TRADE-WATCH
AFRICA
ISSUE 61 | JUNE 2016
ARE YOU READY? IMO CONTAINER WEIGHT RULES COME INTO FORCE JULY 1ST Full Story On Page 5
TRADE-WATCH
AFRICA
ISSUE 61 | JUNE 2016
Contents 03 | African Group News Are You Ready? IMO Container Weight Rules Come Into Force July 1st / CMA CGM Unveils Online VGM Submission Platform; Free, Easy To Use & Highly Visible / CMA CGM Strengthens FEMEX Service / CMA CGM Your Expert In Project Shipments / CMA CGM HO Hosts Dakar Port Delegation / Staff Decorated By The Ivorian Minister of Employment / CMA CGM Malawi Holds Customer Reception /CMA CGM Namibia Gets New Managing Director
09 | Pan Africa Special Africa Hub To Deliver Multibillion-Dollar Infrastructure Projects / International Freight Forwarders Group Focuses On African Logistics / ACP Leaders Summit Reviews Expiry Of Cotonou Agreement In 2020 / Investec To Manage US$670 Million Infrastructure Fund / AfDB Annual Meeting Sees New Transformation Agenda
13 | Western Africa Regional: Countries Bid As Hubs In China’s Billion-Dollar Silk Road Plan Angola: Weak Maritime Traffic Reduces Revenues At Lobito Port Benin: Terex Delivers Ten Reach Stackers To Cotonou Port Cameroon: Interim EPA - August Takeoff / Doula Port To Get 3rd Crane Cote d’Ivoire: Attracts US$15.4 Billion In Development Funding Ghana: Ghana Deepening Trade Relations With The Swiss Chamber / Ghana Targeting Trade With Russia / Single Window System To Save US$200 Million Annually / Takoradi Port Sees Rising Vessel Numbers / Tema Port Opens Bigger Capacity Bulk Cargo Jetty / GPHA To Relocate Container Devanning Yard At Tema / GPHA Wins Enterprise Award As Leader In Maritime Transport Industry Nigeria: NIMASA 3-Year Strategic Growth Plan / Sifax Obtains 5-Year Extension Of Tin Can Concession / Burutu Port to Be Destination for Mining, Agricultural Products Export Senegal/Gambia: Senegal Re-Opens Border Senegal: Customs Partners With CHAMP Cargosystems
21 | Eastern Africa Regional: Second Round Of LIFT Logistics Fund Djibouti: China To Construct Largest Free Trade Zone In Africa Kenya: Kenya-Korea Business Forum / Turkey, Kenya Targets US$1 Billion Trade Volume Mozambique: Dubai Chamber Opens Office In Maputo / Strengthens Transport Cooperation With Vietnam / Dredging Of Maputo Port / KOTUG Provide Port Towage Services With 2-Rotortugs Tanzania: Tanzania To Spend US$2 Billion On Transport & Construction In 2016-17 / Tanga Fair Calls To Stimulate Trade / TNPA Invests In Ngqura Port / Tanzania’s Tanga Port To Acquire New Equipment / Tanzania To Construct An Oil Import Facility To Replace Kurasini Jetty Somaliland: DP World Lands Deal To Manage Port Sudan: Implementation Of ECTN Postponed
27 | Southern Africa South Africa: New Customs Law / Industrial Policy Action Plan [IPAP 2016] / NRCS To Pilot New Product Authorisation System / Icasa, SABS Sign Standards MoU Over Electronics / Transnet Reorganises Executive Team / Moody’s Credit Rating A Boost For Transnet / Two More Tugs To Be Delivered To TNPA / ELB To Refurbish Tipplers At Port Elizabeth Manganese Terminal / TPT Appoints Ngqura Container Terminal Manager
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THE TRADE & TRANSPORT REPORT
CMA CGM Marseille Head Office
4, Quai d’Arenc 13235 Marseille cedex 02 France Tel : +33 (0)4 88 91 90 00 www.cma-cgm.com
Brought to you by CMA CGM Africa Marketing
Website: www.cma-cgm.com Email: lhv.marketing@cma-cgm.com Tweet: @CMA_CGM_Group
Rachel Bennett
Dominic Rawle
Disclaimer of Liability
The CMA CGM Group make every effort to provide and maintain usable, and timely information in this report. No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user’s purpose, of the information. Accordingly the CMA CGM Group denies any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of relying on any published information. Conclusions drawn from, or actions undertaken on the basis of, such data and information are the sole responsibility of the reader.
Events Diary June 2016 22-24
Water Africa and West Africa Building & Construction Ghana 2016 (Accra, Ghana)
27-29
5th International Conference on Agriculture & Horticulture (Cape Town, South Africa)
28-08
Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair 2016 (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
http://www.ace-events.com/
http://agriculture-horticulture.conferenceseries.com/
http://www.tantrade.or.tz/index.php
News Briefs Western Africa
Eastern & Southern Africa
ANGOLA -- Angolan engineering company União Engenharia e Comércio plans to invest US$65m for the construction of a power transmission tower factory.
ETHIOPIA -- Kefi Minerals has appointed Australian firm Lycopodium [replacing Sedgman] as the preferred engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor to build the process plant for the Tulu Kapi mine.
CAMEROON -- The Société Camerounaise des Dépôts Pétroliers (SCDP – Cameroonian Company of Oil Depots) is planning to extend its installations to the Bakassi peninsula. CAPE VERDE -- A delegation from the China-Africa Development Fund is in C. Verde to study opportunities for investment incl the Santa Maria tourism project which plans for the construction of major infrastructures of which an international conference center, a marina and a bridge. COTE D’IVOIRE -- African Export-Import Bank said it will provide as much as $1 billion in finance for cocoa and cashew projects to support the government’s industrialization program which aims to process locally 50% of cocoa and cashewnut production by 2020. MOROCCO -- The Addoha group has launched, through its subsidiary CIMAF, the construction of a new cement plant with an output capacity of 700,000T/yr. The plant in BoboDioulasso will cost €25m & completed in 18 months. NIGER -- Reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus at a poultry site in Niamey. H5N1 bird flu has spread across a number of West African countries in the past 2-years, hitting poultry farms.
KENYA -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye held talks & signed agreements with President Kenyatta during the recent Kenya-Korea Business Forum. SOUTH AFRICA -- Gibela has awarded the Trencon Black Jills JV the R400m contract to build the main site buildings at its Dunnottar train manufacturing plant. -- Hudaco Industries has acquired importer and distributor of branded stainless steel and plastic products for conveyors Brewtech for up to R70-million. TANZANIA/ZANZIBAR -- Kibo Mining and Australia-based Lake Victoria Gold to consolidate Imweru and Imwelo gold projects. Expected to sign a definitive agreement by June 30. ZAMBIA -- Shortlisted bidders, including NEON S.A.S./First Solar Inc and Enel Green Power SpA, to build 2x large-scale 50MW solar power plants. Zambia’s power shortfall has risen to 1,000 MW from 700 MW in November due to lower generation as water levels dropped over drought. ZIMBABWE -- Zimbabwe is to launch its Trade Information Portal later this month as a one-stop facility offering relevant information for engaging in trade and investment.
