Motion & Means

Europe's Logistics Balancing Act_ Green Dreams, Cost Realities, and Supply Chain Shifts

This curated analysis, of European Transportation and Logistics developments (June 5-12, 2025)," provides a concise overview of the key trends and developments shaping Europe's logistics sector within that specific week. It highlights three central themes: a strong push towards decarbonization, significant digital transformation and automation advancements, and a strategic realignment of supply chains favouring regionalization and resilience. The report is structured by transport mode (road, maritime, rail, air cargo) and broader supply chain dynamics, offering detailed insights into regulatory changes, infrastructure investments, and market shifts, emphasizing the dual challenge of managing rising operational costs while investing in future-proof, environmentally compliant solutions.

Modern Moves & Money Blocks: Africa’s Transport Shake-Up (June 2–9, 2025)

In this episode, we unpack a pivotal week in Africa’s transportation and logistics landscape—from South Africa’s efforts to formalize its vast taxi industry to the game-changing arrival of mega container ships in West Africa. We explore the aviation sector's persistent challenge with over $1.3B in blocked airline revenues, new regulatory hurdles, and fresh milestones. Rail and maritime sectors also took the spotlight, with surging private sector interest in South Africa’s freight corridors and Morocco’s bold push into green energy logistics. Plus, we highlight a groundbreaking report from the Africa Finance Corporation revealing $4 trillion in untapped domestic capital that could redefine infrastructure financing on the continent.

🚛 Roads, 🛫 skies, 🚢 seas, and 🚆 rails — it’s all here in your weekly deep dive into how Africa moves, grows, and connects.

Borders, Corridors & the Realities of African Integration – A Conversation with Prof. Paul Nugent (Recap)

In this compelling episode recorded in 2021, we recap our conversation with Professor Paul Nugent—renowned historian and African borders expert—about the political, social, and economic complexities of borders, infrastructure, and regional integration across West Africa. From the rapid urban growth of border towns like Aflao to the stalled progress of the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, we unpack why infrastructure projects often fail to deliver their promise. We also discuss border urbanism, informal trade, port monopolies, and the human and political factors hindering the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This episode sheds light on why efficient movement of goods and people remains elusive—and what must change.

Transported: Africa’s Weekly Mobility Watch

This episode offers a weekly analysis of the African transportation and logistics sector from May 26 to June 1, 2025, highlighting its dynamic nature and critical role in the continent's economic development. It examines significant financial resolutions, new infrastructure investments, and strategic expansions in aviation across various regions. The report also addresses persistent operational challenges like port congestion and the impact of regional instability on logistics. Furthermore, it spotlights key policy initiatives and major projects that aim to enhance connectivity and foster sustainable transport solutions throughout Africa.

African Maritime Sector: Investments, Security, and Trade Shifts

From sources around the world, we provide a detailed review of the African maritime sector from late May to early June 2025 in this episode. They highlight significant shipping and trade developments, including the introduction of large container vessels to West Africa and shifts in crude oil flows to Europe. The text also underscores persistent maritime security concerns, particularly piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and drug trafficking, while noting cooperative efforts and challenges like radar system failures. Furthermore, the sources discuss ongoing efforts to improve port infrastructure and logistics, reform state-owned entities, and develop the fisheries and aquaculture sectors across the continent, all within a context of evolving policy, governance, and environmental considerations.