LOGISTICS HANDLING-

Ajex Logistics + Africa Union Holdings to collaborate on cargo management: GCC-based AjexLogistics Services has inked an agreement with Africa Union Holdings subsidiaries to enhance logistics and supply chain services between Africa and the Middle East, according to a press release. Under the agreement, the two sides will streamline their operations and maximize efficiency in shipping, airfreight, trucking, rail freight, and last-mile delivery services. Africa-bound Ajex cargo will be managed by Africa Union Holdings Group during its final leg of delivery, while all of Africa Union Holdings Group’s Middle East-bound cargo will be managed by Ajex.

AVIATION-

The Air Connectivity Program (ACP) wants to lure in more US, Canada, Brazil, and Europe-based airlines to the Kingdom’s airports, CEO Majid Khan told Argaam, as Riyadh looks to become a global aviation hub. The ACP is also working on agreements with Asian and European airlines to make it easier for tourists to visit the Kingdom’s attractions, ultimately boosting tourism footfall, he added.

Background: The program, which was launched in 2021, aims to boost connectivity to KSA from Europe, Asia and the Americas. It has attracted three new Chinese airlines and three European carriers to launch flights to Saudi this year, according to Khan.

CARBON ZERO-

AstroLabs + Supplai partner to enhance supply chain efficiency: KSA business expansion platform AstroLabs has partnered with Netherlands-based freight logistics solution provider Supplai to improve supply chain efficiency and cut down on carbon emissions in Saudi Arabia, according to a press release. “Supplai will play a pivotal role in the formation of a strong, tech-enabled, integrated freight transport supply chain to drive economic growth and business competitiveness,” AstroLabs expansion director Alex Nicholls said.

TRADE-

Egypt’s export subsidy payouts begin: Egypt’s Finance Ministry will begin disbursing the first batch of export subsidies under the seventh phase of the program today, according to a statement. Some 360 exporters will start receiving some EGP 10 bn in export subsidies during this phase — the second and third batches are scheduled for 27 June and 8 August.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

  • Mawani and Port of Marseille Fos to develop smart ports: Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has inked agreement with Port of Marseille Fos to cooperate in developing smart ports. The agreement is in line with Mawani’s efforts to exchange expertise, promote innovation, and develop Saudi Arabia’s ports. (Statement)
  • A new Jumia warehouse in Morocco: Jumia Group has opened a new 500k sqm warehouse in Morocco that can store more than 300k products. (Statement)
  • WSC commends new IMO mandatory reporting for lost containers: World Shipping Council (WSC) is praising the new IMO regulations — set to be enforced on 1 January 2026 — that require reporting of any containers lost at sea. The WSC said the move “will enhance navigational safety, facilitate swift response actions, and mitigate potential environmental hazards.” (Statement)
  • SIRC + HEC set to tackle marine waste management: The Saudi Investment Recycling Company has inked an MoU with Greek HEC to set up environmental treatment centers to supply recycling services for ships as well as industrial waste treatment facilities. (SPA)
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