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CMA CGM
AFRICAN GROUP NEWS Are You Ready? IMO Container Weight Rules Come Into Force July 1st From July 1st 2016, the Verified Gross Mass [VGM] will be applied for improved container stowage onboard vessels to avoid incidents. The International Maritime Organisation [IMO] has adopted amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea convention [SOLAS] requiring every packed export container to have its weight verified before being loaded onto a ship. This regulation is intended to limit accidents caused by the wrongful disclosure of containers’ weight. Shippers need to ensure they are prepared for these new rules as they will be responsible for verifying container weights before loading. There are 2 acceptable methods of verifying weight: 1. The shipper may weigh or have a third party weigh the packed, sealed container. 2. The shipper may weigh or have a third party weigh all cargo items and all pallets, dunnage and other packing and securing material to be packed in the container, and add the tare mass of the container marked on the container to the sum of the masses of the container’s contents. Estimating and weighing methods depends on national regulations as issued by the relevant and competent authorities. Also under either method, the declaration of the verified weight must be signed and dated.
RESOURCES
World Shipping Council Factsheets & FAQ:
http://www.worldshipping.org/industry-issues/safety/WSC_Guidelines_for_Implementing_the_SOLAS_Container_Weight_Verification_Requirement.pdf http://www.worldshipping.org/industry-issues/safety/WSC_Summarizes_the_Basic_Elements_of_the_SOLAS_Container_Weight_Verification_Requirement___February_2015.pdf http://www.worldshipping.org/industry-issues/safety/faqs
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CMA CGM Unveils Online VGM Submission Platform Free, Easy To Use & Highly Visible To ensure visibility and a seamless transition when adapting to the new SOLAS regulation, CMA CGM has created a dedicated webpage to guide you through the new Verified Gross Mass [VGM] regulation. INFORMATION For comprehensive information about the procedures and methods to submit the VGM of your cargo you can: -- Visit the VGM webpage at https://www.cma-cgm.com/products-services/verified-gross-mass -- Download our VGM flyer available in 5-languages [English/French/Portuguese/Spanish/Chinese] If you have any questions please contact our team at ecustomersupport@cma-cgm.com The CMA CGM eBusiness platform is fully compliant to handle your VGM submission. This information is gathered, compiled and then shared with the terminals. VGM information can be submitted free along with your Shipping Instructions [SI] or through a separate submission.
BENEFITS OF CMA CGM’S ONLINE SUBMISSION TOOL -- No cost: All VGM submissions on our eBusiness platform are free. -- Visibility: Integrated visibility allows you to follow the SOLAS status of all your containers in a single view. -- Pre-filled forms: Available for shippers with booking / BL numbers, associated container numbers and tare. -- Online Verification: Data entered is automatically controlled and verified to limit the risk of rejections. We make sure that your entries are compatible with the tare weight and the allowed weight. The process also will also verify the match between the booking number and the containers. -- Mass submissions: By uploading an excel file you can register several VGM submissions at once. Additional Option: 3rd Party Portals In addition to our in-house electronic platform you can submit VGM through 3rd party portals* like INTTRA, CargoSmart and GT Nexus and also through Direct EDI connection only using our standard VERMAS format. E-Mail could be used in exceptional circumstances. *Use of 3rd party portals would be purely defined by their respective terms and conditions, including pricing requirements, if any. 4
CMA CGM
AFRICAN GROUP NEWS CMA CGM Strengthens FEMEX Service
Direct Connections From Morocco To Northern Europe Calls to both Casablanca and Le Havre have been added to the FEMEX [French Europe Med Express] rotation strengthening our Moroccan service coverage. A total of 5-ships will be deployed with a capacity ranging between 2,800-3,500 TEUs. Morocco will now be directly connected to the major ports of North Europe with transit times among the best on the market: Casablanca will be connected from Antwerp in just 6 days and only 4 days from Le Havre. We can also offer a direct connection from Morocco to Hamburg.
For more information please see http://www.cma-cgm.com/productsservices/line-services/flyer/FEMEX1
CMA CGM Your Expert In Project Shipments XXL Industrial Parts Moved On WAX Line
The CMA CGM Turquoise, deployed on the Group’s WAX line, loaded in Pusan, South Korea, 125 tons of industrial parts destined for Tincan port in Lagos, Nigeria. Transported by barge to the Korean port, the 8m high parts were manufactured by Samsung Heavy Industries and will be used in offshore oil platforms in Nigeria. The operational teams in Pusan [Jong-Kab Kim and Danny Jeong] and the WAX line teams [Dammika Delgahagoda and Visuvanathan Manickam] under the supervision of the XXL Cargo Asia Department in Shanghai [Captain Mike Liu and Jacky Wang, led by Ugo Vincent, Deputy Vice President] all contributed to the success of the operation. This shipping is expected to arrive on July 10th in Nigeria.
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CMA CGM HO Hosts Dakar Port Delegation The General Manager of the Autonomous Port of Dakar [PAD], Dr. Cheikh Kante, recently visited the CMA CGM Head Office in Marseilles, France, accompanied by a small delegation from the maritime sector. This visit allowed for a working session in the presence of Philippe Barreau, General Manager of CMA CGM Senegal. Discussions focused on the development of a multi-services logistics platform in Dakar, adjacent to the port. Dr. Kante also visited the CMA CGM Fleet Center and was impressed by the CMA CGM Academy, an in-house university. During the visit he discussed a possible partnership for the training of Senegalese port pilots.
Staff Decorated By The Ivorian Minister of Employment On April 21, 23 employees of CMA CGM Ivory Coast received a Medal of Work from the Ivorian Minister of Employment and Social Protection, Mr. Moussa Dosso. They were rewarded for their achievements at a ceremony held on the premises of the Group in Abidjan, in the presence of Pierre HĂŠry, General Manager. 6
CMA CGM
AFRICAN GROUP NEWS CMA CGM Malawi Holds Customer Reception On June 1, Karl Chokotho, General Manager CMA CGM Malawi and his sales teams gathered 100 customers and representatives of regional ports and customs authorities in Lilongwe, Malawi for a cocktail reception. This event was an opportunity to strengthen CMA CGM’s reputation in Malawi and connect its customers and sales teams. CMA CGM is the first maritime carrier in landlocked Malawi. Its 10 employees are divided into 2 agencies: Lilongwe, the capital, and Blantyre in the South of the country. CMA CGM offers in-land solutions from 4-coastal ports in Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa linking Malawi by both rail and road options.
