From Road to Rail: Revolutionizing Logistics in Africa

Empowering trade and development across the African continent

9/17/2024

Africa is an emerging market, rich in natural resources and high-value exports. As a global logistics provider, CEVA aims to enable regional and global trade across Africa, operating logistics through major corridors and trade-lanes. With ever-increasing growth happening in Africa, CEVA is responding by increasing its logistics presence and infrastructure. In 2019, CEVA had direct presence in just five countries in Africa, and following a series of strategic acquisitions, there are now offices in nearly 25 African countries and operations in more than 40.

Despite growth rates and future potential, transport in Africa currently remains complicated. Today, road transport is the primary mode within Africa, carrying approximately 80 percent of freight—in comparison to Europe where rail transport is much more common, carrying more than 53 percent of all freight. Despite its popularity, road transport still faces important challenges in Africa, including poor infrastructure—which can lead to dangerous and congested travel conditions. On average, only 27 percent of roads in Africa are paved as compared to 60 percent in India and 66 percent in China. Most countries in Africa experience issues with overloading trucks which leads to premature deterioration of the road infrastructure and high maintenance costs. To make matters more complicated, most roads do not have tolls and issues like traffic, pollution and accidents hinder much-needed financial support.

CEVA conducts a variety of logistics across the African continent, but in recent years, due to the issues with road transport, rail freight has experienced significant growth. CEVA aims to connect its 16 land-locked African countries to critical regional ports, using rail where possible to reduce carbon emissions and efficiencies. The shift from road to rail in Africa, or often a combination of the two methods, leads to an economic and sustainable shipping option.

The biggest challenge with rail transport in Africa is adequate maintenance of infrastructure, resulting in only about 70 percent of the railway across the continent to be fully operational. Because of this barrier, only about 2 percent of freight volume is moved via rail in Africa today. Despite ongoing challenges with infrastructure and maintenance, there is certainly potential and motivation for increased use of railways across Africa. The booming economic growth and competition among global supply chains to be more efficient and sustainable are key factors in increased railway use.

CEVA is at the forefront of rail transport development in Africa.

Block Train Solution – Mozambique to Zimbabwe

CEVA recently completed its first full block train in Africa, which moved customer cargo from Mozambique’s Cornelder Port to Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. The block train carried cargo for more than 10 CEVA customers across 341 miles (549 kilometers) to its destination. With close collaboration between the Mozambique Port Authorities, CFM railway, and CEVA in Zimbabwe, the cargo train successfully transported more than 30 containers, making CEVA one of the few logistics companies to move an entire block train on that strategic route.

“Thanks to partners like CEVA Logistics, we can provide reliable and cost-effective cross-border rail services that connect ports in Africa to inland destinations. CEVA has recently booked a full cargo train space with us that carried 30+ containers in one trip. Shifting from carrying cargo via congested roads across Africa to reliable transport via rail is a win-win scenario; enabling CEVA to serve its customers more efficiently, while drastically reducing CO2 emissions and helping this vital infrastructure to thrive.” - Emanuel Chacanza, Railway Director, Mozambique Port and Railway

Cargo Security

Cargo security is a crucial aspect of successful deliveries in Africa. Despite an above-average safety record, we recently worked with the CMA CGM Group to implement modern bar locks as our new standard for securing 40-foot cargo containers traveling via rail. The bar locks feature unique identification numbers and PIN codes. Prior to departure, our team secures each container with a bar lock, takes photos, and sends the PIN numbers to our destination depot. The system makes unauthorized access extremely difficult, ensuring the integrity of each shipment from start to finish.

Energy Equipment Transport in Tanzania

While rail transport offers numerous benefits, a hybrid solution of road and rail is often more achievable in Africa. Recently, CEVA successfully transported bulky, fragile electrical transformers for a hydropower plant in Tanzania using an innovative multimodal approach. This project marked a significant milestone as the first-ever rail transport of electrical transformers on the African continent. Typically, these shock-sensitive components are transported via road using specialized hydraulic trailers due to their weight, fragility and value. With strategic problem solving and out-of-the-box thinking, CEVA engineers developed a plan using a combination of road and rail to execute the transport project.

Preparation was key to the project’s success. The railway underwent extensive rehabilitation, including repairing cracks and broken tracks to meet safety standards. CEVA’s engineering team conducted comprehensive analysis of cargo specifications, route conditions and transport modes to develop a plan for the safe and efficient movement of the precious cargo.

The team implemented rigorous testing, utilizing shock monitors and simulators to validate the solution. The final plan involved a five-day journey from Tanzania’s Port of Dar es Salaam to Mzenga train station and from Mzenga to Fuga rail station, covering 106 miles (170 kilometers) by road and 75 miles (120 kilometers) by rail.

To ensure the transformers’ safety during transit, CEVA implemented several innovative solutions. Each transformer is equipped with a shock monitor by default to provide real-time data on handling conditions. To mitigate the shock risks, custom-designed rubber friction mats were placed between the transformers and the railcar decks to minimize movement and vibration, particularly at track junctions. Continuous monitoring and risk assessment were conducted throughout the journey. This unique solution demonstrates how CEVA leverages technology and innovation to reimagine the transport of critical equipment across challenging terrain. By successfully executing this complex project, CEVA has set a new standard for the safe and efficient movement of sensitive cargo in Africa, paving the way for future advancements in logistics across the continent.

"Supporting the shift to rail transport in Africa is an important part of CEVA's logistics strategy. By investing in innovative multimodal transport solutions, we're not only addressing the challenges of poor road conditions and congestion but also reducing our carbon footprint. Our recent projects demonstrate the immense potential of rail freight in connecting landlocked countries to vital ports and fostering both regional and international trade." - Antonio Pacciolla, Ground & Rail Leader, India, Middle East & Africa, CEVA Logistics

Conclusion

Rail transport is emerging as an ideal solution for moving freight in Africa—connecting landlocked countries to ports and enabling regional and international trade. CEVA is bridging the gaps between local authorities, railways and customers to support a cohesive transport network that benefits multiple parties while reducing CO2 emissions and troublesome road congestion. As business in Africa continues to thrive, the need for efficient and reliable logistics grows, requiring providers like CEVA to leverage creative solutions and improve existing infrastructure to meet the demands of today and the future of African trade.

Source for article’s key statistics: ALG Global