South Africa’s Ports Suffer Severe Congestion, Disrupting Trade Routes

South Africa's Ports Suffer Severe Congestion, Disrupting Trade Routes

Durban and Cape Town ports in South Africa are facing a deepening crisis as congestion reaches unprecedented levels, causing significant delays and disruptions to trade routes. Reports indicate that Durban harbour is currently grappling with thousands of stranded containers aboard ships, exacerbating the congestion problem.

Transnet, the State-owned entity responsible for managing the country’s ports, revealed that over 60 ships are currently anchored at the Port of Durban, and it could take anywhere between seven to 15 weeks to clear this backlog. Of the 63 ships destined for Durban, 20 are intended to dock at the Durban Container Terminals (DCT) Pier 1 and Pier 2.

Transnet has taken proactive measures to address the mounting backlog and alleviate the crisis. The company announced on Friday that it expects Pier 1 to clear the backlog within seven weeks using various initiatives, while Pier 2 is projected to take 15 weeks or less. However, the challenges are not limited to Durban alone, as delays have also been reported at the Cape Town Port due to issues within Transnet.

Business Live reports that Cape Town is experiencing delays of up to 14 days in unloading cargo from docked ships. The Danish shipping conglomerate Maersk has decided to remove Cape Town as a port of call, opting to utilise Mauritius instead. Under the new arrangement, all cargo destined for Cape Town will be transhipped in Port Louis, Mauritius, and then transported in smaller shipments to the Cape. Outgoing cargo from Cape Town will undergo the same process.

Maersk further announced that, beginning in the first week of December, the Far East-West Africa (FEW2, FEW3, and FEW6) routes will have updated rotations. Additionally, a new feeder service called Cape Town Express will be introduced, connected to the updated SAFARI service. These changes aim to enhance reliability and transit time, ensuring seamless connections between the Far East and West Africa.

The ongoing delays in Durban and Cape Town are expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming festive season. As the situation develops, stakeholders in the shipping industry and businesses reliant on efficient port operations are closely monitoring the situation for further updates.

Please note that this is a developing story, and additional information may emerge in the coming days.

 

Source: IOL

President Bola Tinubu Urges German Investment in Nigerian Economy’s Key Sectors

President Bola Tinubu Urges German Investment In Nigerian Economy's Key Sectors

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has called for German investment in critical areas of the Nigerian economy, particularly in the fields of electricity and rail transportation. The president made this request during a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Monday, outside the G20 Compact with Africa Economic Conference.

In a statement released by the president’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu emphasised the need for German investment in growth-enabling sectors such as transportation, energy, and the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power. He highlighted the importance of accelerating the implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative, backed by Siemens, which aims to address Nigeria’s power challenges.

Tinubu expressed his commitment to pursuing all aspects of the Siemens power project and emphasised the potential skill development opportunities for Nigerian youth in sustaining the industry. He also suggested that Siemens could contribute to Nigeria’s rail network by supplying cutting-edge trains and railroads, drawing inspiration from the company’s ongoing project in Egypt, where it is constructing a 2,000 km ultra-high-speed rail network spanning 60 towns.

In response, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his willingness to move forward with the investment proposals. However, he emphasised the importance of addressing financial and administrative obstacles resulting from governance issues within the sector.

During the meeting, Tinubu also raised the topic of value-added processing in Nigeria’s solid minerals, agriculture, automotive industry, and other job-generating sectors. He highlighted the potential for enhancing these sectors through German collaboration, further emphasising Nigeria’s commitment to economic growth and job creation.

The meeting between President Tinubu and Chancellor Scholz reflects the mutual interest in strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Germany. As discussions continue, both countries aim to explore avenues for collaboration and investment that will drive sustainable economic development and benefit the people of Nigeria.

This development marks an important step forward in attracting foreign investment and fostering partnerships to promote economic growth and address key challenges facing Nigeria’s infrastructure and industrial sectors.