Dar Es Salaam For local contacts in Malawi please see: http://www.cma-cgm.com/local/MW-333/officescontacts
Lilongwe
Nacala
Blantyre
Beira
For information on our inland services please see: http://www.cma-cgm.com/products-services/ multimodal-solutions/africa
Durban
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CMA CGM Namibia Gets New Managing Director Hinelder Ferreira has been appointed as the new Managing Director of CMA CGM Namibia. He will be located in our Walvis Bay office replacing Florian Nittscher who has left the Group. Hinelder was previously based at CMA CGM Mozambique as the Branch Manager in Nacala. CMA CGM links Walvis Bay to all global destinations on its MIDAS and three WAX services: WAX, WAX 2 and WAX 3. We also offer inland solutions using our Combined Transport Bill Of Lading [CTBL] service for comprehensive door-to-door services and tailor-made inland solutions.
Oshikango
Otjikoto
Otjiwarongo
Walvis Bay
Windhoek
For local contacts in Namibia please see: http://www.cma-cgm.com/local/NA-342/officescontacts
MIDAS: http://www.cma-cgm.com/ products-services/line-services/flyer/ MIDASGR
WAX: http://www.cma-cgm.com/ products-services/line-services/ flyer/WAX
WAX2: http://www.cma-cgm.com/ products-services/line-services/flyer/ NWAX2
WAX3: http://www.cma-cgm.com/ products-services/line-services/flyer/ NWAX3
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PAN AFRICA
TRADE Special Africa Hub To Deliver Multibillion-Dollar Infrastructure Projects The formation of a special hub to drive multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment was announced at the World Economic Forum [WEF] on Africa meeting in Kigali, Rwanda in May. The Sustainable Development Investment Partnership [SDIP] announced the creation of a dedicated African hub which will play a role in ensuring that 16 African infrastructure projects with a combined worth of over US$20-billion will come to life. The SDIP has set a goal of delivering US$100 billion in infrastructure projects within the next 5-years bringing together African and global private- and public-sector organisations. Worldwide, SDIP has reviewed projects representing $30-billion in value, over half of which were located in Africa. The SDIP Africa Hub is an important first step to accelerate the engagement of SDIP members on the continent.
[Engineering News 11/05/16]
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SDIP -- Initiative hosted by WEF and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD] -- Started in September 2015 -- Initial membership of 20 institutions has grown to 30 including: Development Bank of South Africa [DBSA], Senegal Strategic Investment Fund [FONSIS], Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, US Agency for International Development [USAID], and the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa [IDC]. -- Mobilises funding for African infrastructure projects to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals “through blended finance, an innovative approach to development finance that combines funding from private investors and lenders, governments and philanthropic funds.
International Freight Forwarders Group Focuses On African Logistics FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations has provided a ‘roadmap’ for African logistics policy makers as it sees signs of growth and political shifts on the continent. The trade organisation is calling for a ‘One Trade Facilitation System’ across all African countries to eradicate delays, bottle-necks and excessive costs. Given the complexity of African politics and the number of individual states this is an ambitious target. FIATA and its 23 national associations represent over 1,300 enterprises across Africa and have put forth a coordinated position which stresses 4 main points: -----
The need for holistic policy formulation by African Union members The benefit of coordinated regional policy implementation The greater influence that regional bodies can achieve The importance of private sector input.
[Handy Shipping Guide 18/05/16]
ACP Leaders Summit Reviews Expiry Of Cotonou Agreement In 2020 Leaders from the 79 member nations of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific [ACP] deliberated on 2-key documents that will determine the future of the group when the partnership between the ACP and the European Union [EU] under Cotonou agreement will end in 4-years’ time. Key issues discussed at the leader’s summit included the Port Moresby Declaration which looks at the operational issues of ACP Group moving forward in terms of its political structure and the operation of the Secretariat and the Waigani Communiqué where Ministers have the opportunity to look at and discuss what will be the future perspectives of the ACP Group come 2020. The meeting was held under the theme, ‘Repositioning the ACP Group to address the challenges of Sustainable Development.’ Leaders focused on 3-main areas: -- Equitable and sustainable development for ACP peoples -- Enhancing the role of the ACP Group in global governance for development -- Peace, security and political stability as a prerequisite for development. Discussions took into consideration recent key international developments, including 2030 development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs], issues of migration, climate change and the fight against terrorism.
[One 30/05/16]
Investec To Manage US$670 Million Infrastructure Fund Investec Asset Management has been appointed to manage the US$670 million Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund [EAIF], a Public-Private Partnership [PPP] lead by the governments of the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland. EAIF was developed to mobilise capital into private sector infrastructure projects across sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2002, the Fund has committed over US$1.2 billion to 63 projects in 19 countries. As one of the largest third party investors in private equity, credit, public equity and sovereign debt across the African continent, Investec Asset Management will integrate the Fund and its existing team into its African investment platform which includes over 73 Africa-focused investment professionals. Of its total US$109 billion asset under management, the firm manages investments in Africa worth US$30 billion.
[This Day 11/05/16]
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PAN AFRICA
TRADE
AfDB Annual Meeting Sees New Transformation Agenda The 51st Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank [AfDB] Group was held on May 23-27th in Zambia on the theme “Energy and Climate Change”. Addressing a huge gathering of heads of state, ministers, business corporates, civil society and the media in Lusaka, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina said that the Bank has raised its level of aspiration for Africa through its High 5 development priorities: Light up and Power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialize Africa; Integrate Africa; and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. All have received overwhelming support from the intuition’s stakeholders across the Board. The greatest hindrance to Africa’s growth and development is lack of finance and electricity: AfDB To Expand Trade Finance Portfolio Across Continent The African Development Bank [AfDB] is planning to expand its trade finance products across the continent in the coming years as it seeks to bridge the existing funding gap to support trade transactions. This would help address critical market demand for trade finance in Africa by providing support for trade in vital economic sectors such as agribusiness and manufacturing. Currently, Africa faces a funding gap of approximately US$120 billion in trade finance. The Trade Finance Operations of the AfDB has submitted a proposal to the Bank’s Board of Directors to at least double funding to facilitate trade finance. Such trade finance and financial intermediation helps firms to manage risks inherent in international transactions, improve their liquidity and enable them to optimally invest to enhance their growth. Constraints In Meeting Trade Finance -- Limited US dollar availability -- Insufficient limits with confirming banks for confirming letters of credit [LoC] -- Small capital bases which constrain ability to obtain adequate trade limits from international confirming banks and to undertake sizeable transactions -- Limited access to quality data to facilitate trade finance transactions: size of market, variations across sub-regions, scale of financing gap, trade finance devoted to intra-African trade, relative importance of on-balance sheet versus off-balance sheet financing, and constraints faced by banks. Transformative Partnership On Energy Launched The Bank launched the Transformative Partnership on Energy for Africa, a partnership-driven effort with the aspirational goal of achieving universal access to energy in Africa by 2025. Co-developers include: the African Union, the Africa Progress Panel, NEPAD, President Obama’s Power Africa initiative, the World Bank, and Sustainable Energy for All, African Energy Leaders Group, the European Union, the UK Government, China, France, Germany, Scandinavian countries, Japan, Korea, India, the private sector and others.
