Launched in December 2024, the Kolwezi–Sakabinda road project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to reshape regional trade and mineral exports. Spanning 53.6 kilometers, the road is expected to be completed by 2027 at an estimated cost of $159 million, according to a report following a site visit by the Congolese Minister of Infrastructure on June 10. The project is being executed through a public-private partnership (PPP)
Author: Constance Makungu
DRC and Cameroon Push Forward on Kribi–Zongo Trade Corridor to Boost Regional Connectivity
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Cameroon are accelerating plans to operationalize the Kribi–Zongo trade corridor—a strategic logistics route intended to link the deepwater port of Kribi in Cameroon to northern DRC via the Central African Republic (CAR). The project aims to streamline freight transport to and from one of the most geographically isolated regions of the DRC. On June 11, 2025, Congolese Ambassador to Cameroon, Pierre Kashadile Bukasa
Zambia and Namibia Advance Regional Trade with Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post
Zambia and Namibia have taken a significant step toward boosting cross-border trade and regional integration with the launch of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting on the operationalization of the Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), held in Livingstone, Zambia. This meeting marks a major milestone in the two countries’ shared commitment to facilitating trade through coordinated infrastructure development and policy alignment. The OSBP, established under a bilateral agreement signed
West Africa Welcomes Record-Breaking MSC Megaships in Global Trade Shift
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has made maritime history by becoming the first shipping line to deploy 24,000 TEU megaships on routes serving West Africa—marking a major milestone in the region’s integration into global trade networks. According to Container News, MSC has introduced two ultra-large container vessels—the MSC Diletta and MSC Türkiye—on its Africa Express service. This route connects major Asian export hubs, including China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, to
Zambia and Eswatini Sign Bilateral Air Services Agreement to Launch Direct Flights
Zambia and Eswatini have taken a major step toward improving regional air connectivity with the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). This milestone agreement clears the way for the establishment of direct commercial flights between the two countries, opening new opportunities for travel, trade, and economic cooperation. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 10th Africa Indian Ocean Aviation Week in Victoria Falls—an event dedicated to
Namibia Urged to Eliminate Trade Barriers and Streamline Logistics to Sustain Growth
Namibia’s logistics sector is under growing pressure to improve efficiency as trade volumes rise and the country cements its role as a regional trade and transit hub. To remain competitive, experts warn that Namibia must urgently optimize its infrastructure, systems, and regulations to handle increased cargo flow. Harold Schmidt, Secretary General of the Namibia Logistics Association (NLA), emphasized that the country cannot afford complacency. “With more cargo expected to pass
$1 Billion Lobito Corridor Impact Platform Launched to Drive Private-Sector Growth Across Angola, DRC, and Zambia
The Lobito Corridor Impact Development Platform (LCID)—a new $1 billion private-sector–driven initiative—has officially launched, backed by an initial $100 million joint commitment from entrepreneur Haim Taib and Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (FSDEA). Focused on the Lobito Corridor, this platform aims to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development across Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. LCID is designed to enhance U.S.-Africa cooperation through targeted investments in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare,
Russia Eyes Africa’s Rail Future with Strategic Infrastructure Push
As Moscow accelerates its economic engagement in Africa, Russian Railways (RZD) is targeting four strategic countries—Burkina Faso, Ghana, South Africa, and Libya—to develop and modernize rail infrastructure. This initiative is part of a broader geopolitical shift positioning Africa as a critical partner in Russia’s evolving global strategy. According to Sputnik Afrika, RZD is advancing railway construction and modernization projects across the continent, aligning with Moscow’s ambition to deepen trade ties,
EU Invests €40 Million to Modernize Douala-N’Djamena Trade Corridor
The European Union has committed €40 million to upgrade the Douala-N’Djamena trade corridor, a key route connecting Douala, Cameroon’s largest port, to N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. This investment is aimed at boosting trade, transport efficiency, and regional integration across Central Africa. The funding is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which promotes sustainable infrastructure by mobilizing both public and private financing. For this corridor, the EU has partnered
EU Flags Nigerian Seaports as Major Gateway for Counterfeit Goods in West Africa
The European Union (EU) has launched an investigation into the rising flow of counterfeit goods entering West Africa, identifying Nigerian seaports as key conduits for the illegal trade that extends to international markets. According to the 2025 EU Report on the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Third Countries, Nigeria has been classified among eight “Priority 3 countries” that present serious challenges to intellectual property (IP) enforcement. Other