President Ruto Explores Employment Opportunities for Kenyans in Germany, Strengthening International Labour Agreements

President Ruto Explores Employment Opportunities For Kenyans In Germany, Strengthening International Labour Agreements

President William Ruto is currently in Germany on a mission to explore employment opportunities for Kenyan citizens in the European nation. This initiative comes in response to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to Kenya in May, where he unveiled plans to welcome 250,000 Kenyan professionals, skilled laborers, and semi-skilled workers to address Germany’s significant labour needs.

Speaking to a congregation in Sotik, Bomet County, President Ruto highlighted the importance of international labour agreements and their role in combating the rising cost of living. He emphasized that youth employment is a crucial factor in achieving this goal and pledged to continue pursuing such agreements with various countries around the world.

President Ruto revealed that he is actively working with Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore to establish bilateral labour agreements that would enable Kenya to send 3,000 workers abroad every week. The objective is to generate income for the country’s transformation and provide opportunities for Kenyan citizens.

While the president did not provide a specific timeline for the deployment of Kenyan workers under these agreements, he expressed his commitment to the cause. Addressing critics who questioned his frequent foreign trips, President Ruto stated that his travels are not for tourism but rather to work tirelessly for the welfare of Kenyans. He reiterated his understanding of the reasons he was elected to office.

In addition to his efforts in Germany, President Ruto recently announced that he had secured agreements with prominent American tech giants, including Amazon, Intel, and Google, during his US-Kenya roadshow in September. These agreements are expected to create thousands of digital job opportunities for Kenyan youth, contributing to the country’s economic growth. However, specific details regarding the number of jobs pledged by each corporation were not disclosed.

President Ruto’s initiatives to explore employment opportunities in Germany and forge international labour agreements demonstrate his commitment to addressing unemployment and improving the livelihoods of Kenyan citizens. These efforts are expected to create avenues for Kenyans to showcase their skills and contribute to the economies of both Germany and Kenya.

 

Source: Capital News

Global Summit in Nairobi Concludes with Divisions on Plastic Pollution Treaty

Global Summit In Nairobi Concludes With Divisions On Plastic Pollution Treaty

A week-long summit held at the United Nations Environment headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on addressing the urgent issue of global plastic pollution, concluded on Sunday. With over 2,000 delegates in attendance, the discussions aimed to draft a binding treaty to combat the escalating problem of plastic pollution.

Last year, 175 countries committed to reaching a binding agreement by 2024 to address plastic pollution. The Nairobi meetings marked the third of five sessions planned to be completed by next year, with the goal of adopting the treaty in 2025.

However, as the summit came to a close, delegates remained divided on the substance of the treaty. Plastic pollution has become pervasive, affecting ecosystems from oceans to mountaintops, with production projected to triple by 2060. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) emphasized the need to focus on reducing plastic production rather than relying solely on recycling. They called for a 75% reduction in production by 2040. On the other hand, oil-producing countries and plastic industry lobbies, also represented at the summit, advocated for recycling and improved waste management.

UNEP executive director Inger Andersen stressed the importance of addressing the entire life cycle of plastics, from production to final disposal. She stated, “We cannot recycle our way out of this mess.” Nonetheless, a “low ambition coalition” composed of oil-producing nations such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain faced accusations from environmental groups of impeding progress in the negotiations.

Kenya, one of the 60 “high ambition” nations, called for binding rules to reduce plastic use and production. President William Ruto urged negotiators to make significant progress in the discussions, emphasizing the limited time remaining until the 2024 deadline and the importance of the upcoming meetings.

Following the conclusion of the Nairobi negotiations, the discussions will continue in April 2024 in Canada and conclude in South Korea later that year. The timing of these negotiations aligns with the upcoming COP 28 climate conference in the United Arab Emirates, which aims to address greenhouse gas emissions and support developing countries in dealing with the consequences of climate change.

The global summit in Nairobi highlighted the pressing need for a comprehensive and effective treaty to combat plastic pollution. While divisions remained on the approach to tackling the issue, the discussions served as a crucial platform for raising awareness and fostering international cooperation in finding solutions.

