AGP Executive Report

Maritime Safety: A boat capsized off Djibouti, killing at least 139 people, with 84 still missing. Lake Transport: Tanzania’s 113-year-old MV Liemba has resumed service on Lake Tanganyika after a major overhaul, restoring a link between communities in Tanzania and the DRC. Ports and Trade: Dar es Salaam’s port climbed to East Africa’s top spot in a global performance ranking as modernisation continues; in South Africa, TNPA and Freeport Saldanha signed a 25-year lease for a 55-hectare port precinct. Road Infrastructure: A bitumen shortage is delaying asphalt work on several Ugandan road projects, while Tanzania is mourning 28 people killed in a bus-truck collision. Shipping Risks: Houthi attacks and threats to key Red Sea routes are raising concerns over trade and energy flows. Regional Mobility: Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are working on a joint visa to ease cross-border travel for AFCON 2027 fans.

Maritime: Morocco has scrapped the long-delayed concession tender for Casablanca shipyard, opting for a new strategy that puts national control of critical maritime assets first. The planned $300 million yard was intended to become Africa’s largest. Electric Mobility: China’s Jinguan Electric has signed an EPC framework deal worth up to $296 million to build 50 solar-powered storage and charging stations across Africa for Spiro, which operates battery-swapping services in seven countries. Aviation Manufacturing: Airbus plans a third Moroccan factory, expanding its local industrial footprint by about 30% and making components for global aircraft programmes. Maritime Safety: A migrant boat capsized off Djibouti while carrying 305 people; at least 139 died and 84 remain missing.

Maritime Safety: At least 139 people died and 84 remain missing after an overcrowded boat carrying 305 migrants capsized off Djibouti en route to Yemen. Trade Corridors: Namibia, Botswana and South Africa pledged to attract investment and strengthen cross-border trade along the Trans-Kalahari Corridor. Urban Rail: Gautrain is set for a major makeover as a new operator takes charge. Regional Links: Construction of a road-and-rail bridge between Kinshasa and Brazzaville is scheduled to begin in June 2027. Road Safety: At least 28 people were killed when a passenger bus collided with a truck and caught fire in Tanzania.

Rail: Ethiopia has taken over the stalled Kombolcha railway project, though reports conflict over its London arbitration with contractor Yapı Merkezi. Air Travel: A power outage at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport delayed international arrivals for hours. Passenger Links: Tanzania’s 113-year-old MV Liemba has resumed service, reconnecting four countries on Lake Tanganyika. Road Safety: A bus-truck collision in Tanzania killed at least 28 people, renewing concern over highway safety. Trade Corridors: Cameroon has launched a tender to rebuild 167 km of the Douala–Yaoundé route, while construction of a road-rail bridge between Kinshasa and Brazzaville is scheduled to begin in June 2027. Ports: Nigerian coastal states are being urged to develop seaports, following Lekki Deep Sea Port’s growth under a public-private concession model; Lamu Port has also recorded more shipping-line calls.

Fuel Costs: Dangote Refinery raised its diesel price to N1,800 per litre, adding pressure on transport operators and businesses already facing high costs. Airport Disruption: A power outage at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport slowed immigration processing, leaving more than 1,000 international passengers waiting for hours. Road Safety: At least 28 people were killed when a bus collided with a timber truck in Tanzania, renewing concerns about road safety. Regional Connectivity: The 113-year-old MV Liemba has resumed service linking four African countries, while Cameroon is preparing to rebuild 167km of the key Douala–Yaoundé trade route. Chad’s Royal Airways has also launched a Douala–Bangui route. Logistics Investment: JAC Motors is investing R500 million in an expansion at Lanseria, including a new headquarters and parts distribution centre.

Road Safety: At least 28 people died when a bus collided with a truck and caught fire on Tanzania’s Morogoro–Dar es Salaam highway, renewing concern over dangerous overtaking and road safety. Red Sea Shipping: Fighting near Bab el-Mandeb threatens a key route linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. If shipping is disrupted, vessels may take longer routes around Africa, driving up freight costs. Aerospace: Morocco is using the Marrakech Airshow to promote its growing aerospace industry, with partners signing deals covering aviation research, AI and drone technology. Trade Corridors: Cameroon has launched a tender to rebuild 167 km of the Douala–Yaoundé trade route, while Kribi port is planning a CFA50 billion agricultural terminal but still needs most of its funding. Rail and Logistics: Kenya has outlined KSh25 billion in compensation for landowners along the SGR 2B route. Ethiopia, meanwhile, will host the FIATA World Congress in Addis Ababa in 2027.

