Full-scale operations are planned to begin by the end of 2025.

The project was created to address two growing pressures on Japan’s maritime sector: a shortage of ship crews and the persistent risk of accidents caused by human error. As officials see it, autonomous navigation offers a way to maintain services safely despite declining manpower.

The Olympia Dream Seto is operated by Kokusai Ryobi Ferry Co., based in the western city of Okayama. The route links a port in Okayama Prefecture with Shodoshima, an island in neighbouring Kagawa Prefecture. This is the first ship to receive Japanese government certification as an “autonomous ship.”

At the heart of the system is a network of sensors that continuously recognise surrounding conditions at sea. These allow the ferry to automatically adjust its course, avoid obstacles and control both the rudder and propeller with minimal human input.

A function enabling fully automatic operation under specific conditions has been installed as part of the autonomous ship project. Despite this, operators emphasise safety features, with manual control able to take over immediately in the event of danger or unexpected conditions.

Familiarisation voyages will include both regular passengers and system personnel. These early trips are intended to confirm the vessel’s performance before commercial service begins.

The Nippon Foundation launched the autonomous ship programme in 2020, bringing together domestic shipping, shipbuilding, communications, and trading companies. It aims to develop technologies that could eventually be adopted more widely across the industry.

As part of the same initiative, three additional vessels are scheduled to enter commercial service using autonomous navigation technology by the end of March 2026. These ships will expand Japan’s early foray into self-navigating passenger transport.

Mitsuyuki Unno, the foundation’s executive director, said Japan’s rapid progress gives it a strong position as global standards take shape. 

“I think Japan is ahead of the rest of the world,” he said. “We hope to contribute to the creation of international rules as a leader.”

Kazakhstan’s service sector continued its expansion in July, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth with a Services PMI of 54.0, still well above the 50.0 growth threshold, despite rising input costs, according to. Although inflationary pressures intensified, driven by increases in raw materials, utilities, taxes, and currency fluctuations, firms reported easing cost burdens compared to earlier months. Domestic demand remains steady, but businesses are cautious about exchange rate risks and potential fiscal tightening.

'Clean Kazakhstan' campaign reshapes environmental thinking

President Tokayev’s nationwide Taza Kazakhstan campaign is transforming how citizens view environmental responsibility. Since its launch, over 9 million people have joined, taking part in 900+ clean-up events and planting nearly 2.5 million trees. The initiative blends grassroots action with advanced tools like satellite monitoring to unify communities in the green transition. These efforts aim not just to reduce waste but also to foster a shift in public attitudes toward conservation.

Iran and Kazakhstan accelerate North–South Corridor development

Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, and Kazakhstan’s Transport Minister agreed to fast-track development of the International North–South Transport Corridor (eastern branch). They endorsed a five-year roadmap to strengthen multimodal links, including maritime, rail, and flight connections, and study a prospective “Caspian Bridge” transit project via the Caspian Sea. This builds on earlier agreements to quadruple transit volumes between the two nations.

Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan deepen transport engagement

Kazakhstan’s Advisor to the President, Asel Janasova, and the head of Kazakhstan Railways met with Azerbaijan’s Digital Development and Transport Minister, Rashad Nabiyev, to discuss transport cooperation. The talks signal intent to enhance railway linkages and boost regional connectivity.

Kazakhstan’s Bank CenterCredit to repay final $56m in state aid

Kazakhstan’s Bank CenterCredit will repurchase 30 billion tenge ($55.8M) in bonds to clear the last of its 2023 government support, originally due in 2032. The bank has already prepaid 30 billion tenge since late 2024 and aims to complete repayment by 2026. Authorities have restricted dividend payments for aid recipients to encourage early repayment.

The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has formalised a landmark agreement with the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA) to develop Ghana's drone sector. Signed on June 24, 2025, at Kotoka International Airport, the partnership aims to establish a comprehensive roadmap for modernising and regulating drone operations in Ghana. This initiative , supported by South Korea's ODA programme and executed by KOTSA, will address national priorities in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and accelerate Ghana's emergence as a drone technology hub in West Africa.