[AfDB 26/05/16]
RESOURCES
New Deal on Energy: http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Generic-Documents/Brochure_New_Deal_2_red.pdf
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“
Africa must think big, act big and deliver big. We must never show low ambitions for Africa.
�
President Akinwumi Adesina, African Development Bank Group
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WESTERN AFRICA
ECOWAS, TRADE & TRANSPORT
Regional Countries Bid As Hubs In China’s Billion-Dollar Silk Road Plan Togo president Faure Gnassingbe was in China for a state visit at the invitation of his counterpart, president Xi Jinping. Gnassingbe was accompanied by a 30-strong delegation of businessmen who took part in an economic forum dedicated to Togo. Togo wants to place itself as the West African staging point for China’s Silk Road initiative, as countries on the continent begin to warm up to the Asian giant’s plan to be a major geopolitical player. China has for the last decade been highly visible in building Togolese infrastructure from roads and rail to ports, and Gnassingbe said he wanted to further strengthen the bilateral relationship. Togo is hoping to develop a corridor that will help improve the competitiveness of its economy and make it the logistics hub for West Africa, and which would make it attractive to China’s Silk Road project. A study of the Silk Road as planned shows it is thin on the continent’s western seaboard and in northern Africa, and countries there have been keen from the outset to angle for a piece of the plan. In his speech at a recent megaeconomic conference in Yaounde, Cameroon President Biya billed his country’s strategic position at the crossroads between West and Central Africa, in addition to its coastline in his pitch to investors, who also included Chinese representatives. Cameroon’s new deep-water Kribi port is being built by China. 13
There are at least 5-ports on Africa’s western coastline that have some form of Chinese involvement and which are considered strategic by Beijing, according to the plan. These include those in Tunisia, Senegal, Gabon and Ghana.
[Xinhua 29/05/16]
Cameroon Interim EPA - August Takeoff Cameroon is set to enter a decisive trade deal with the European Union on August 4th 2016. This follows the ratification of the agreement by Cameroon of an interim agreement which provides a sustainable guarantee of free access to European market for any product originating from Cameroon. This will foster trade and the diversification of Cameroon’s economic activities. The Committee in charge of the implementation of the ‘Bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement’ met in its 13th session on June 6th 2016, to endorse the rules of origin prior to the entry into force on August 4th 2016, of the interim EPA between Cameroon and the EU. In Central Africa, Cameroon is the EU’s leading trade partner and this concerns both the country’s imports [35%] and exports [46%]. The EU’s main exports to Cameroon are industrial goods, vehicles, chemical products and medicines. Cameroon’s main exports to the EU are petroleum products, aluminium, wood and agricultural products. Agricultural exports are varied and include raw products [cocoa, coffee, banana, rubber] and processed products [cocoa-based products, processed fruit and vegetable products].
[Cameroon Tribune 06/06/16]
Cote d’Ivoire Attracts US$15.4 Billion In Development Funding Cote d’Ivoire received more than US$15 billion in pledges from donors and lenders to fund its 5-year development plan, almost double the amount it sought at a Paris meeting that showcased the world’s top cocoa grower as an investors’ favourite in Africa. Cote d’Ivoire wanted to secure US$8.8 billion in pledges to fund part of a US$60 billion investment plan for 2016-2020. Such high level of pledges showed the full support of the international community for its policies. The nation wants to be among the top 50 in the World Bank’s global ranking of nations with a favourable business climate by 2020.
[Mail 19/05/16]
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WESTERN AFRICA
ECOWAS, TRADE & TRANSPORT Ghana Ghana Deepening Trade Relations With The Swiss Chamber At a business meeting of the Swiss-Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce, the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana called for more value addition to products being exported to Switzerland to increase the foreign exchange earned by Ghana. The volume of trade between Switzerland and Ghana hit US$1.8 billion in 2014 and has been rising since. Ghana is Switzerland’s second most important trade partner in sub-Saharan Africa having overtaken Nigeria. The goal, however, is to see trade between the two countries grow with value addition for products that are exported from Ghana to Switzerland. The Swiss-Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce provides a professional environment for business people who are or wish to become a part of the Ghanaian-Swiss business community. Its purpose is to promote trade and economic contact between Ghana and Switzerland by providing a forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience between industrial, commercial and service enterprises in both countries. The trade balance between Ghana and Switzerland is largely in favour of Ghana as half of the cocoa used to produce chocolate in Switzerland comes from Ghana as well as fruits such as pineapple. In 2014, Switzerland had a volume of trade with Ghana amounting to 1,717.6 million Swiss Franc [1,585.4 million Swiss franc in imports, 32.2 million Swiss franc in exports].
[Citi97.3 FM 04/06/16]
Ghana Targeting Trade With Russia The Ghana mission in Russia and the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry have hosted a Ghana-Russia business forum with the aim of attracting Russian industrial and commercial players to invest in Ghana. Markets in both countries still remain largely untapped and unexploited. In 2015, bilateral trade increased by 32% compared to 2014 amounting to US$216 million.
[News Ghana 31/05/16]
15
Nigeria NIMASA 3-Year Strategic Growth Plan The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA] has expressed its commitment to move the sector forward through a 3-year maritime growth strategy that will run from 2016-19. A stakeholder’s forum was held in Lagos tagged: “Repositioning the Maritime Sector for Greater Impact” to chart a new roadmap for the development of the industry. The Agency is in the process of structural, cultural and performance reforms.
[Guardian 18/05/16]
Senegal/Gambia Senegal Re-Opens Border After months of stalemate talks the Senegal-Gambia border has now re-opened. Three months ago, the border was closed when Senegalese drivers decided to boycott passing through The Gambia following President Jammeh’s unilateral decision to increase the tariffs from CFA 4000 to CFA 40,000 francs. The Senegalese drivers decided to detour through Tambacounda to reach the Senegalese southern region of Cassamance. Several attempts were made over the past months to negotiate. Finally on May 15th, both countries agreed to meeting in Dakar, Senegal. After hours of discussion the Senegalese delegation led by Foreign Minister Mankeur Ndiaye laid several points that it said must be agreed upon by The Gambia before any negotiation and/or reopening its side of the border takes place. Several points were outlaid but key among them was the building of a bridge at Farrefenni [Bambatendea-Yellitenda] ferry crossing. The reopening of the border follows an undertaking made by the Gambian President to commence the construction of the bridge. Senegal is now convinced that Jammeh will this time around honor his part of the bargain by constructing long awaited bridge. Gambian Foreign Affairs Minister Neneh MacdouallGaye and his Senegalese Mankeur Ndiaye endorsed a communique reiterating both countries’ resolve to reach a framework agreement.
