Thelo Group expands transport and logistics solutions to boost intra-African trade

Thelo Group, a leading African transport and logistics provider, has announced an ambitious expansion to offer integrated rail, port, and rolling stock services. This expansion aims to create multi-freight, multi-user transport corridors to efficiently move Africa’s valuable resources, including mining commodities, agricultural produce, containers, and bulk liquids, at economies of scale.

Responding to Africa’s transportation challenges, Thelo Group’s interconnected transport corridors are designed to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With the AfCFTA expected to expand the transport sector by nearly 50%, improving Africa’s transport infrastructure is crucial. Currently, transportation costs in Africa are up to 75% higher than in other regions, a gap Thelo aims to close.

Ronnie Ntuli, Chairman of Thelo Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to mobilizing capital from both African and international investors. He highlighted Thelo’s role in developing, operating, and managing national and regional transport corridors, which will significantly reduce transport and logistics costs.

Thelo Group’s unique offering is bolstered by strategic partnerships, making it one of the few African entities capable of executing large-scale infrastructure projects across the delivery value chain. This includes planning, design, engineering, EPC oversight, testing, commissioning, training, and maintenance management.

To enhance its delivery model, Thelo Group is transforming its relationship with DB Engineering & Consulting (DB E&C) from an equity joint venture to an exclusive strategic partnership. DB E&C will provide technical expertise across sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing Thelo’s railway sector projects.

Stefan Geisperger, Managing Director for International Markets at DB Engineering & Consulting, reaffirmed DB’s commitment to the partnership, emphasizing the importance of integrated transport infrastructure for Africa’s development.

Thelo Group’s strategic vision aims to spearhead Africa’s transport and logistics, supporting long-term economic growth and socio-economic progress. The company is advancing negotiations for strategic partnerships for its ports vision and continues to finance rolling stock through lease arrangements with rail operators and freight owners.

With partnerships with entities like the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and a Memorandum of Understanding with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Thelo Group is well-positioned to address Africa’s transport and logistics challenges. The company is building closer links with governments and stakeholders, securing long-term development and operational rights to transform Africa’s transport and logistics infrastructure.