Shipping and Security: A worsening global tanker shortage has pushed oil-shipping costs to record levels, while AFRICOM warns that a Houthi presence in Somalia could threaten Gulf of Aden shipping from both sides. Rail and Urban Mobility: Durban is adding PRASA services and shuttles for the sold-out MTN8 final, while Western Cape learner-transport operators face mounting pressure from fuel costs. Aviation: Airbus plans a Morocco helicopter-maintenance hub to serve West Africa; Royal Air Maroc is also set to become the first African airline with Starlink Wi-Fi. Regional Logistics: Kenya and Rwanda are seeking closer cooperation on transport and logistics. Road Safety: At least 28 people were killed when a bus collided with a truck on Tanzania’s Morogoro–Dar es Salaam highway.

Fuel and Freight: Nigeria is offering a 30-day petrol discount at NNPC stations, prioritising public transport operators, alongside a proposed N1,350-per-litre ceiling on petrol landing costs. In South Africa, rising fuel prices are squeezing road freight and learner transport. Ports and Corridors: Cameroon approved a US$407 million loan to upgrade the Douala–Bangui corridor. Kribi Port plans a CFA21.5 billion investment to lift container-terminal capacity by 30%, while DP World aims to double Luanda port capacity. Aviation: Royal Air Maroc plans to become the first African airline to offer Starlink Wi-Fi, and Thales will digitise its flight operations. Shipping Security: Somali piracy incidents rose to 25 by mid-September, from nine in 2025, as naval forces shift to other regional crises and disrupted routes bring more vessels past the coast.

Urban Transport: South Africa’s electric-bus fleets are gaining ground as diesel prices surge, but high vehicle costs, limited charging infrastructure and battery import duties still slow adoption. Port Investment: TNPA and Freeport Saldanha signed a lease to advance industrial development, while DP World plans to double Luanda port capacity and Pointe-Noire is preparing a berth for 24,000-TEU ships. Air Connectivity: Royal Air Maroc plans free Starlink Wi-Fi on 41 aircraft from 2027, becoming the first African airline to offer the service. Trade Corridors: Cotonou is reporting container turnaround times of 36–72 hours as cargo growth sharpens competition among West African ports; Dar es Salaam is also gaining transit cargo. Freight Costs: Hormuz disruption has pushed supertanker rates to more than eight times their previous level, adding cost pressure for African trade, while South African road freight faces rising fuel bills.

Electric Mobility: Kenya has proposed a KSh390 billion EV programme, including plants capable of assembling up to 150,000 vehicles a year and 1,000 solar-powered charging hubs. Road Transport: A minibus taxi crash in KwaZulu-Natal killed 10 people; investigators are probing the cause. Fuel-price increases are also squeezing South African road-freight and learner-transport operators. Ports and Shipping: Cotonou’s reported 36–72-hour container turnaround is sharpening competition for West African cargo, while Dar es Salaam is gaining as a regional freight corridor. DP World has secured an extension to operate Luanda’s terminal through 2051 and plans a US$90 million expansion. Rail and Supply Chains: Kenya Railways is seeking experts for a KSh65 billion Nairobi electric-train project, as a Dakar airport rail link opens. Meanwhile, Red Sea conflict risks further disruption to global shipping and supply chains.

Port Performance: Cotonou says container turnaround is 36–72 hours, compared with waits of up to two months at some West African rivals, strengthening its pitch as a regional trade gateway. Air Connectivity: Royal Air Maroc will introduce Starlink inflight Wi-Fi in 2027, becoming the first African airline to offer the service. Canada and Côte d’Ivoire have also doubled permitted passenger capacity to 14 weekly flights per country and expanded cargo rights. Shipping Risks: Escalating conflict around the Bab al-Mandab Strait threatens a key Europe–Asia route and could push up fuel and freight costs, with ships facing longer diversions around Africa. Road Freight: South Africa’s October fuel-price increase is adding pressure on road logistics operators and could feed through to transport costs.

Fuel & freight pressure: South Africa’s petrol and diesel prices jumped again, with 95-grade inland now above R30/litre, and analysts warn the shock will ripple from farms and trucking into food and supermarket bills. Public transport response: SANTACO says no taxi fare increase decision has been taken yet, while Western Cape learner transport services are expected to resume after a diesel-cost dispute. Kenya energy & industry: Afreximbank says Dangote’s Lamu refinery will help conserve Kenya’s foreign reserves and cut exposure to imported fuel shocks; manufacturers are also watching whether cheaper, reliable power and inputs follow. Digital trade push: Kenya aims to capture a bigger share of global digital trade, targeting logistics, payments and cross-border e-commerce barriers. Port & logistics tech: DP World extends Luanda port concession to 2051 and plans upgrades, while Rotterdam trials “smart” berth bollards to improve safety and maintenance planning. Health logistics: Roche Diagnostics supplies Ebola testing instruments to DRC labs, and the DRC response ramps up with training and equipment deployment. Security & movement: Mali troops re-enter Kidal after separatists withdraw, setting up a gradual return of services. Trade & climate: A new analysis says the EU’s zero-deforestation cocoa rules are already cutting deforestation-linked emissions.

