Liesl Venter

1 week ago | freightnews.co.za | Liesl Venter

Long hailed as Africa’s diamond darling and the poster child for fiscal prudence, Botswana is navigating a tricky transition. After years of riding high on natural diamonds, the sparkle is fading fast. Global shifts in demand – driven largely by the rise of synthetic stones, lingering reputational damage from the blood diamond era and changing trends in countries like China and India – have all hit Botswana hard. “Diamond prices have been declining,” said Duncan Bonnett, a partner at Africa House.

1 week ago | freightnews.co.za | Liesl Venter

As trade volumes surge across southern Africa, the need for harmonised policies and regional collaboration has never been more urgent – especially along key trade routes like the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC). The decision by Botswana in November 2024 to terminate the consolidation of cargo at its borders had a ripple effect across the corridor, triggering severe delays, heavy congestion and skyrocketing transport costs.

3 weeks ago | freightnews.co.za | Liesl Venter

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has outlined four strategic priorities to strengthen global ground handling operations: embedding safety into every aspect of the process, driving global standardisation, enhancing baggage operations and building a sustainable and inclusive future. “Ground handling is essential for aviation. It ensures safety and enables efficiency,” said Monika Mejstrikova, Iata’s director of ground operations.

3 weeks ago | freightnews.co.za | Liesl Venter |Ian Foster

Walvis Bay Stevedoring is stepping up its game with significant investments in equipment, workforce development and forward-thinking solutions. According to general manager Ian Foster, the growing activity at the Port of Walvis Bay – driven by rising cargo volumes and a diversification of freight – has prompted the company to adapt quickly to maintain its competitive edge.

1 month ago | freightnews.co.za | Liesl Venter

As Namibia moves closer to final investment decisions in its promising oil and gas sector, the urgency to fast-track infrastructure development in Lüderitz is growing. According to Nico Oberholzer, executive of iLogistics Lüderitz, the port infrastructure is currently under significant strain, with increased volumes of oil and gas cargo, bulk and infrastructure project cargoes.