting the local industrial fabric and fishing activity.
https://logisticsafricanmagazine.co.za/2025/09/09/ivory-coast-abidjan-port-reaches-40-million-tonnes-of-traffic-by-2024

21/08/2025

ATLAS COPCO UNVEILS THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE ON-SITE GAS GENERATION.

In the realm of oxygen and nitrogen supply, businesses frequently grapple with soaring costs, inflexible contracts, and complex logistics. Atlas Copco Compressor Technique addresses these challenges with Total Oxygen and Nitrogen Solutions (TONS), an innovative ecosystem that revolutionises how industries manage their on-site gas requirements.

TONS represents a cutting-edge approach that integrates advanced technology with comprehensive service to offer a complete solution for on-site oxygen and nitrogen generation. “With TONS, we’re redefining what’s possible in gas management,” says Sabrina Karbownik, Business Line Manager, Industrial Air Division at Atlas Copco Compressor Technique. “Our goal is to simplify operations, lower costs and enhance sustainability by providing a single, cohesive solution for all gas needs.”

TONS eliminates the need for traditional gas supply chains that depend on external deliveries, allowing businesses to generate oxygen and nitrogen directly on-site. This streamlined approach ensures a continuous, reliable supply while reducing logistical complexities and associated risks. By integrating all components, from generation equipment to maintenance services, TONS delivers unmatched operational efficiency.

The system’s design offers flexibility in adjusting gas purity and flow rates according to specific requirements. This means that companies can optimise their production processes and achieve substantial cost savings, potentially reducing their total cost of ownership by up to 90%.

“TONS not only simplifies the supply chain but also empowers our customers with precise control over their gas generation,” explains Sabrina. “This leads to improved operational performance and significant financial savings.”

TONS represents a major leap forward in environmental responsibility, exemplifying Atlas Copco’s commitment to driving climate change. Sabrina highlights TONS environmental benefits. “By generating gases on-site, the system minimises carbon emissions linked to the transportation and storage of liquefied gases. Coupled with its efficient operation and high-quality gas production, TONS actively supports our customers’ sustainability goals.”

Atlas Copco’s dedication to sustainability and a greener planet is evident in its ongoing development of innovative, efficient, eco-friendly products and technologies, including Class Zero VSD (Variable Speed Drive) compressors and Energy Recovery Solutions.

One of the standout features of TONS is the Total Maintenance Responsibility Plan which ensures that businesses experience maximum uptime with minimal disruption. Atlas Copco’s dedicated regional teams handle all maintenance needs, allowing companies to focus on their core operations without the hassle of managing multiple vendors.

With its advanced technology, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits, TONS establishes a new benchmark in gas supply, delivering a comprehensive, integrated, on-site solution that meets all aspects of customers’ oxygen and nitrogen needs.

/ends/

At Atlas Copco, we have been turning industrial ideas into business-critical benefits since 1873. By listening to our customers and knowing their needs, we deliver value and innovate with the future in mind.

www.atlascopco.com/en-za

Atlas Copco Compressor Technique

Great ideas accelerate innovation. At Atlas Copco Compressor Technique we team up with our customers to turn industrial ideas into smart connected air and gas solutions and leading edge compressed air technology. Our passionate people, expertise and service bring sustainable value to industries everywhere.
https://logisticsafricanmagazine.co.za/2025/08/14/atlas-copco-unveils-the-future-of-sustainable-on-site-gas-generation

13/08/2025

DRC, KoBold Metals ink landmark deal to accelerate mineral exploration.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed a principal agreement with U.S.-based KoBold Metals to launch a major mineral exploration program, signaling a deepening partnership between Washington and Kinshasa at a time of heightened global interest in critical minerals.

The agreement, signed in Kinshasa in the presence of President Félix Tshisekedi, represents a strategic step in unlocking the country’s vast untapped mineral wealth particularly lithium amid growing geopolitical competition for raw materials essential to the global energy transition.

Nationwide mineral exploration
KoBold Metals, backed by high-profile investors including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is already a stakeholder in the Manono lithium deposit, one of the world’s largest. With this new deal, the company will expand its focus beyond Manono to conduct nationwide mineral exploration using advanced AI-driven technologies. It plans to digitize the DRC’s geological archives, currently stored at Belgium’s Royal Museum for Central Africa, and apply for exploration permits covering more than 1,600 square kilometers by July 2025.

This agreement builds on a broader U.S. strategy, initiated under the Trump administration, to reinforce bilateral ties with the DRC and promote regional stability. Recent U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to mediate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda further highlight Washington’s growing engagement in the region.
https://logisticsafricanmagazine.co.za/2025/08/12/drc-kobold-metals-ink-landmark-deal-to-accelerate-mineral-exploration

13/08/2025

De Beers sets bold pace for greater female representation in mining.

As the mining industry continues to evolve, De Beers Group is leading the charge in reshaping what inclusion and representation look like across its operations. In a sector traditionally dominated by men, De Beers is purposefully dismantling barriers to ensure that women not only participate but thrive.

Driven by the belief that gender equity is integral to long term business success, De Beers is committed to increasing female representation across its workforce. In South Africa, the company is already showing measurable progress with women making up 33% of Top Management and 36% of Senior Management – figures that significantly exceed current industry averages.

“Transformation is not just a compliance obligation for us, itis a business imperative,” Coral Wheelock, Senior Vice President – People Partnering, Mining and Discovery at De Beers, says. “Gender diversity improves innovation, strengthens safety outcomes and builds high performing teams.”

De Beers sets bold pace for greater female representation in mining
Women working in key roles at the Venetia Underground Mine, highlighting the growing presence of female professionals in mining.
Holistic approach
To accelerate its progress, De Beers has taken a strategic and holistic approach. This includes a longstanding partnership with UN Women through the HeForShe Alliance, with a focus on growing female representation in technical and leadership roles.
https://logisticsafricanmagazine.co.za/2025/08/12/de-beers-sets-bold-pace-for-greater-female-representation-in-mining

13/08/2025

TOMRA Mining technology delivers transformative impact at the world’s largest lithium sorting plant at Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora Operation.

A year after Pilbara Minerals commissioned the world’s largest lithium ore sorting plant, TOMRA Mining’s sensor-based sorting technology is delivering measurable value at the Pilgangoora Operation in Western Australia, contributing to the strongest quarterly production of FY25, significantly reduced costs, and enhanced resource utilization.

Powered by TOMRA Mining’s advanced sensor-based sorting technology, the Pilgangoora Operation has achieved impressive results, boosting production, reducing costs, and unlocking value from previously uneconomical ore. In its June Quarter FY25 results, Pilbara Minerals reported a 77% increase in production volume and a 10% reduction in unit operating costs (FOB) compared to the previous quarter. These gains stem from the ramp-up of the P1000 expansion and the integration of TOMRA Mining’s cutting-edge sorting technology.

TOMRA Mining technology delivers transformative impact at the world’s largest lithium sorting plant at Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora Operation

Sensor-based technology
Commissioned in August 2024 as part of the P680 Expansion Project, the crushing and sorting plant is the largest lithium ore sorting facility in the world, with a capacity of more than 1,000 tonnes per hour. TOMRA Mining’s sensor-based technology enables early waste rejection, significantly improving lithium recovery and final product quality while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
https://logisticsafricanmagazine.co.za/2025/08/12/tomra-mining-technology-delivers-transformative-impact-at-the-worlds-largest-lithium-sorting-plant-at-pilbara-minerals-pilgangoora-operation