Ghana invites China for business collaboration

Ghana offers Chinese investors a politically stable and vast ECOWAS market of 400 million. Agyekum's rhetoric encouraged building projects in Ghana, inspired by China's transformation of its cities, and invited China to power the upcoming 24-Hour Economy launch. During the Ghana-China Business Summit 2025, Minister Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum focused on Ghana's openness to business collaborations with China aimed at industrialisation and economic growth. Highlighting the 'Big Push' initiative, the Minister presented investment opportunities in infrastructure and trade.

Minister inaugurates Ghana's transport sector boards

Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe inaugurated governing boards for the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), and Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMT) in Accra on June 25, 2025. Nikpe advised board members to practice good governance and collaborate with management to achieve institutional goals. Key focuses include reducing port business costs and enhancing maritime safety. The boards were advised to align with government policy for infrastructure development and efficient transport sector operations, imperative for Ghana's economic enhancement.

Ghana's immunisation milestone with Gavi

President John Dramani Mahama declared Ghana's achievement of 97% immunisation coverage in partnership with Gavi. Speaking at a summit in Brussels, Mahama highlighted efforts to reach the remaining 3% of children in remote areas. He noted Gavi's transformational role in vaccinating children in low-income countries. The partnership underlines co-financing efforts with over $67 million spent on vaccines in recent years. Ghana, aiming to wean off Gavi by 2030, is inspired by other countries to soon become a contributor to Gavi's efforts.

Fatal building collapse in Cape Coast

A building collapse in Cape Coast led to one fatality and another hospitalisation. The incident occurred on June 25, 2025, at the house owned by Allotey Jacobs. At 2:00 AM, the building collapsed, leading to the death of 74-year-old Ernestina Nduom, with her grandson receiving treatment. This is the second collapse in the region within a week. Mayor Justice George Arthur has initiated a demolition exercise for dilapidated buildings, ensuring victims receive relief and emphasising proper building maintenance to prevent future incidents.

No passengers were on board the vehicles at the time, and airport operations continued as normal.

The buses, which are used to transport airport staff, have been in operation since May 2023 and usually run for 12 hours a day.

The Airport Authority said the vehicles suffered only minor damage and confirmed that all driverless buses have been taken out of service while the cause of the incident is investigated.

Ringo Lee, an advisor to the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, said the crash may point to faults in the vehicles' sensors or communication systems.

The Airport Authority plans to launch more autonomous vehicles by the end of the year to carry visitors between the airport’s Skycity development and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

The full system is expected to carry up to 2,000 passengers per hour once fully operational.

“I know it’s late, but I still feel so honoured and proud to be among the first on this metro,” said Nguyen Nhu Huyen, an office worker who took a selfie inside a crowded train car. “Our city is now on par with other big cities of the world,” she added.

Approved in 2007 with an initial budget of $668 million, the metro project relied heavily on Japanese government loans. Construction began in 2012, with an original target completion date of 2017. However, delays stemming from funding issues, technical challenges, personnel shortages, and the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the timeline back significantly.

As delays mounted, the city of nine million people saw its streets become increasingly clogged with cars and motorbikes, leading to severe congestion and pollution.

Deputy Mayor Bui Xuan Cuong acknowledged the challenges, stating, “The metro meets the growing travel needs of residents and contributes to reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution.” He admitted that completing the project required overcoming “countless hurdles.”

State media attributed the delays to "slow capital disbursement, unexpected technical problems, personnel difficulties, and the COVID-19 pandemic."

Professor Vu Minh Hoang of Fulbright University Vietnam called the delays and cost overruns "frustrating" but acknowledged the metro’s significance. He told AFP, “It is still a historic achievement for the city's urban development.” He added that the lessons learnt could streamline future metro projects.