[Allafrica 05/06/16]
Senegal Customs Partners With CHAMP Cargosystems CHAMP Cargosystems S.A. and Senegal Customs are to implement Advance Electronic Information for air cargo shipments for Senegal. Advance Electronic Information will give better visibility, reduce clearance time for shipments and increase security. The aim is to start the mandatory pilot phase as of June 1st and then go live by September 1st. As part of the agreement, CHAMP has performed a comprehensive analysis into Senegal’s Customs requirements, a gap analysis and together with Senegal Customs helped defining the specifications for WCO world format XML schema.
[AJOT 01/06/16]
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WESTERN AFRICA
PORTS Angola
Weak Maritime Traffic Reduces Revenues At Lobito Port Due to the economic crisis of low oil prices in the international market, the number of ships calling at Lobito has fallen from 50 vessels just 3-years ago to the current 25. Regarding the collection of Customs revenue a new merchant marine law seeks to remedy the drop in collections. This legal instrument hopes to provide mechanisms for collection of more revenues, through increased surveillance, fines and collection of fees as well as statistical collection and search and rescue. The draft regulation is to be submitted to the Maritime Port Institute of Angola [IMPA] for its assessment and approval.
[All Africa 15/05/16]
Benin Terex Delivers Ten Reach Stackers To Cotonou Port Terex Port Solutions [TPS] has delivered 10-new reach stackers to the terminal operated by Société Béninoise des Manutentions Portuaires [SOBEMAP] at the Port of Cotonou in Benin. The new units, which can stack up to 5-high-cube containers [9‘6‘‘] in the first row, have a maximum load capacity of 45T. The new TFC 45 H reach stackers will join 8-units of the same range already operated by the company, 4-owned and 4-rented, which were acquired between 2006 and 2008. SOBEMAP, which is responsible for all handling operations at Cotonou port, ordered the reach stackers, which have a wheelbase of 6,000 mm, via the TPS distributor SOLOMAT based in Marseille, France.
[Container Management 18/05/16]
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Cameroon Doula Port To Get 3rd Crane The Douala International Terminal [DIT], a company owned by the BollorĂŠ group in partnership with APMT and Maersk, has announced that during 2016-2017 the acquisition of a 3rd dockside gantry crane for the Douala container terminal. The unit, built in China by ZPMC, will be in operation by Q1 2017.
[Business in Cameroon 20/05/16]
Ghana Single Window System To Save US$200 Million Annually Ghana expects to make annual savings of about US$200 million with the establishment of the single window system at national ports. The National Single Window system has begun yielding positive results, as the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority exceeded its revenue target for last year, following significant improvement in the processes at the port. A Single Window is built on the concept of a one-stop shop for the exchange of information between traders and government agencies, thereby reducing the complexity, time and costs involved in international trade. With the move Customs is now able to process 500 Customs Classification and Valuation Report [CCVR] per day compared to 200 Final Classification and Valuation Report [FCVR] in the past. There has been considerable improvement in the turnaround time as documents are processed within 48 hours as opposed to between 5-10 days under the previous regime of the Destination Inspection Companies. The National Single Window was initiated in 2015 by government to among others facilitate the harmonisation of trade processes within the various agencies to ensure smooth import and export business It allows Ghanaian importers and exporters to electronically lodge their documents, including customs declarations, certificates of origin, invoices at a single location to be accessed by all regulatory and trade agencies, instead of sending copies of the same documents to different agencies. It also provides the necessary technical and administrative support for Customs to take over the pre arrival classification and valuation process for import and export. The Pre-Arrival Assessment Reporting System [PAARS] has significantly reduced the time and cost of doing cross border trade in Ghana. Previously, it took an average of 2-weeks for trade documents to be processed. Implementation of PAARS cut processing time for complaint cases to 2-days and in some cases 2-hours. It allows the various institutions, including the Foods and Drugs Authority [FDA], Ghana Standards Authority [GSA], involved in trade and transport to lodge standardized information and documents with a single entry point to fulfil all import, export and transit related regulatory requirements. The goal is to enhance Ghana’s trade competitiveness by 50% within the next 5-years and make savings of US$200million annually.
[GNA 16/05/16]
18
WESTERN AFRICA
PORTS Ghana
Takoradi Port Sees Rising Vessel Numbers Since the oil discovery in Ghana, Takoradi Port is recording more vessel calls than Tema Port, providing a rationale for the ongoing â‚Ź357million-dollar expansion project there. The port recorded 1,525 vessel calls in 2015 as against 1,514 calls at Tema, due mainly to the increasing number of vessels servicing the oil and gas industry. For Q1 2016, 391 vessels called at Takoradi against 315 in 2015, with 61% being offshore related. Before the discovery of oil in 2007, the port recorded between 500 and 600 vessels annually, made up of mostly commercial vessels. With the TEN project coming on-stream, even more vessels are expected to call at the port for supplies to offshore Cape Three Points to facilitate operations. An expansion project has been underway since November 2014 to reclaim some 53-ha so that the port can handle larger vessels and about 100,000 MT of cargo. The project involves dredging, extension of the breakwaters, constructing of a new oil and gas jetty, and bulk container terminals. Strategic projects have been initiated including the installation of a 1,020 cu.m/dy capacity desalination plant, dredging of the Viking berth, a Marine Gas Oil [MGO] gas tank farm, 26,000 m2 freight storage area, Subsea7 fabrication yard, 10,000 m2 General Electric [GE] fabrication yard and storage area, among others. The port also recorded some increases in cargo handling in Q1 2016 compared to the same period 2015. Imports rose 18% as a result of increases in the volumes of ammonium nitrate, wheat and clinker. Exports also recorded a 52% increase as a result of increases in cocoa beans, bauxite and manganese exports, while transit traffic recorded a 168% increase due to traffic to neighbouring Burkina Faso. [Ghanaweb 16/05/16]
Tema Port Opens Bigger Capacity Bulk Cargo Jetty A new bulk cargo jetty built at the Tema port has become operational this month. The jetty, which comes with adequate berthing space and an 8.6m draft, will offer an attractive solution to terminal operators and further prevent bulk cargo vessels from staying on anchorage for longer periods as a result of inadequate space. The facility, financed by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) at a cost of US$132 million, offers capacity to hold 4-larger vessels increasing the port’s vessel berthing capacity from 12 to 16. The new jetty comes with adequate handling space for importers who source raw materials such as wheat, clinker, coal and ammonium nitrate from the European and Asian markets.
[Graphic 07/06/16]
GPHA To Relocate Container Devanning Yard At Tema The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] will relocate the container devanning [unstuffing] yard, the Golden Jubilee Terminal [GJT], from its present location along the Harbour-Tema Community three stretch to Kpone in the Kpone-Katamanso District in the Greater Accra Region. The new GJT project, which would also commence alongside the Tema Port expansion project expected to take off at the end of July 2016, would be financed with a US$135 million credit facility from the Canadian Commercial Cooperation [CCC].
[Graphic Online 06/06/16]
GPHA Wins Enterprise Award As Leader In Maritime Transport Industry The Europe Business Assembly [EBA], an international corporation for the evolution and implementation of economic and social development has awarded the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority [GPHA] the best enterprise award for being a leader of the maritime transport industry in Africa.
