Logistics
Logistics is the sector concerned with the planning, implementation and control of the efficient movement and storage of goods, services and information from point of origin to point of consumption. The industry encompasses transportation, warehousing, inventory management, materials handling, packaging, supply chain coordination and distribution network design. Logistics activities span multiple modes of transport including road freight, rail, maritime shipping, air cargo and intermodal operations. The sector plays a critical role in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, retail and e-commerce by ensuring that raw materials, components and finished products reach their destinations on time and in good condition. Key players include third-party logistics providers, freight forwarders, courier services, port operators and integrated supply chain specialists. In Africa, logistics faces particular challenges including infrastructure deficits, border delays, regulatory complexity and the need to serve dispersed markets across vast distances. Technology adoption is transforming the industry through warehouse automation, fleet telematics, route optimisation software and digital freight platforms. The sector is a significant employer and contributor to GDP in most economies, with performance directly affecting trade competitiveness and the cost of doing business. Logistics efficiency is measured by metrics such as on-time delivery rates, inventory turnover, transport costs as a percentage of sales and order fulfilment cycle times. Environmental concerns are driving interest in green logistics practices including fuel-efficient vehicles, route consolidation and reverse logistics for product returns and recycling.
Logistics Updates
Transnet board's term extended by six months
By: Creamer Media Reporter Updated 1 hour 45 minutes ago Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has extended the term of State-owned Transnet's board of directors by six months to January 11, 2027, or until... →
Measured ambition
By: Terence Creamer 10th July 2026 South Africa’s planned R1-trillion infrastructure programme is undoubtedly a chance to revive the struggling construction sector and to stimulate... →
Africa attracted investment in 2025; the challenge is turning it into broader industrial development – Unctad
By: Schalk Burger 7th July 2026 Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Africa reached about $70-billion in 2025, which was below the exceptional $94-billion recorded in 2024,... →
BLSA calls for collaboration, tackling corruption to reverse Joburg decay
By: Tasneem Bulbulia 29th June 2026 Business organisation Business Leadership South Africa’s (BLSA’s) council last week met to consider research on the state of Johannesburg,... →
Johannesburg is not poor. It is badly managed. That must change.
29th June 2026 Last week the BLSA Council met to consider research on the state of Johannesburg, presented by Lael Bethlehem of Genesis Analytics. The findings... →
RFA urges govt to properly enforce laws to tackle hiring of illegal foreigners
By: Sabrina Jardim 23rd June 2026 In response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on June 7 on the challenge of illegal immigration and xenophobia in the country,... →
South Africa's Treasury welcomes Fitch upgrade to BB with stable outlook 
By: Schalk Burger 8th June 2026 The National Treasury has welcomed credit rating agency Fitch’s decision to upgrade South Africa’s long-term foreign and local currency credit... →
Fuel price benefits diesel and paraffin users, while petrol empties wallets
2nd June 2026 The expected fuel price outlook for June brings mixed feelings for consumers, as some will feel the pinch while others experience slight relief... →
Moody's sees South Africa debt stabilising as reforms boost outlook
By: Reuters 7th May 2026 South Africa's improving fiscal performance and reform momentum should help government debt stabilise this year before gradually declining, Moody's... →
BUSA responds to fuel price increase
6th May 2026 The announcement of fuel price increases of between R3.27 and R5.27 per litre, by the Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources, will drive up... →