However, with just 14 stations on the line, Hoang warned that its immediate impact on traffic congestion would be limited.

For some, the metro’s opening was deeply symbolic. Vu Thanh, an 84-year-old war veteran, reflected on his contrasting experiences underground.

“It feels so different from the underground experience I had years ago during the war,” he said, referencing his time in the Cu Chi tunnels during the Vietnam War. “It’s so bright and nice here. Finally, we made it!”

The new initiative blends local traditions with modern technology, allowing visitors to book water rides using the Uber app.

Each Shikara can carry up to four passengers. The rides are available daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Tourists can book rides from 12 hours to 15 days in advance, making it convenient for both spontaneous and planned trips.

The service, which started at Nehru Park on Dal Lake, aims to make Shikara rides easier and cheaper. Seven locally owned Shikaras are currently part of the project, with plans to add more based on demand.

Fares follow government-approved rates, removing the need for bargaining.

Shikara operators will receive the full fare, ensuring they benefit directly from it.

“This service standardises pricing and provides a reliable booking platform,” Wali Mohammed Bhat, President of the Shikarawala Association, was quoted .

The initiative hopes to involve more of the 4,000 Shikara operators on Dal Lake and boost tourism in the region. Tourists have praised the service for adding reliability to their travel experience.

The funding includes $41.47 million allocated to Senegal and $39.46 million to Guinea. The project will focus on constructing and asphalting key sections of the interstate road connecting Labé and Mali in Guinea to Kédougou and Fongolembi in Senegal. This critical corridor will facilitate the transport of forestry, agro-pastoral, and mining products to markets, benefiting local populations and traders.

Deputy Director General for West Africa at the African Development Bank (AfDB), Joseph Ribeiro, noted the initiative's importance, stating, “The African Development Bank is a strategic partner of the transport sector in the West African sub-region and beyond. The Bank’s involvement in this project confirms its leadership in infrastructure development on the continent, aimed at strengthening integration and furthering the African Continental Free Trade Area.”

The 240.71 km road comprises 178.11 km in Guinea and 62.60 km in Senegal. It will feature climate-resilient asphalt concrete, with one 3.60-meter lane in each direction and 1.5-meter hard shoulders. Additionally, 150 km of rural feeder roads (100 km in Guinea and 50 km in Senegal) and 20.26 km of urban paved roads will be constructed, including 14.26 km in the Guinean towns of Labé and Mali (not to be confused with the country of Mali) and six km in Kédougou, Senegal.

The improved road network is expected to benefit hauliers in Mali by providing better access to the port of Conakry via the southern Dakar-Bamako corridor, which passes through Kédougou.

The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World has commenced in Tunisia, focusing on the Italian-Tunisian gastronomic heritage, Ansa It reports. Italian Ambassador Alessandro Prunas inaugurated the event, aiming to promote the Mediterranean diet as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, with a theme centred on health and tradition.

Drug trafficking

Law enforcement in Tunisia apprehended six individuals for drug trafficking during an operation in the Ariana province, according to Daijiworld . The National Guard reported the confiscation of 170 drug tablets, Indian cannabis, and cash, with legal actions pending after discussions with the public prosecutor.

Economic growth

On the economic front, Tunisia's economy demonstrated a year-on-year growth of 1.8% in Q3 2024, buoyed by the agricultural sector, Marketscreener reports. Cumulatively, for the first nine months, the growth registered at 1%, with ambitions set for a 3.2% growth target by 2025, an increase from the 2.1% projected for 2024.

Transport railway funding

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has embarked on several international collaborative projects in 2024, reaffirming its 50-year commitment to sustainable development. According to Arab News , Tunisia is set to receive a $55 million loan aimed at upgrading its phosphate transport railway network, a critical infrastructure for its economy.

