Rail Reform Push: Menar Ports & Rail says practical rail modernisation, better maintenance and skills are central to South Africa’s freight recovery, positioning the new Train Operating Company to complement Transnet and boost export competitiveness. Port Performance: Nigeria’s Lagos Apapa Port reports improved vessel turnaround to 6.18 days in H1 2025 (from 7.3 days), driven by operational reforms and priority berthing, though waiting times ticked up as traffic rose. Structured Rail Freight in Ghana: Ghana signs a US$3.29m off-taker deal with MES Logistics to launch containerised rail freight between Tema Port and Mpakadan, using new locomotives and container wagons to cut highway congestion and truck accidents. Egypt Port Expansion: Egypt’s Sokhna Port starts commercial operations at new basins and a Trans Cargo general cargo terminal, part of the Sokhna–Alexandria logistics corridor plan to strengthen the maritime hub. Middle East Shipping Risk: Strait of Hormuz tensions and renewed strikes threaten freight and input costs, with analysts warning of knock-on effects for fertiliser and fuel supplies into Africa. Air Cargo Link: Astral Aviation resumes Haikou–Johannesburg freighter service with Fly Noor, aiming to deepen Asia–Africa cargo connectivity via Nairobi. Health Security: The US backs Kenya’s Ebola readiness with Sh1.9bn for labs, trained responders and emergency centres across 22 high-risk counties. Industrial Output Watch: South Africa’s manufacturing production fell 4.3% y/y in May, with declines led by food & beverage and metals-related sectors.