 

Source: Africa News

Air Peace Granted Approval for Direct Flights to Dubai as Emirates Airlines Plans Return to Nigeria

Air Peace Granted Approval For Direct Flights To Dubai As Emirates Airlines Plans Return To Nigeria

In a significant development for the aviation industry, the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has granted Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, the approval to operate direct flights to Dubai. The announcement was made by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, who revealed that Emirates Airlines, which had previously suspended operations to Nigeria due to challenges repatriating earned dollars, also expressed its readiness to resume direct flights to the country.

During the recently concluded Dubai Airshow, the management of Emirates Airlines confirmed its intention to reinstate flight services to Nigeria. This news comes as a boost to the Nigerian aviation sector, as it signals the return of a major international airline to the country.

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace’s Head of Press, Odutayo Oluseyi, issued a statement highlighting Minister Keyamo’s meeting with Airline Executive’s CEO, Dana Hatcic. Airline Executive expressed interest in establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria, demonstrating confidence in the country’s aviation industry.

Furthermore, Minister Keyamo expressed his vision for organizing the inaugural Nigeria Air Show in November 2024, making Nigeria the first African country to host such an event. This will provide a platform for showcasing the nation’s aviation capabilities and attracting global participation.

During his visit to the Dubai Airshow, Minister Keyamo also explored the pavilions of leading aviation and aerospace companies. His objective was to examine cutting-edge technologies and modern infrastructure that could contribute to his 5-Point Agenda for Nigeria’s aviation industry. The agenda focuses on enhancing infrastructure, promoting innovation, and fostering creativity in civil aviation.

The Dubai Airshow, held from November 13 to November 17, 2023, witnessed the participation of numerous industry specialists from around the world. It served as a gathering point for aviation and aerospace experts, facilitating networking and the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

The approval for Air Peace to operate direct flights to Dubai and the readiness of Emirates Airlines to return to Nigeria mark positive developments for both countries’ aviation sectors. These initiatives are expected to enhance connectivity, boost trade and tourism, and further strengthen bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria.

 

Source: Vanguard

Traffic Changes Implemented in Glasgow’s West End Following Urban Realm Improvements

Traffic Changes Implemented In Glasgow's West End Following Urban Realm Improvements

In response to the Byres Road and Church Street Urban Realm improvements, Traffic Scotland has confirmed several changes that will be implemented, aiming to enhance traffic flow and facilitate smoother transportation in Glasgow’s West End. These modifications are scheduled to take effect on Sunday, November 5, at 8 am.

One of the key changes involves Church Street, which will transition into a one-way operation, specifically southbound, spanning its entire length. Additionally, access from Dumbarton will no longer be permitted. To improve traffic management, new traffic signals will be installed at the junction of Dumbarton Road, Church Street, and Thurso Street.

Another alteration will take place on Torness Street, where the direction of travel will be reversed, shifting from westbound to eastbound. This adjustment aims to optimise traffic patterns and improve overall efficiency in the area.

Furthermore, a new right turn has been introduced on Byres Road, allowing vehicles travelling westbound on Dumbarton Road to make the turn onto Byres Road. This addition seeks to enhance accessibility and provide motorists with increased flexibility in their routes.

To assist drivers during the transition and ensure clarity, new direction signage will be strategically placed, helping them navigate the modified road layouts effectively.

The implementation of these traffic changes follows recent reports by the Glasgow Times, which highlighted the frustrations expressed by West End residents and business owners. They voiced their discontent after witnessing the unnecessary excavation and reconstruction of two pavements on Church Street, a mere three years after their initial completion.

The alterations made to the road infrastructure aim to address traffic concerns and improve overall transportation in the West End. By optimising traffic flow and providing clearer directions, these changes are expected to enhance the commuting experience for both residents and visitors to the area. Traffic Scotland remains committed to ongoing improvements and ensuring efficient road networks throughout Glasgow.

