east african cooperation News

IATA Names Peter Chilufya Chikumba Regional Director for Africa

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Peter Chikuumba as its Area Manager for Africa, based in Nairobi. This appointment aims to strengthen collaboration with African aviation bodies and address the challenges facing the African aviation industry. Chikuumba brings extensive industry experience to the role and will focus on ensuring the robust development of African aviation, promoting its safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This appointment reflects IATA's strategic emphasis on the growing importance of the African market.

01/26/2026 Airlines

US Port Upgrades Aim to Bolster Supply Chain Resilience

U.S. ports are facing challenges posed by mega-ships, prompting expansion efforts on both the East and West Coasts. Strengthening resilience against disruptions is crucial, requiring embracing technological innovation and fostering labor cooperation. The goal is to build a robust and adaptable supply chain capable of navigating future uncertainties and ensuring efficient operations. This includes investing in infrastructure upgrades and optimizing processes to enhance overall port efficiency and minimize potential bottlenecks.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

East Coast Gulf Ports Ratify Sixyear Labor Agreement

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a new six-year agreement covering 36 ports on the US East and Gulf Coasts. The agreement includes record wage increases, automation protections, and improved healthcare benefits. While ensuring labor stability, it may also lead to increased costs and efficiency challenges. Continued cooperation and innovation will be necessary to enhance port competitiveness in the future.

01/21/2026 Logistics

World Customs Organization Boosts Gender Equality in East and Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through Phase II of the Finland-East and Southern Africa Project, is helping customs administrations in the region enhance their gender equality capabilities. This includes providing tools, organizing training, and promoting cooperation. Workshops focused on gender mainstreaming, sharing practical examples, and developing guidelines for regional development. The WCO will continue to support national customs agencies in building a more equitable, inclusive, and efficient working environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge

WCO Boosts Customs Modernization in MENA Via Data Analytics

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the CCF Korea, held a virtual workshop for senior officials from the Middle East and North Africa region, focusing on data analysis capacity building. The workshop aimed to enhance the region's customs data analysis capabilities to support customs modernization. It covered topics such as introducing a data analysis framework, sharing experiences, presenting capacity building initiatives, and exploring cooperation prospects for the BACUDA project.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge

Guide Converting South African Rand to US Dollar in Real Time

This article provides the latest exchange rate information for the South African Rand (ZAR) against the US Dollar (USD), assisting readers in effective currency conversion and financial decision-making to ensure optimal value for each transaction. Both individual and business users can benefit from this information.