[News Ghana 18/05/16]
19
Nigeria Sifax Obtains 5-Year Extension Of Tin Can Concession The Nigerian Sifax Group has been awarded a 5-year extension of its 10-year concession to operate Terminal-C at Lagos-Tincan Island port. The terminal is operated by Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited [PCHS], a subsidiary of Sifax, which leases the piers from the Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA]. In 2006 Sifa was declared the preferred bidder for Terminal C which consists of berths 6, 7 and 8 for the initial 10-year period. Over that time it has invested heavily in the terminal adding 6-large mobile ship-to-shore cranes for container handling and 10-storage yard RTGs. Upgrades ranged from reinforcements of ground and holding areas to pier renovations and the construction of gate houses, mechanical workshop and warehouses. Further to this, PCHS increased the number of available ground slots from 5,000 TEU to 16,000 TEU. Terminal C offers 795m of pier space and a depth of 12m. It is located adjacent to TICT [the Tincan Island Container Terminal and berths Tincan East 2, 3, 4 and 5. Lagos Port, including Tincan and Apapa, handled a total container volume of 1.54 million TEU last year, down from 1.84 in 2014.
[Alphaliner 24/05/16]
Burutu Port to Be Destination for Mining, Agricultural Products Export An indigenous firm, Akewa Global Services, AGS, concessionaires of Buturu port in Delta state, have received provisional approval from Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] and National Inland Waterways Authority [NIWA] to operate as port of destination for the export of mining and agricultural products. Chairman of AGS, Kenneth Donye, noted the company is still in discussion with the government agencies but expressed confidence that the firm will get the nod before the first half of the year. One challenge for an effective take off is the shallow nature of the channel leading to the port. AGS is working on the possibility of dredging the port channel on a Public, Private Partnership [PPP] noting that no agreement has been signed yet.
[Vanguard 03/06/16]
20
EASTERN AFRICA
EAC, COMESA & TRADE Regional Second Round Of LIFT Logistics Fund The second round of Challenge Fund support for innovators working in the logistics and transport sector was launched recently with a financing mechanism in the range of US$16 million. The Logistics Innovation for Trade [LIFT] Challenge Fund, which is a grant-based financial mechanism, supports innovators with good ideas for products or services that can reduce the costs of transport and logistics in East Africa. LIFT will provide grants ranging from US$150,000 to US$1 million to winning proposals from innovators from across the world whose project ideas will be implemented in the East African Community [EAC].
[EA Business Week 28/05/16]
Djibouti China To Construct Largest Free Trade Zone In Africa China has set its sights on constructing the largest free trade zone in the Horn of Africa. According to Finance Minister, Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, China plans to set up a 6 km2 zone in Djibouti to re-invigorate industries in the region and to stimulate China’s presence in Africa and the Red Sea regions. The Free Trade Agreement [FTA] between Djibouti and China embraces catalyzing custom affairs, monitoring and using international standards at shipment checkpoints, and producing some Chinese goods in the country. As of December 2014, China has owned a share in the construction of the Port of Djibouti, located at the intersection of one of the busiest shipping routes in the world that links Europe, the Far East, the Horn of Africa and the Persian Gulf. China will provide primary funding of over 90% of the project, while other investors will fund the balance. China is an important economic partner for Djibouti, providing funding for several major projects, including for the construction of a railway between Djibouti and Ethiopia.
[Footprint To Africa 28/05/16]
21
Kenya Kenya-Korea Business Forum South Korean President Park Geun-hye held talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta during the Kenya-Korea Business Forum and witnessed the signing of various agreements. The event, held from 28-31 May, was organized by The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry [KNCCI] in collaboration with Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry [KCCI], Korea Trade Investment Agency [KOTRA] and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade [Kenya]. During the forum Uhuru invited more Korean companies to set up businesses in Kenya, and welcomed more partnerships in the construction of roads, pipelines and ports. More than 150 Korean and 100 Kenyan businessman attended the meeting. [Star 01/06/16]
Turkey, Kenya Targets US$1 Billion Trade Volume Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta held a joint press conference in Nairobi, the second stop on Turkey’s 2-nation East African tour. Erdoğan said that Turkey and Kenya aim to raise the volume of trade from the outstanding US$144 million to US$1 billion a year. Although Turkey is currently not among Kenya’s major trade partners, trade volumes have tripled over the last 10 years, from US$52 million in 2005 to more than US$144 million in 2015. Turkey’s exports to Kenya in 2015 totaled more than US$130 million. The top 5-export categories for 2015 were hygienic products, some motor vehicle parts and tractors. Turkey imported goods from Kenya worth more than US$10 million, ranging from coffee to crude animal and vegetables. Erdoğan was accompanied by a committee of 135 business people who held sectoral meetings with counterparts in trade, energy, healthcare, education, infra/super-structure projects and transport. Turkey has given full support to eliminating barriers of trade that prevent the fostering of business relations. Agreements on double taxation and preferential trade, which aims to eliminate the biggest hardships in conducting business, will be concluded in August through the visit of Kenyatta to Turkey. The Turkish Export-Import Bank [Eximbank] will also provide business people with the necessary credit and incentives to invest, in the East African region and in Kenya specifically.
[Daily Sabah 02/06/16]
Mozambique Dubai Chamber Opens Office In Maputo Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has opened its 3rd international office in Maputo. This move is part of the chamber’s strategy to reach out to the African markets and to promote the Dubai business community globally. The new office will provide a window for UAE companies wishing to explore investment opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa markets. The move follows the chamber’s trade mission to South Africa and Mozambique, which included a delegation of Dubai’s most prominent businessmen and decision makers from key economic sectors. Dubai’s non-oil trade with Mozambique in 2015 amounted to US$200 million.
[African Review 09/05/16]
Strengthens Transport Cooperation With Vietnam Mozambique and Vietnam agreed to strengthen cooperation in the transport sector. The agreement came after a meeting in Hanoi, between Mozambican Transport Minister Carlos Mesquita and his Vietnamese counterpart Truong Quang Nghia. The Mozambican government has defined the development of transport infrastructure as one of the four important areas necessary for sustainable growth. Mesquita requested that Vietnam assists in this development. In particular, he asked that it consider providing scholarships to Mozambicans and share its experience in promoting transport safety, minimising traffic accidents and reducing traffic congestion in large cities.
