DHL Global Forwarding, a leading international freight services provider, has inaugurated a new transhipment hub and head office in Johannesburg, South Africa g0 core pr 092322.web.1592.896The new facility will also create skilled jobs in Johannesburg. (Image source: DHL Global Forwarding) The sustainable complex (primarily powered by solar) is located in the Sky Park Industrial Estate where it provides easy access to ‘OR Tambo International Airport’. Boasting temperature-controlled chambers and Good Distribution Practices (GDP)-trained personnel enable, the facility has been delivered for the unique needs of Africa’s rapidly advancing life sciences and healthcare (LSH) sector. The facility’s opening marks a significant addition to DHL Global Forwarding’s extensive logistics network, further strengthening its positioning on the African continent. Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Middle East & Africa, commented, “We are proud that this new facility was built to the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency in line with DHL Global Forwarding’s goal of reaching net-zero logistics-related emissions by 2050. Already, our climate protection initiatives and CO2 emissions reduction programs have had a positive impact on logistics supply chains globally and building sustainable infrastructure like this solar-powered facility takes us closer to our goal.” The new EU7mn (approx. US$6.8mn) facility includes offices and a 10,000 sq m warehouse. It will serve as a hub for transport, logistics, and warehouse solutions, as well as international freight expertise for different industries. Clement Blanc, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding for South Africa & sub-Saharan Africa, said, “A new facility in Johannesburg is a natural next step in our efforts to support economic growth and accelerate the pace of supply chain transformation undergoing in South Africa. This facility expands global connections to Africa, ensuring that sectors like LSH can operate smoothly, access an efficient and reliable logistics network, and continue to grow.
At the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8), Toyoto Tsusho Group (TTC), Aceleron, and Zembo signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for accelerating joint contribution to carbon neutrality through the development of the e-mobility industry on the continent
Aceleron and Zembo have already began the alliance in which Aceleron will provide over 100 batteries for Zembo’s electric motorcycles. (Image source: TTC Group)
Aceleron, established in 2016 to create the most sustainable ESG-positive batteries in the world, has innovated its technology for developing countries which is easy to assemble and repair without the need for expensive machinery. This compression based technology, coupled with data tools and software to service the batteries effectively is a step change from the conventional battery construction technique of welding cells together which leads to an un-maintainable, difficult to deal waste challenge. For users, this reduces replacement costs and ensures that the battery technology is truly paying back the carbon used in both construction and recycling of the pack.
Zembo, which holds a vision of achieving carbon neutrality and improving motorcycle taxi driver’ income in Africa, is operating in Uganda through several business unities including assembly, distribution and battery swap.
Together, under the MoU, the companies will accelerate the collaboration among Aceleron, Zembo and TTC to explore opportunities for contributing to carbon neutrality by means of providing expertise, know-hows, and technologies accrued therein.
Aceleron and Zembo have already began the alliance in which Aceleron will provide more than 100 batteries for Zembo’s electric motorcycles. This alliance will be further expanded in order to build sustainable e-mobility industry in Africa.
