News & Insights
Tanzania’s US$274 million fuel storage expansion strengthens logistics backbone
Tanzania’s expansion of fuel storage capacity at Dar es Salaam port is set to improve supply reliability for transport operators across East Africa, addressing long-standing bottlenecks in fuel distribution. The US$274 million project, launched in April, is expected to reduce tanker delays and enhance efficiency along key trucking corridors linking Tanzania to Zambia and the […]
May 14 2026
Used vehicle imports continue to dominate consumer automotive demand
Affordability remains the defining factor in African automotive markets, with used-vehicle imports continuing to dominate demand in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa throughout February-March. In Kenya, used imports account for most registrations, while Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicles reinforces similar dynamics. This is compounded by the limited availability of affordable credit, with […]
May 14 2026
Dangote’s 1,000+ CNG truck order signals freight market transformation
Dangote Group’s move to secure over 1,000 trucks and trailers powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) from a Chinese manufacturer marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s freight economics. Announced in April, the order reflects mounting pressure to reduce diesel costs and improve logistics efficiency across Nigeria’s industrial value chains. The scale of the industrial conglomerate’s […]
May 14 2026
AfCFTA rules of origin reshape automotive production and trade strategies
Manufacturers operating across Africa are increasingly aligning production strategies with AfCFTA Rules of Origin, which require defined local content thresholds to access tariff benefits across more than 50 participating countries. Since their rollout in February, these rules have begun shaping decisions in established hubs such as Morocco and South Africa, while encouraging supplier development in […]
May 14 2026
EV financing models enable fleet-led adoption in Kenya and South Africa
Financing-led adoption is emerging as the primary driver of EV uptake in African markets, particularly within commercial fleet segments. Operators such as BasiGo in Nairobi are using leasing and pay-as-you-drive models to overcome high upfront costs, accelerating deployment in Kenya and South Africa during February-March. In Kenya, this has been particularly evident in bus and […]
May 14 2026
Bus electrification gains early traction in Cape Town’s public transport system
Cape Town’s move toward electrifying its public transport fleet highlights growing momentum in urban mobility transformation. A research programme launched with the University of Cape Town in February is laying the groundwork for electric bus deployment, positioning the city as an early adopter in Africa. The initiative is expected to inform procurement strategies for MyCiTi […]
May 14 2026
Rail investment expands to support regional logistics and industrial mobility
Large-scale rail investments are reshaping regional logistics networks, complementing road-based mobility systems across Africa. Projects such as Kenya’s US$943 million SGR extension, Algeria’s 950km railway, and the DRC’s push for US$1 billion in Lobito Corridor financing gained traction across March-April. These developments improve connectivity between production hubs and export corridors, reducing pressure on road freight […]
May 14 2026
Nigeria’s EV policy framework establishes structured market entry pathways
Policy developments in Nigeria are beginning to formalise the electric vehicle (EV) market, with the Electric Vehicle Bill and National Land Transport Policy laying the groundwork for coordinated adoption. Introduced in February, these frameworks aim to standardise licensing, infrastructure rollout, and incentives in major urban centres, such as Lagos and Abuja. Early signals suggest that […]
May 14 2026
Chinese OEM expansion accelerates with Chery anchoring South Africa strategy
Chinese manufacturers such as Chery and BYD are rapidly deepening their presence in South Africa through a combination of new brand launches, dealership expansion, and potential access to existing manufacturing capacity, including the Mercedes-Benz plant in East London (KuGompo City). In April, Chery confirmed plans to introduce its iCar (iCaur) brand to South Africa, building […]
May 14 2026
Other notable stories May 2026
Morocco-France electric freight corridor advances cross-border logistics Morocco is positioning itself as a key logistics bridge between Africa and Europe through plans to establish heavy-duty electric truck corridors linking it with France. Progress in April highlights growing interest in decarbonised freight routes and the potential for integrated cross-border supply chains. This places the country as […]
May 14 2026
Strategic litigation decisions and prescription: a cautionary tale
Facts On 10 April 2016, the Plaintiff was admitted to a private hospital complaining of pain in her left knee. Unbeknown to anyone at the time, the Plaintiff had suffered a ruptured aneurysm in her popliteal artery, resulting in limited blood flow to her lower left leg. The rupture went untreated for a critical period, […]
May 13 2026
South Africa reinforces heavy vehicle manufacturing hub with Volvo and Tata
Industrial vehicle production continues to anchor South Africa’s automotive base, with Volvo Trucks commencing Euro 6 FH Aero assembly at its Durban plant and Tata Africa reaching its 12,000th truck milestone in Rosslyn, Tshwane, in April. Volvo’s Euro 6 assembly reflects tightening emissions alignment with global standards, positioning South Africa as a competitive export base […]
May 12 2026
AN UPDATE ON THE GREAT MERGER UPGRADE: The DTIC’s Amendments to Merger Thresholds and Filing Fees
In the first revision since 2017, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has gazetted amendments to the merger notification thresholds and filing fees effective from 1 May 2026. The amendments, published on 8 May 2026, confirm the previously proposed draft thresholds and filing fees, as set out below. Category New threshold and filing […]
May 11 2026
Dismissal for want of prosecution in South African Law: a strategic imperative for Defendants
INTRODUCTION In a recent Johannesburg High Court judgment, the plaintiff, Karanie, instituted action against the life insurer, the defendant, in December 2012 for payment of benefits allegedly due under a life insurance policy. The Defendant defended the action and filed a counterclaim to recover payments already paid under the policy. The matter was then enrolled […]
May 06 2026
AI Draft Policy Withdrawal, an uncomfortable moment but a useful one
The recent withdrawal of South Africa’s draft national AI policy by Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has caused understandable embarrassment. Fictitious academic references found their way into a draft official policy document that advocates for proper AI governance and human oversight is not only acutely ironic but also damaging. Still, beyond the headlines and the inevitable […]
May 05 2026
Rebuilding Trust in AI Policymaking: South Africa’s Draft AI Policy Withdrawal
The recent withdrawal of South Africa’s Draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Malatsi, marks a significant and sobering moment in the country’s digital policy journey. The decision followed a week ending 25 April 2026 in which the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) faced […]
May 05 2026
Cosplay and Intellectual Property: Where Fandom Meets Legal Reality
Comic Con has once again returned to South Africa. These pop culture conventions have evolved into global platforms for expression, commerce, and fan engagement, bringing together costume design, performance, merchandising, and digital content creation in a shared environment where fictional worlds are brought to life. In South Africa, as elsewhere, Comic Con has become both […]
May 04 2026
Adams & Adams retains title of Africa Firm of the Year at the 2026 Managing IP Awards
2 May 2026 – Adams & Adams has been named Africa Firm of the Year for the second consecutive year at the 2026 Managing Intellectual Property (IP) Awards for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), which was hosted in London on 2 May. The accolade cements the firm’s leadership position in IP law across […]
May 02 2026