[AIM 24/06/16]
22
EASTERN AFRICA
EAC, COMESA & TRADE Tanzania Tanzania To Spend US$2 Billion On Transport & Construction In 2016-17 Tanzania’s parliament has approved government plans to spend US$2.24-billion or 17% of total spending, in the 2016/17 fiscal year, half of it on transport infrastructure. Tanzania, like Kenya, wants to profit from its long coastline and upgrade old railways and roads to serve growing economies in the land-locked heart of Africa. The projects include starting work on a 2,561 km railway connecting the port at the commercial capital Dar es Salaam to land-locked neighbours Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC], Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. Two additional railway lines would connect Dar es Salaam port to coal, iron ore and soda ash mining areas in the south and northern parts of the country. The government also plans to invest in new roads, ports and airports. It said in April it would raise total spending by 31% to 29.53-trillion shillings for its overall budget to be presented on June 9 and plans to borrow 2.1-trillion to pay for infrastructure projects. [Reuters 19/05/16]
Tanga Fair Calls To Stimulate Trade The 10-day Tanga International Trade Fair [TITF] was held this month organised by the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture [TICCA and the Tanzania Trade Agency [TANTRADE]. The event, themed ‘Stimulating Trade’, was opened by the Tanzanian Minister for Industries and Trade, Charles Mwaijage, and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation [TPDC]. The Tanzanian business community is in a unique position to boost the economy by leveraging and tapping the opportunities to be brought by the Uganda oil pipeline. The pipeline, which is projected to start in Hoima, Lake Albert in Uganda is to end at the Tanga port in Tanzania. With the cost pegged at US$4 billion, it has so far generated a lot of interest in Tanga’s business community.
[EA Business Week 24/06/15]
23
EASTERN AFRICA
PORTS Mozambique
Dredging Of Maputo Port The dredging of the access channel of Maputo port will begin by the end of May following the signing of a contract worth US$100 million. A 10-month contract was signed by the Maputo Port Development Company [MPDC] and Jan de Nul Dredging Middle East FZE, a dredging company based in Dubai, UAE Arab States, owned by Jan de Nul. Dredging to deepen the approach channel from the current 11m to 14m will create conditions for safe navigation and ensure that larger ships can dock safely, making the port of Maputo more competitive. The previous dredging operation of the channel allowed access to vessels of up to 65,000T, which contributed to the expansion of the ferro-chrome and container terminals, a new terminal for grains and recovery of piers three, four and five. The Maputo Port Development Company is a private company resulting from a partnership between Mozambican state-owned port and railway company CFM and Portus Indico, which in turn is made up of South Africa’s Grindrod group, DP World of the United Arab Emirates and Mozambican company Mozambique Gestores. [Macauhub/MZ 23/05/16]
KOTUG Provide Port Towage Services With 2-Rotortugs From 5th May 2016, KOTUG Mozambique commenced exclusive towage services with 2-Rotortugs in the port of Nacala-a-Velha for the Nacala Development Corridor [CDN]. The RT Magic and RT Spirit welcomed the largest bulk carrier “Shining Dragon” which has ever entered in Mozambique waters, to assist her safely to her berth. The revolutionary Rotortugs® feature three separate azimuth propulsion units to provide improved vessel safety, power and maneuverability. The units were selected by CDN to optimize turn-around time and to have minimum tugs needed per ship assistance.
[Port News 24/05/16]
Somaliland DP World Lands Deal To Manage Port DP World has reached an agreement to manage the Berbera port in Somaliland, which would allow it to become a major hub for goods to transit to and from the Horn of Africa. Under the terms of the deal Somaliland will grant the Dubai-based company the right to manage the Red Sea port of Berbera for 30 years. DP World valued the project at US$442 million, which would be a phased investment and depended on port volumes. DP World will pay US$5 million a year plus 10% on port revenue to Somaliland. A year ago, the territory’s foreign minister, Mohamed Behi Yonis, said it was in talks with DP World, France’s Bollore and Genevabased Mediterranean Shipping Company to select a partner to develop and manage the Berbera port. Somaliland’s neighbour, Ethiopia, lost direct sea access in 1993 when Eritrea gained independence after a 3-decade civil war. It is heavily reliant on the port of Djibouti.
[Reuters 29/05/16]
24
EASTERN AFRICA
PORTS Tanzania
TNPA Invests In Ngqura Port Transnet National Ports Authority [TNPA] has officially launched a R255 million state-of-the-art administration building and an administration craft basin for pilot boats and tugboats at Ngqura port. The move supports growth and efficiency at the port and aims to boost the economy of the Eastern Cape as a major transhipment hub for sub-Saharan Africa and as an important link connecting trade between South America and Asia.
“
These operational projects form part of Transnet’s Market Demand Strategy [MDS] which is now in its fourth year of implementation and which aims to enable the effective, efficient and economic functioning of an integrated port system to promote economic growth. TNPA will invest R56 billion over the next 10 years across South Africa’s ports.
”
Richard Vallihu, TNPA Chief Executive
The new R362 million administration craft basin is located at the root of the eastern breakwater in the port basin and is planned for completion at the end of the year. Dredging is well underway and marine construction has commenced. The administration building is planned for completion mid-2017.
[Marine Link 11/05/16]
Tanzania’s Tanga Port To Acquire New Equipment Tanzania’s northern coastal port of Tanga will receive new equipment in anticipation of plans to make the port the country’s gateway for landlocked Uganda and Rwanda. The facility will acquire 2-wheel loaders, two 35-tonne mobile cranes and one pilot boat. Recently the port has gained prominence following the proposed Tanzania-Uganda pipeline and the Tanzania-Rwanda railway line.
[Xinhua 19/05/16]
Tanzania To Construct An Oil Import Facility To Replace Kurasini Jetty Tanzania is set to build an import facility at Mbwamaji in Dar es Salaam port which is designed to have a storage terminal and handle 250,000T tankers. The aim of the facility is to enable the swift relocation of the Kurasini Jetty. According to the Tanzania Ports Authority the new jetty will assist in meeting the local fuel demand and further serve landlocked countries of Zambia, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC], Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi. TradeMark East Africa [TMEA] has asked interested companies in undertaking the feasibility study and detailed engineering design for the new jetty to submit their documents by June 13th. The winning company will be required to provide a detailed engineering design, prepare the cost estimates, drawings of the new import facility and tender documents for procurement of a contractor before construction. Neighbouring Kenya has also placed a similar tender for the relocation of its Kipevu fuel jetty near Dongo Kundu in Mombasa to enable it handle 200,000T tankers as the 2-countries compete in the handling of imported refined petroleum products for counties that are landlocked in East and Central Africa. Further to that, the Kipevu fuel jetty will also allow offloading of tankers which have a capacity of 170,000T. It will have 4-berths that will facilitate import and export of crude oil, heavy fuel oil, dual purpose kerosene, diesel and petrol and it is expected to make Mombasa Sea port a major trading hub.
[Construction Review 31/05/16]
25
EASTERN AFRICA
REGULATORY
Sudan Implementation Of ECTN Postponed The Head of the Sudan Customs Authority, Colonel Babiker Ahmed Babiker, has issued an official notification regarding the suspension of implementation of the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note [ECTN] until further notice. ECTN was due to start from June 1st, 2016.