Road Safety & Licensing: South Africa’s Department of Transport is proposing to extend driving licence card validity from five to 10 years, aiming to cut renewal backlogs and reduce time lost at licensing centres (professional drivers would still renew every two years with medical and criminal checks). Fuel & Cost Pressure: Fuel stations across South Africa are packed as motorists rush to beat midnight petrol and diesel price hikes of more than R3 a litre, with economists warning the shock could feed back into inflation and household food costs. Maritime Trade & Ports: DP World has secured a 10-year extension to its Port of Luanda concession in Angola through 2051 and plans a $90m upgrade, including capacity expansion to over 1.2m TEU and new cranes to handle larger vessels. Logistics Markets: Crude tanker freight rates keep climbing, with the Saudi Arabia–China VLCC benchmark hitting a new all-time high, driving a “cascade” into other tanker segments. Aviation Infrastructure: Nigeria’s government has ordered China’s CCECC to resume work on Abuja airport’s second runway, after decades of delays and rising costs. Energy & Power: Orb Energy won $2m from KawiSafi Ventures to expand commercial and industrial solar across East Africa, targeting Kenya and nearby markets.

Road Safety & Freight Security: Three trucks carrying about 108 tons of wheat (R600,000) allegedly vanished while moving from Durban Harbour to Pietermaritzburg, with drivers reportedly going evasive; investigators say video and vehicle details are held for now. Fuel & Transport Cost Pressure: South Africa’s petrol price is set to breach R30 again, with 95-grade at R30.25 inland from Wednesday, adding pressure on transport and living costs. Aviation Disruption: Nigeria’s military aircraft crash off Ondo State killed 32, prompting a national mourning period and a full investigation. Public Transport/Logistics Operations: South Africa’s SANDF crime-fighting under Operation Prosper is hampered by an ageing, unreliable vehicle fleet, raising mobility and safety concerns. Regional Trade & Elections: Kenya backed South Sudan’s December 2026 elections after talks with President Kiir, with both sides also pushing trade and investment ties. Health & Supply Chains: Aid cuts forced two-thirds of primary healthcare centres to close in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, leaving families facing long, costly travel to reach hospitals. Risk Financing: A push is growing for stronger insurance and risk-financing across East and Southern Africa to protect households, businesses and trade corridors from shocks.

Sahel Trade Corridors: The Port of Lomé is sending an A2PL delegation to Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali to deepen ties and push Lomé’s corridor services into landlocked markets. Aviation Safety: Nigeria’s Tinubu confirmed 32 deaths after a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 crash in Ondo State, with investigations ordered. Anti-Corruption (Transport/Policing): South Africa’s IDAC provisionally withdrew a R191m SAPS “blue lights” corruption case against Khomotso Phahlane and co-accused, with the matter set to be re-enrolled. Maritime & Logistics Training: Madagascar hosted a regional maritime search-and-rescue training supported by MSARC, bringing professionals from eight countries to strengthen coordination at sea. Energy & Power for Industry: Kenya-based firms added 72,800kW of solar for self-use, showing continued captive power growth. Security Funding Pressure: The MNJTF says it’s short on money as Lake Chad violence rises, warning logistics and equipment gaps could undermine operations. Used Vehicle Imports (Ghana): Ghana Standards Authority suspended pre-shipment inspection for imported used vehicles, with a new date to follow. Health Watch (Global): Russia’s suspected plague death in Siberia triggered quarantines and monitoring, with U.S. officials saying they’re watching closely.

Port & Corridor Watch: Dar es Salaam Port says transit cargo jumped 17% to 14.61m tonnes in 2025/26, led by DRC (+30%) and Rwanda (+24%), underscoring Tanzania’s role in East Africa’s trade-corridor race. Road Disruptions: Liberia’s Ganta–Saclepea highway is effectively shut after heavy rains overwhelmed works and bridges, leaving travelers stranded and commerce stalled. Public Transport Expansion: Liberia’s NTA plans to extend bus services into River Cess and Sinoe counties during the dry season, aiming for wider national coverage. Safety & Mobility: Johannesburg’s Metrobus marks 1,609 fatality-free days and launches a women-focused safety push during Transport Month amid GBV concerns. Aviation Ops Update: Kuwait International Airport is open but transit services remain suspended; flights run via Terminals 4 and 5 only. Energy Cost Pressure: South Africa faces another fuel hit, with 95-octane petrol expected to break R30/litre, raising transport costs for households. Regional Integration Push: AU officials urge faster integration of transport, energy and digital infrastructure, citing Tanzania’s rail and port upgrades to boost trade.