Release of French PHD student

In a notable human rights update, Tunisia has released French PhD student Victor Dupont, who spent several weeks in detention for research related to social movements and youth unemployment. His arrest on October 19 sparked a significant backlash from academic circles, underscoring concerns over restrictions on academic freedom in Tunisia during President Kais Saied's administration. Newscentral reports that Dupont was released on November 12 and returned to France three days later, adding to the region’s discourse surrounding foreign researcher detentions and evolving human rights dynamics.

Families will rather own their own cars and move from place to place, enjoy holiday trips and a drive around the city.

Data from the World in Maps reveals that, in 2019, around 76% of American workers drove to work alone.

Meanwhile, only 5% of people used public transportation, with New York City, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco being the only major cities where it was the main choice for getting around.

In busier places, biking, walking, and carpooling were more popular, but each option was still used by only a small number of people overall.

Below is the graphical representation of this information

Originally scheduled to begin service between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027, the launch date for the maglev line has now been postponed to 2034 or later.

The maglev trains are designed to operate at speeds exceeding 500 kilometres per hour, promising a new level of efficiency in rail travel .

Daisuke Kumajima, a spokesperson for JR Central , the operator of the project, said the goal is to create a "dual system" that integrates the maglev line with the existing Shinkansen bullet train network. For now, the line remains in the testing phase as the project continues to navigate environmental challenges.

Tanzania's economic landscape shows encouraging signs as the current account deficit for the year leading up to August 2024 has narrowed to US$2.57 billion from US$3.85 billion the previous year. This improvement is attributed to robust export growth, particularly in goods and services, which reached US$15.06 billion, driven by a surge in tourism and significant exports of gold, tobacco, and horticultural products. Traditional exports totalled US$1.1 billion, while non-traditional exports soared to US$6.57 billion, with gold exports alone witnessing an 8.2% increase to US$3.19 billion. Additionally, service receipts, primarily from travel and transport, contributed US$6.95 billion, reflecting a marked 21.7% rise in tourist arrivals, IPP Media reports.

First PPP power transmission project

Tanzania is also advancing its energy infrastructure, currently negotiating with two foreign entities for its inaugural Public-Private Partnership (PPP) power transmission projects, valued at an impressive $1.2 billion. Currently, power transmission remains solely under the control of Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO). With aspirations to draw lessons from successful PPP models in Latin America and Asia, the government faces notable challenges such as regulatory barriers and skills shortages in governmental agencies. These PPP initiatives aim to enhance electricity access and reliability while reducing transmission losses and costs for consumers. As reported by Daily News , despite benefiting from an overarching electricity surplus, the government has earmarked $1.9 billion for the enhancement of transmission infrastructure, addressing ongoing issues in power accessibility.

Longest bridge in East Africa opened

In another pivotal development, Tanzania has inaugurated the Magufuli Bridge, now recognised as East Africa's longest bridge, standing at 3.2 kilometres across Lake Victoria in the Mwanza region. Constructed for £240 million ($300 million) by Chinese contractors, this bridge connects the Misungwi and Sengerema districts, entirely financed by the Tanzanian government. Although construction began in December 2019, it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with completion achieved on October 6, 2023. This infrastructure is set to significantly bolster regional connectivity with neighbouring countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda, ranking among Africa's top ten longest bridges. The bridge has been named to honour the late President John Magufuli, who first envisioned the project.

Importance of conservation

The creative sector, particularly film, also plays a role in Tanzania's socio-economic development. Filmmaker Aika Kirei is utilising her animated series "Chiku and Katope" as a medium to educate primary school students about environmental conservation. VOA reports that through this innovative storytelling approach, Kirei aims to instil a sense of environmental stewardship in young viewers, highlighting the vital importance of sustainability and conservation efforts for future generations.

Economic boost

Furthermore, the economic contributions from Barrick Gold's Twiga partnership, encompassing the North Mara and Bulyanhulu gold mines, significantly bolstered the Tanzanian economy, accounting for 51% of the government's revenue from the extractive sector. According to the latest assessments by Mining Review Africa , these mines have excelled in safety initiatives, with Bulyanhulu being the recipient of an Occupational Safety and Health Award. Barrick Gold is actively conducting exploration efforts aimed at replenishing and expanding its mining reserves, whilst concurrently identifying new mining opportunities. The initial phase of the Barrick-Twiga Future Forward Education initiative has seen an investment of $10 million into local school infrastructure, with further investments planned.