Militia Commander Arrested for Tourist Murders in Uganda Faces Charges for School Massacre

Militia Commander Arrested For Tourist Murders In Uganda Faces Charges For School Massacre

In a significant development, a militia commander belonging to the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) has been arrested for the brutal murder of two foreign tourists in Uganda. The commander, identified as Abdul Rashid Kyoto, also known as Njovu, now faces additional charges related to a school massacre that took place in June. This revelation was made by a Ugandan general on Friday, shedding light on the commander’s alleged involvement in multiple heinous acts.

The arrest of Kyoto and the demise of six other members of the commando group were announced by the Ugandan army on Thursday. These individuals were accused of carrying out the shocking killings of a British and a South African honeymooner, as well as their guide, in Queen Elizabeth Park on October 17.

The ADF rebels, known for their affiliation with the jihadist group Islamic State, have faced previous allegations by Ugandan authorities for their involvement in attacks. These include the assault on a school in Mpondwe on June 17, resulting in the tragic deaths of 42 people. Another attack occurred on October 28 in Kasindi, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), claiming the lives of four individuals, including two Ugandan soldiers.

General Dick Olum, who leads the anti-ADF operation in the DRC, emphasised the connection between these three attacks and Kyoto’s command. “It was the same Njovu, alias Abdul Rashid Kyoto, who commanded these attacks and the attack on the two tourists and their guide,” stated General Olum during an interview with AFP. He further revealed that substantial information regarding the ADF’s activities and the leaders behind these violent missions has been gathered.

The capture of Kyoto brings a sense of reassurance to both Ugandans and tourists alike, assuring them of ongoing operations aimed at ensuring safety and defeating the ADF. The murders of the two tourists in one of Uganda’s renowned parks had raised concerns within the tourism sector, which significantly contributes to the country’s GDP.

Originally a rebel group with a Muslim majority in Uganda, the ADF expanded its operations to the eastern part of the DRC during the 1990s. In 2019, they pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, which claims responsibility for certain actions conducted by the ADF and presents them as its “Central African Province” (Iscap).

The ADF has been accused of perpetrating massacres of thousands of civilians in the DRC in recent years, in addition to carrying out jihadist attacks on Ugandan soil. In response to these activities, a Ugandan court handed down sentences ranging from seven to ten years of imprisonment to seven individuals, including a 75-year-old man, for their involvement with the ADF. The convicts pleaded guilty to charges of belonging to a “terrorist organisation,” financing terrorism, and trafficking children for recruitment into the ADF. Disturbingly, one of them admitted to recruiting his own children into the ADF and committing acts of rape.

The arrest of the ADF militia commander, along with the prosecution of individuals linked to the group, represents a significant step in combating the threat posed by the ADF and safeguarding the security and well-being of Ugandans and visitors to the country.

 

Source: Africa News

Remains of Mudan Warriors to be Repatriated from Edinburgh University to Taiwan

In a significant step towards reconciliation, a militia commander responsible for the brutal murder of two foreign tourists in Uganda now faces charges related to a school massacre, according to a statement made by a Ugandan general on Friday.

The commander, identified as Abdul Rashid Kyoto, also known as Njovu, was apprehended on Tuesday, along with six other members of the commando group accused of carrying out the shocking killings of a British and a South African honeymooner, as well as their guide, in Queen Elizabeth Park on October 17. However, the revelations now connect Kyoto to a school massacre that took place in June, further highlighting the extent of his alleged crimes.

The ADF rebels, affiliated with the jihadist group Islamic State, have previously faced accusations from Ugandan authorities for their involvement in heinous attacks. These include an assault on a school in the western town of Mpondwe on June 17, resulting in the tragic loss of 42 lives. Another attack occurred on October 28 in Kasindi, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), claiming the lives of four individuals, including two Ugandan soldiers.

General Dick Olum, who leads the anti-ADF operation in the DRC, emphasised the correlation between these three attacks and Kyoto’s command. “It was the same Njovu, alias Abdul Rashid Kyoto, who commanded these attacks and the attack on the two tourists and their guide,” stated General Olum. He further expressed confidence in the wealth of information gathered on the ADF and the leaders responsible for orchestrating these violent acts.

