China Backs $1.24 Billion TAZARA Rail Upgrade to Secure Copper Exports as US and EU Promote Lobito Corridor Chinese mining, shipping, and logistics companies are joining forces on a $1.24 billion infrastructure project to modernize a major railway connecting Zambia’s copper belt to the port of Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean. Leading copper producers CMOC Group Limited and Zijin Mining Group have partnered with state-owned construction giant China
Author: Constance Makungu
Transport Infrastructure Takes Center Stage at DRC–Angola Economic Forum
Lobito Corridor Project Seen as Key to Regional Integration and Trade Growth in Southern Africa At the third Economic Forum between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola, transport and communication infrastructure emerged as a central lever for accelerating regional integration and reducing the outward orientation of national economies. Gathered around the theme “Sub-regional Infrastructure Development Strategy: How to Strengthen Integration and Minimize External Dependence,” experts, policymakers, and private
DRC and Angola Seek Stronger Coordination to Resolve Fishing Disputes at Shared Maritime Border
DRC and Angola Push for New Agreements to Remove Fishing Barriers and Boost Cross-Border Economic Cooperation Kinshasa and Luanda have been urged to strengthen coordination to remove obstacles hindering fishing activities along their shared maritime border. The issue was at the center of discussions during a panel held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Kinshasa as part of the third DRC–Angola Economic Forum. The forum brings together policymakers, business leaders,
DRC, Zambia, and Tanzania Move to Modernize Southern Central Corridor
DRC, Zambia, and Tanzania Launch Initiative to Secure and Upgrade Southern Central Corridor The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, and Tanzania are collaborating to secure and modernize the southern section of the Central Corridor, a strategic trade route linking the port of Dar es Salaam to key commercial and mining hubs in the region. Local media reports indicate that representatives from the three countries met on March 24, 2026,
EU Grant Boosts Zambia Railways Modernization and Mining Corridor Rehabilitation
Zambia Railways Secures €50 Million EU Funding to Rehabilitate Key Mining and Freight Rail Lines Zambia Railways Limited has secured a €50 million grant from the European Union to rehabilitate critical sections of the country’s rail network, including the line from Livingstone to Kapiri Mposhi and onward to Ndola. The funding represents the first phase of a broader modernization program, with the European Union already signaling its willingness to support
DRC to Upgrade Kolwezi Airport to International Status to Boost Mining and Economic Connectivity
Democratic Republic of the Congo Advances Kolwezi Airport Upgrade for International Flights and Economic Growth The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is moving forward with plans to upgrade Kolwezi Airport to full international status, a development expected to enhance air connectivity and economic opportunities in the country’s mining-rich southern region. Once completed, Kolwezi Airport would become the fourth recognized international gateway in the DRC, joining airports
Tanzania Launches Major Petroleum Storage Project to Modernize Dar es Salaam Port
Tanzania Expands Dar es Salaam Port with $45.7M Petroleum Storage Facility to Boost Trade and Efficiency Tanzania has initiated a strategic project to reinforce transport and logistics operations at the Port of Dar es Salaam, one of the country’s most critical maritime gateways and a key hub for East Africa. On 3 March 2026, President Hassan laid the cornerstone for the development of modern petroleum storage facilities, describing the project
Nakonde One-Stop Border Post Set to Transform Trade Between Zambia and Tanzania
President Hichilema Commissions Nakonde OSBP to Boost Trade, Regional Integration, and Economic Growth Phase One of the Nakonde One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) in Nakonde has been officially commissioned by President Hakainde Hichilema, marking a significant milestone in trade and movement between Zambia and Tanzania. The project is expected to transform Nakonde into a major economic hub by streamlining the transportation of goods and people across the border. In his address,
Ethiopian Cargo Joins Freightos Digital Platform to Streamline Global Bookings
Ethiopian Cargo Integrates with Freightos for Digital Rates, eBooking, and Payments Across Global Network Ethiopian Cargo will join the digital booking platform operated by Freightos by the end of March, enabling freight forwarders to access rates, quotes, booking, and payment functions across the airline’s global cargo network. Freightos announced that the integration will provide digital rates, quoting, and eBooking capabilities, along with WebCargo Pay for secure digital payments and interlining
IATA Launches AI Initiatives to Transform Air Cargo Operations and Industry Collaboration
IATA Introduces AI Tools and Global Excellence Hub to Boost Air Cargo Efficiency, Safety, and Digital Integration IATA Introduces AI Tools and Global Excellence Hub to Boost Air Cargo Efficiency, Safety, and Digital Integration Rewritten Article:The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is rolling out three new artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives designed to make air cargo operations faster, safer, and more efficient. The programs focus on improving access to operational information,