Logistics

According to CFAO, the launch of the L200 marks a new standard for pickups in the region. (Image source: CFAO)

CFAO Mobility has launched the Mitsubishi L200 to Ghanaian market

The new vehicle was revealed in a dynamic ceremony having travelled through West Africa in a demonstration of its mastery of the local environment. The stunt saw the L200 travel through five different markets, with live events and test-driving experiences being conducted to provide customers with a first-hand experience.

At the heart of the Mitsubishi L200 is a 2.4L Turbo Diesel engine that delivers powerful acceleration and a responsive drive. It also boasts a Super Select 4WD-II system, offering drivers four selectable modes, including full-time 4WD. According to CFAO, the vehicle maintains stability and cornering performance regardless of wet surface or dry pavement.

Safety has also been prioritised through the Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing that provides advanced safety features. In terms of comfort, the interior features an easy-to-grip steering wheel, soft-to-touch door handles, and seats engineered for long-distance comfort.

“This is more than just a vehicle; it represents a bold step forward for CFAO Mobility Ghana and our ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge mobility solutions tailored for the Ghanaian market,” remarked managing director of CFAO Ghana, Adedamola Adelabu, in a speech read on his behalf by the finance director, Heritiana Randriamanantena. “As we all know, the pickup segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry in Ghana, and today, we are here to show you why the All-New Mitsubishi L200 is set to redefine this space.”

The wagons will arrive in weekly deliveries starting from this first delivery until 2026. (Image source: LAR)

The first batch of 275 new container wagons have arrived in Lobito, Angola, to strengthen the transport capacity of the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR)

Purchased from Galison Manufacturing in South Africa, the new 13.5 ton wagons boast a load capacity of up to 60.5 tons and are designed to each carry one 40-foot container or two 20-foot containers.

This investment comes part of LAR’s expansion and modernisation plan covering the next three years. The wagons include a modern pneumatic braking system and light steel structure to ensure safer and more efficient transport operations and, overall, will reinforce LAR’s ability to increase the volume and capacity of the railway in the coming years.

The wagons will arrive in weekly deliveries starting from this first delivery until 2026.

This announcement is but another demonstration of efforts to upgrade the regional rail infrastructure. Elsewhere, AFC signed agreements to construct 800 km of greenfield rail in relation to the Zambia Lobito Rail Project and Yapi Merkezi has won a contract to oversee the construction of the Malaba-Kampala Railway Project.

TransVerde Airlines is seeking US$15mn through a combination of equity and debt financing. (Image source: TransVerde Airlines)

According to TransVerde Airlines, the rapid growth in Cabo Verde’s tourist economy will be restricted without the introduction of a modernised airline service

Tourism to the state in West Africa has rebounded strongly since the pandemic, surpassing the record 2019 year by 23% in 2023 and reaching around one million visitors. This year, it appears the country is on course to achieve another record year with Cabo Verde passenger traffic increasing by 15.5% in July 2024 from July 2023.

While the reputation of the islands as a popular tourist destination continues to build, there are fears that this growth will be capped without an airline that is suitably equipped to meet the blossoming domestic and visitor demand.

Filling the transportation gap

To address this concern, TransVerde Airlines, a low-cost digitally-enabled airline start-up is exploring a US$15mn investment to revolutionise air travel across the islands of Caro Verde while extending its service to neighbouring countries.

“The passenger demand for Cabo Verde is a given. But growth is happening quickly and the islands need to be ready for change,” remarked Rui Lima, TransVerde Airlines founder and president. “Overtourism in other parts of the world is driving holidaymakers to new destinations, to discover the unknown, to find hidden gems and new experiences. Cabo Verde has a unique cultural heritage, serene beaches and climate which are very attractive.

“But we need to respond quickly – firstly, we need better transport infrastructure to get local people and employees around the islands to ensure a smooth transition of produce and workforce. The demand from travellers for local, community-sourced produce is high. There is no point in growing local food on one island if we cannot move it in good time to another – that will hamper the local economy and not allow our own resources to be utilised.

“We also need to get tourists moving around the islands. At the moment, the big operators send them in, they stay on one island and do not explore or fairly share their holiday spend. It’s not their fault, we don’t make it easy for them. But there is so much opportunity which we need to harness to better manage and distribute tourism’s value to the benefit of all local communities.”

The airline aims to offer passenger and cargo transport services with an initial focus on inter-island connectivity within the country. Specifically, the company has an initial goal to bridge the islands of Santiago, Sal, and São Vicente before expanding to include all of Cabo Verde and other West African countries.

Raul Zapico, project director, TransVerde Airlines, commented, “We’re in the process of securing our Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and excited to make the next step in connecting Cabo Verdeans with each other, seamlessly. With advise and support from Brookfield Aviation Finance, our next move is to secure funding to progress our inter-island travel strategy. With our fleet of three leased ATR-42/72 aircraft in the initial phase, we’re ready to take to the skies.”

The repowering of the retired locomotives is part of a significant railway refurbishment. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce, a developer of complex power and propulsion solutions, and SMH Rail (SMH), a leading engineering services provider from Malaysia, have repowered three Kenya Railways heavy haulage locomotives with 16V series 4000 mtu engines

The project by Kenya Railways is aimed at reviving locomotives that are more than 40 years old, returning them to service and providing a boost to the transportation of goods across the region. Supported by Rolls-Royce, it was carried out by SMH which conducted the broader refurbishment.

“With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), we are experiencing an increase in cross-border trade,” said Philip Mainga EBS, managing director of Kenya Railways Corporation. “By reviving this fleet, we are confident in our ability to meet the rising demand effectively, affordably and sustainably, contributing to the growth of our East African economy.”

According to Rolls-Royce, the mtu 4000 Series engines represent the pinnacle of its technology for high-performance and low-emission power systems. Designed to withstand demanding condition, the engines are known for their reliability, durability and fuel-efficiency and will deliver increased horsepower. The engines will enable the locomotives to handle heavier loads across the challenging landscapes and will enhance the overall efficiency of Kenya’s transport system.

“We are honoured to partner with SMH and Kenya Railways on this important, first-of-its-kind project that has already proven successful,” remarked Andreas Görtz, president business unit mobile & sustainable of Rolls-Royce Power Systems division. “By integrating our advanced mtu Series 4000 engines into these locomotives, we contribute to a more sustainable and efficient rail transport system in Kenya. This partnership is an excellent example of our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers.”

This announcement serves as another demonstration of the growing influence of Rolls-Royce within the region having just announced a new partnership to deliver advanced mtu power solutions across Tanzania. This development was explored by African Review through a dedicated Q&A in the November issue available here.