Sedna Africa has secured a contract with Beira Terminal Operator Cornelder de Moçambique, to deploy a private mobile network at Beira Port in Mozambique.
“Our heritage lies in mining, where we’ve proudly built a strong pedigree supporting industry leaders like Anglo American, African Rainbow Minerals, Zimplats, Seriti, Sibanye Stillwater, Thungela and DRA,” says Anton Fester, MD of Sedna Africa. “But the reality is Africa’s ageing infrastructure simply cannot meet the demands of modern industrial use cases — particularly when it comes to connectivity.”
He explains that almost every major port on the continent still operates on narrowband technologies with limited data throughput, hampering digital transformation efforts. “This is where mobile private networks come in. They deliver reliable, high-throughput connectivity that is mission-critical for safety, automation, and productivity — whether at ports, in mining, or across other heavy industries.”
The Port of Beira is a critical maritime facility for Mozambique and sub-Saharan Africa. Jan de Vries, MD of Cornelder, says the planned infrastructure and improvement projects aim to significantly enhance its efficiency, capacity, and operational capabilities.
“Improved port infrastructure and efficiency will attract more trade, boosting economic growth. Enhanced capabilities will support industries, create jobs and generate revenue. Modernising, digitising and focusing on safety and automation are critical components of these plans, ensuring the port is future-fit,” he says.
“We’re using the knowledge, skills, and experience honed in mining to tackle infrastructure bottlenecks across Africa,” adds Fester. “Our expanded offering now includes not only mobile private networks but also OT governance, enabling communication layers, and distributed fibre sensing — helping industries better manage risks, monitor conditions, and avoid costly breakdowns.”
Recent trials in advanced fibre optic sensing technology — embedded within conveyor systems — have demonstrated the ability to detect wear, failures, and fires, enhancing preventive maintenance and safety. “This technology is a game-changer for condition monitoring and risk management,” Fester says.