In this issue

The Cover Story by Libin Chacko Kurian highlights the pivotal role of logistics in shaping Africa's competitiveness in the global market for flowers, perishables, and agricultural products, highlighting how strengthening the supply chain ecosystem can unlock strategic advantages for the continent.

We have a Special Feature by Rajarshi Chatterjee that puts the spotlight on the journey of women entrepreneurs in Kenya's floriculture industry.

Feature story Parijat Sourabh emphasises the role of women in the logistics sector in Africa and how women are breaking barriers and bringing fresh ideas and innovation to the table.

We also have an Industry Report written by Nehal Gautam that delves into the transformative journey of logistics in Africa, where despite substantial infrastructure limitations hindering its progress, the continent is emerging as an economic powerhouse.

Mauritius - A Future Hub For East & South Africa

Air Mauritius turned 50 in 2017, and is going strong in the troubled African aviation sector. As 2019 records a memorable year for the flag carrier of Mauritius, from adding new fleet to hosting the 51st AFRAA AGA, the airline is in a bid to position the country as a hub for Asia- Africa trade, Shalini Nair reports.

4 mins

History Is Playing It Differently For Africa

Drones are the future of African e-commerce, but not in the near future. E-commerce players want necessary regulations and economically viable technology ready, Libin Chacko Kurian reports.

5 mins

Fedex Picks Or Tambo Airport For Its Maiden Cargo Flight In Africa

Setting its goal to boost air cargo volumes, OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg has welcomed FedEx to operate its dedicated cargo flight B777 weekly.

1 min

Closer Collaboration Better Infrastructure Smarter Technology - A Must For A Sustainable Future

Sustainability and need for collaboration dominated the narrative of the latest editions of the Flower & Perishable Logistics Africa conferences in Nairobi, Kenya. Speakers and attendees deliberated on importance of infrastructure development, exploring new markets, and looking beyond the traditional avenues.

7 mins

African Air Cargo Market Bucks Global Trend

Ongoing trade tensions between the US and China has taken a toll on global air cargo growth, but the only sector that has seen a silver lining during these troubled times is the perishable or special cargo space. It is no surprise then that the African air cargo market, which accounts for a majority of perishables exports, has been bucking the trend. The continent is also on the cusp of a digital transformation and is making major strides in infrastructural growth and liberalisation, which is set to take the African air freight sector to greater heights, Surya Kannoth reports.

4 mins

Top Global Megatrends Driving Sustainable Logistics

The logistics industry world over is going through rapid transformation that we have seen never before. Crystal Lassiter writes on top five global megatrends driving sustainable logistics.

3 mins

Time Is Ripe For APIs In Logistics Supply Chain

Adopting technologies like APIs has become crucial for supply chain management stakeholders to be able to offer quick quotes, compare rates, make bookings, track and deliver value to their customers, Blessy Chettiar reports.

4 mins

Awareness Can Help Reduce Wastage In Perishables

With 10 years left to achieve 'Target 12.3' laid down by the United Nations of halving the rate of food loss and waste by 2030, logistics service providers must do their bit to employ technology to reduce wastage in the handling of perishables not just for increased profitability, but also for the environment, Blessy Chettiar takes stock of how technology and regulation can help the cause.

5 mins

Plunging Oil Prices Africa Feels the Pinch

Although there is demand for oil and gas from markets in Africa, low crude prices combined with poor physical infrastructure, inadequate logistical solutions and burdening government regulations have blunted investment in oil and gas field development.

6 mins

On the Brink of Major Change

The world is eager to do business with Africa! This is amid growing recognition of the continent as the fastest growing economic hub that in turn translates into a plethora of opportunities for trade and commerce. But to achieve its full economic growth potential, Africa has to improve its infrastructure.

7 mins

Strategising for Growth

After 19 months of serving as the acting CEO at Dube Tradeport Corporation (DTPC), the board of the Durban-based company finally christened Hamish Erskine as its new chief executive officer. The appointment was confirmed after the support from the KwaZulu-Natal provincial cabinet.

4 mins

Unmasking The Fakes

Africa is the only continent where counterfeit medicines cause more deaths than non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and respiratory diseases. Every year, more than 100,000 Africans lose their lives as they fall prey to counterfeit anti-malarials. The onus lies in the hands of logistical service providers, pharmaceutical companies and regulatory bodies to fight illegal supply chains of spurious drugs. 

7 mins

Drones Take Centre Stage In Parcel Delivery

As accessibility continues to remain a major constraint for the logistics sector in Africa especially for the last mile delivery, drones have come as life saver for the industry. Drones bring to the continent the most unbelievable benefit of technology which is speedy delivery, initially for humanitarian purposes. Eventually, commercial drone delivery will revolutionise the logistics sector by providing low-cost solutions in sectors such as eCommerce; oil, gas and mining; infrastructure utilities; boarder control and security.

6 mins

Collaborate And Innovate

The 48th African Airlines Association annual general assembly held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, called African airlines to collaborate and innovate to face the current challenges in the aviation industry.

4 mins

Tema Port On Expansion Mode

What was once a fishing village has now transformed into the port of Tema Ghana’s largest, busiest and most important port, which accounts for 80 percent of the nation’s trade. And, like many ports on the continent, this one too is headed for a mega overhaul that will enhance the port’s competitiveness as a leading maritime hub in West Africa. 

3 mins

Steering E-Commerce With Better Logistics

While the African continent has enormous opportunities for online retailers, there are still a number of hurdles that hinder economic growth. However, recent capital injections by multinational companies into Nigeria’s e-commerce scene and infrastructure are clear signs that prospects in this sector are improving.

7 mins

Bruce The Creative Maverick

He is a rock legend and the frontman of Iron Maiden, one of the biggest music bands on the planet. He is one of world’s most storied musicians. He is a pilot, an aviation entrepreneur, a beer brewer, motivational speaker, film scriptwriter, twice-published novelist, radio presenter, TV actor and a world-class fencer. His company Cardiff Aviation has been contracted by the government of Djibouti to revive the East African nation’s flag carrier. Bruce Dickinson, in an exclusive interview with Logistics Update Africa, speaks to Reji John, about his passion for aviation, the plans to revitalize the once-liquidated Air Djibouti and being creative as a multifaceted person.

8 mins

Capitalising on Perishables Trade

There are opportunities galore for logistics providers to enter the refrigerated transportation market in africa given that the continent needs better perishable supply chain services and “farm-to-fork” integration.

4 mins

Read all stories from Logistics Update Africa

Logistics Update Africa Magazine Description:

Logistics Update Africa (LUA) is a bi-monthly magazine dedicated to logistics and transport industry of Africa. The magazine is rich in features highlighting Africa’s enormous potential. The various sectors carried are Road, Air, Rail and Shipping. LUA is Africa’s only logistics publication and caters to readers from all over the world.