The arrest of Kyoto is expected to bring a sense of reassurance to both Ugandans and tourists, underscoring the ongoing operations aimed at ensuring safety and defeating the ADF. The murders of the two tourists in one of Uganda’s renowned parks had raised concerns within the tourism sector, which significantly contributes to the country’s GDP.

The ADF, originally a rebel group with a Muslim majority in Uganda, expanded its operations to the eastern part of the DRC during the 1990s. In 2019, they pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, which claims responsibility for certain actions conducted by the ADF and presents them as its “Central African Province” (Iscap).

Efforts to address the threat posed by the ADF and provide justice for the victims have led to the recent sentencing of seven individuals in a Ugandan court. These individuals, including a 75-year-old man, pleaded guilty to charges of belonging to a “terrorist organisation,” financing terrorism, and trafficking children for recruitment into the ADF. Shockingly, one of them also admitted to recruiting his own children into the ADF and committing acts of rape.

The arrest of the ADF militia commander, along with the prosecution of individuals linked to the group, represents a significant step in combating the threat posed by the ADF and safeguarding the security and well-being of Ugandans and visitors to the country.

 

Source: Edinburgh Live

Rwanda President Kagame Declares Visa-Free Entry for All Africans

Rwanda President Kagame Declares Visa Free Entry For All Africans

In a groundbreaking announcement, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has revealed that the country will now allow visa-free entry for all African nationals. This progressive move aims to enhance the free movement of people and foster increased trade within the continent.

During his address at the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council, President Kagame expressed his belief that Africans hold the key to the future of global tourism. He stated, “Any African can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish, and they will not pay a thing to enter our country.”

Rwanda joins the ranks of Benin, Gambia, and Seychelles as the fourth African nation to implement such a policy. The announcement comes on the heels of Kenya’s President William Ruto’s recent declaration to permit visa-free travel for all Africans by December 31, further emphasizing the growing momentum towards open borders within the region.

President Ruto, speaking at an international summit in the Republic of Congo, highlighted the detrimental effects of visa restrictions on African countries. He emphasized that such limitations hinder the mobility of businesspeople and entrepreneurs, ultimately resulting in collective loss for the continent.

The decision by Rwanda and Kenya to open their doors to visa-free travel for Africans signifies a significant step towards fostering greater continental unity and economic integration. As more nations embrace this progressive approach, it is expected to pave the way for increased tourism, trade, and cultural exchange within Africa, ultimately benefiting the entire continent.

Meta Introduces Subscription Fees for European Users in Response to Data Privacy Regulations

Meta Introduces Subscription Fees For European Users In Response To Data Privacy Regulations

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is rolling out monthly subscription fees for users in Europe on its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram. This strategic move comes as a response to new European Union regulations aimed at curbing Meta’s data collection practices for personalised advertisements.

The subscription service, named Meta+, offers an ad-free experience on both platforms along with exclusive content. Pricing for the service is set at €9.99 ($10.60) per month for web users and €12.99 ($13.79) for mobile app users. Initially, a single subscription covers all linked accounts. However, starting from March 2024, additional accounts will incur an additional €6 ($6.37) monthly fee for web and €8 ($8.49) for mobile.

This step aligns with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which imposes requirements for user consent in personalised ad data processing. In July, the EU’s Court of Justice ruled that Meta had violated GDPR by transferring user data from Europe to the US without adequate protections. Consequently, Meta stopped using user data for personalised ads in Europe unless explicitly authorised by users.

Meta will continue to offer ad-supported versions of Facebook and Instagram in Europe. Users will have the choice to opt-in to receive personalised ads; otherwise, they will be presented with generic, non-targeted advertisements. Users will also have the flexibility to adjust their settings at any time to influence the types of ads they receive and the data used for targeting.

The subscription service will be launched in Europe in November 2023. Users can sign up for Meta+ either through their Facebook or Instagram accounts or via a dedicated website. Meta plans to closely evaluate user feedback and performance, with the possibility of expanding the subscription service to other regions in the future.