Tag: logistics

The Invisible Workload: How Technology Can Help Women Advance Their Careers

The invisible mental, emotional and logistical workload carried by many women can constrain career advancement and entrepreneurship. Lungi Sangqu argues that technology can reduce administrative friction and return valuable time and attention—but only if digital tools complement, rather than replace, a fairer distribution of care at home, in workplaces and across funding systems.

Exxaro’s 37% Road Cost Premium Could Squeeze South Africa’s Manganese Export Margins Despite Rail Reforms

South Africa’s manganese exporters may face growing margin pressure as Exxaro reveals that road transport costs 37% more than rail, with nearly half of Tshipi Borwa mine’s export volumes still transported by truck. EBC Financial Group says expanding port capacity alone will not improve profitability unless rail access increases, lowering inland logistics costs and strengthening export competitiveness.

Africa Didn’t Cause This Energy Crisis. But It Often Pays the Highest Price

Africa continues to face the harshest consequences of global energy disruptions despite playing little role in causing them. In this opinion piece, Ben Ouattara, Head of Africa at Puma Energy, examines how higher fuel import costs, shipping disruptions, inflation and supply chain pressures are impacting African economies. He argues that strengthening energy resilience through diversified supply, strategic infrastructure, flexible policies and regional cooperation is essential to protecting economic growth from future global energy shocks.

Three Lessons from NAMPO About the Business of Farming in Africa

NAMPO Harvest Day highlighted three major trends shaping African agriculture: rising competition among suppliers, growing cross-border integration, and the impact of foreign currency challenges on farming businesses. Ray Van Rooyen of Absa Africa Regions explores how technology, finance, trade, and efficiency will define the future of farming across the continent.

Why African Investors Should Look Beyond the Ceasefire

The Middle East ceasefire has eased market tensions, but African investors should remain cautious. Cliff Bakashaba, Head of Investments at Jubilee Asset Management Limited, explains how geopolitical shocks continue to affect inflation, currencies, interest rates and investment performance across Africa. The article explores why long-term investors, insurers and asset managers must look beyond short-term market relief and focus on resilience, risk management and country-specific investment strategies.

China’s zero-tariff offer is a test of Africa’s export readiness

China’s new zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries could reshape Africa-China trade, but tariff-free access alone will not guarantee export success. The article examines whether African economies are prepared to meet China’s market demands through stronger logistics, standards compliance, value addition, and regional supply chains under AfCFTA. It argues that Africa’s long-term gains will depend on moving beyond raw commodity exports toward competitive, value-added production that can strengthen industrial growth, jobs, and trade resilience.

West Africa Infrastructure Expo and HVACR Nigeria draw over 2,800 industry professionals at inaugural editions in Lagos

West Africa Infrastructure Expo and HVACR Nigeria successfully concluded their inaugural editions in Lagos, attracting more than 2,800 industry professionals from across Nigeria’s infrastructure, construction, engineering and HVACR sectors. The events featured high-level discussions on infrastructure financing, smart project delivery, BIM and GIS integration, sustainability, and logistics development, while connecting global suppliers with key decision-makers. Organizers confirmed both events will return in April 2027 alongside the launch of the new West Africa Warehousing & Logistics Expo.