[Customs May 2016]
26
SOUTHERN AFRICA
SADC, BRICS, TRADE & TRANSPORT
South Africa New Customs Law South Africa’s seaports could face increased congestion, additional red tape, and costly handling delays when new customs clearing legislation comes into effect. The legislation requires all imported and exported sea freight to be cleared at the coastal ports of entry and downgrades Southern Africa’s full service inland “dry ports” to depots in which the customs function will be limited to inspection status only. The inland ports currently have the status of seaports, with full customs clearing and forwarding capability and have assisted with easing congestion in the port of Durban significantly. Containers can be consigned directly to or from inland ports to any foreign port, simplifying cargo delivery in a 1-document operation. Discussion on the new legislation has concluded in Parliament, but this won’t stop concerns. According to the International Chamber of Commerce trade will become a 2-stage operation, and not the slick, one-step movement it is now. And the members of South African Association of Freight Forwarders are reportedly generally opposed to the new provisions.
27
However South African Revenue Service [SARS] disagreed and noted the new procedures would not have a detrimental effect on port efficiency. Inland terminals will continue to be distribution hubs with a customs examination facility, instead of a full customs-clearance capability. SARS says system development to support the implementation of the act is being conducted in phases.
[BD Live 06/06/16]
South Africa
Industrial Policy Action Plan [IPAP 2016] A new Industrial Policy Action Plan IPAP2016/17-2018/19 [IPAP 2016] was released in mid-May, highlighting the relative success of tailored incentives in the automotive, clothing and textiles, business process outsourcing and film. The 8th iteration of IPAP provides a working outline of the National Programme of Action and supports: -- Policy coherence & public procurement -- Focus on manufacturing-based value addition, spill-over & labour-intensive sectors - in particular: agro-processing; the CTLF sector; the component manufacturing and sub-assembly sub-sectors -- Targeted industrial financing and incentives -- Leveraging the devaluation of the Rand to make South African manufactured products more globally competitive -- Maximizing opportunities between mining and manufacturing -- Support & growth of manufactured exports -- Working with and supporting leading and dynamic companies. This will be backed by strengthening existing Industry Associations and Export Councils and includes establishing a dedicated new Export Council for Africa. As well as developing export-orientated production hubs in SEZs and Regional Clusters and fostering industrial decentralisation.
[SA Government 09/05/16]
RESOURCES
The full policy is available at https://www.thedti.gov.za/DownloadFileAction?id=1082 The launch is available to view on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRPoWHwnFQ8
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SOUTHERN AFRICA
SADC, BRICS, TRADE & TRANSPORT South Africa
NRCS To Pilot New Product Authorisation System The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications [NRCS] will, from July, begin piloting a new system for the issuance of Letters of Authority [LoAs] to importers requiring proof that their products meet South Africa’s compulsory specifications. Through the pilot, the NRCS aims to categories products as low, medium or high risk so as to accelerate the issuance of LoAs, especially for products categorised as carrying a low risk of noncompliance. Such products could receive letters in as little as 9-working days under an “expedited” approval process. NRCS expects the new system to be finalised by the end of June and for the pilot to be rolled out between July and December.
[Engineering News 17/05/16]
Icasa, SABS Sign Standards MoU Over Electronics The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa [Icasa] and South African Bureau of Standards [SABS] have signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] to work towards ensuring that electronic equipment entering the South African market meets the required quality-performance standards. Icasa equipment will be subjected to robust conformity assessment procedures to ensure requirements stipulated by the SABS are met.
[Engineering News 03/06/16]
Transnet Reorganises Executive Team Transnet has appointed Siyabonga Gama as the company’s permanent CEO. Gama acted in the position since the departure of Brian Molefe to Eskom. Meanwhile Ravi Nair was announced as CEO of Transnet Freight Rail [TFR] the group’s biggest division. Karl Socikwa was confirmed as head of Transnet Port Terminals, Sharla Chetty as Transnet Pipelines CEO, Richard Vallihu as head of Transnet National Ports Authority and Thabo Lebelo as CEO of Transnet Property.
[Engineering News 18/05/16]
Moody’s Credit Rating A Boost For Transnet Transnet received a major boost from Moody’s credit rating agency‚ confirming the company’s solid financial standing and attractiveness of its portfolio of projects. Encouragingly‚ the ratings agency said it had changed Transnet’s outlook from being on review for downgrade. Its rating stands at Baa2. Moody’s said the outlook for the state-owned company was negative and this was in line with its assessment of South Africa’s sovereign rating. Moody’s praised the company’s management track record of executing its capital investment strategy. Transnet recently appointed long-serving executive Siyabonga Gama as Group Chief Executive regarded as South Africa’s leading expert in railways and ports operations.
[Sunday Times 13/05/16]
29
SOUTHERN AFRICA
PORTS South Africa
Two More Tugs To Be Delivered To TNPA Transnet National Ports Authority [TNPA] launched 2-tugboats – Qunu and Cormorant – as part of its R1.4-billion contract to procure 9-tugboats from Durban shipbuilder Southern African Shipyards. The contract, which is part of Operation Phakisa, was the largest single contract TNPA had ever awarded to a South African company. Qunu will be handed over in June to Port Elizabeth alongside her sister Mvezo, which had been the first to roll off the production line in April. Cormorant will be positioned at Saldanha Bay in July.
“
Operation Phakisa is reigniting growth in the oceans economy and has been a catalyst for Transnet’s fast-tracking of investments in our ports. South Africa’s location and the expertise demonstrated by projects like this are key to us increasing our share of the global marine manufacturing market, including shipbuilding and repair, rig repair and refurbishment or boatbuilding.
”
Linda Mabaso, Transnet Chairperson
The large-scale tug construction project will see 2-tugs each allocated to the ports of Durban, Richards Bay and Port Elizabeth, while Saldanha Bay, which handles the largest carriers, will receive 3-tugs. There will be handovers every 3-months until the last tug is launched in early 2018.
[Engineering News 09/05/16]
ELB To Refurbish Tipplers At Port Elizabeth Manganese Terminal ELB Engineering Services [Pty] Ltd has been contracted by Transnet Capital Projects for the refurbishment of Tippler A and B at the Transnet Port Elizabeth Manganese Terminal. ELB’s scope of work will include design, supply of new components, stripping, refurbishment of the tippler including mechanicals, structural and electricals and the installation of the two 1964 Strachan and Henshaw tipplers. The refurbishment of the two tipplers will be done in a phased approach. Tippler A will be refurbished first with a number of new components and once completed, tippler B will be refurbished. This project will extend these two tipplers’ life cycle by another 5 years, while the new terminal building is being built.
[Engineering News 12/05/16]
TPT Appoints Ngqura Container Terminal Manager Transnet Port Terminals [TPT] has appointed Noxolo Thabatha terminal manager of the Ngqura Container Terminal [NCT], in the Eastern Cape. She has worked in a planning and logistics environment contributing to the performance success of the terminal, in particular with a focus on customer service and operational key performance indicators. Noxolo was promoted to chief planning manager in 2013 and then acting NCT terminal manager last year.
[Engineering News 02/06/16]
30