The prank appears to have originated from a South African Twitter user who posted, "When I'm bored, I request [Bolt] in Nigeria, akere their brothers are disrespecting us." This quickly triggered a retaliatory response from Nigerian users, resulting in a surge of fake ride requests across both countries.

One driver in Cape Town recounted his experience: "I drove from Cape Town to Stellenbosch to pick up a customer only to realize it was a fake request. That’s almost 50km worth of fuel gone because of internet jokes."

Similarly, a Lagos-based driver expressed frustration, saying, "This is inconsiderate to our plight. At a time when fuel is scarce and expensive, no reasonable person should be doing this."

An X user with the handle @i_am_feezah wrote, “South Africans are cruel with the Bolt thing they started, but you know what is also cruel? The Nigerians retaliating, because you know who is suffering at the end of the day? Innocent people trying to feed their families.”

Bolt takes action

To protect its drivers and genuine customers, Bolt has implemented restrictions on "inter-country" ride requests between Nigeria and South Africa.

Yahaya Mohammed, Country Manager for Bolt Nigeria, confirmed the action in a statement to Techpoint Africa, saying, "Bolt is aware of the fake ride request incident between some individuals in Nigeria and South Africa. We have taken measures to resolve the issue, particularly for our driver-partners in both countries. The integrity and safety of our platform is our utmost priority."

These restrictions aim to prevent further disruptions and ensure that drivers can continue to operate without being affected by the online feud.

"Antananarivo was built for 300,000 inhabitants. Now there are three million of us. This is going to reduce traffic jams and it's also a non-polluting form of transport," the Malagasy president said .

The project, financed through a $162 million loan from France, underwent safety tests throughout June. Despite the ambitious goals, there are concerns about the affordability of tickets, which are priced six times higher than bus fares, and the reliability of the power supply needed for operation.

President Rajoelina, re-elected for a third term last year and formerly the Mayor of Antananarivo, has defended the project against criticism that it deepens the country's debt to France, Madagascar's former colonial ruler.

"We have to dare to transform and develop our country. It's always the people who criticized who couldn't do anything. Whether we should have done this project or not, I say yes. You know, there was a lot of criticism of the construction of the Eiffel Tower. But what is it now that attracts tourists to France? Isn't it the Eiffel Tower?" Rajoelina stated.

To address affordability concerns, the government announced plans for subsidized fares for students and pensioners. The cable cars are scheduled to open to the general public in 2025.

President Rajoelina is expected to choose a firm to manage the transport facilities. Reports indicate that two French companies are vying for the contract to oversee both the technical and commercial operations of the cable car system.

Deputy Permanent Secretary-Technical at the Ministry of Transport, Ebrima Colley said, “currently, the Government of the Gambia is focused on improving Infrastructure Development requirements such as roads, energy and ICT. By investing in the necessary physical and digital infrastructure, this will ensure that the infrastructure can support the the deployment of technologies such as connected vehicles, sensors, and smart traffic control systems.”

Gambia’s transport challenges primarily stem from inadequate infrastructure, scarcity of public transportation alternatives, and economic constraints,  which collectively impose hardships on persons seeking dependable means of travel, GRT News reports.

“I wish I would be able to order a taxi or Uber from any location and not have to struggle to board a loaded bus, van, or taxi every day, we are in a digital era, and by utilizing it, life will be much easier,” said Fatou Njie, a commuter.

The deficiency in road infrastructure in certain regions in the country amplifies transportation woes, as poorly maintained roads and a lack of proper signage impede smooth traffic flow. This not only extends travel durations but also presents safety hazards to commuters.