Linernet Confirms 12% Rise in South African Reefer Cargo, Slightly Below Transnet’s Reported 19% Growth Maritime analytics firm Linernet has confirmed that South Africa’s ports recorded a notable increase in reefer (refrigerated container) cargo volumes, supporting earlier claims by Transnet Port Terminals (TPT). While Linernet’s data indicates a 12.21% year-on-year (YTD) increase in reefer throughput, this is slightly lower than the 19% growth reported earlier in the week by the
Author: Constance Makungu
Martin’s Drift Border Post Strengthens Regional Trade Efficiency in Southern Africa
SADC Study Highlights Martin’s Drift Border Post as Key Hub for Regional Economic Integration The Martin’s Drift border post, which connects Botswana and South Africa, has emerged as a critical driver of regional trade efficiency, following a recent assessment visit by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat. The evaluation aligns with SADC’s broader mission to enhance border operations and promote regional integration, first outlined during the 13th Ministerial Task
DRC Accelerates Railway Revamp to Boost Trade and Connectivity
Congo’s New Railway Projects Strengthen Links to Angola, Zambia, and the Atlantic Congo’s New Railway Projects Strengthen Links to Angola, Zambia, and the AtlanticThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is advancing major railway upgrades aimed at improving regional trade and logistics. In early September 2025, a joint EU–US delegation presented prefeasibility results for the DRC’s section of the Lobito Corridor—a 1,300-km transport route linking Angola’s Atlantic port of Lobito
Africa Finance Corp to Launch Bids for Zambia-Angola Railway Linking Copper Mines to Lobito Port
New Zambia-Angola Railway to Boost Copper Exports and Create Jobs, Says Africa Finance Corp The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) plans to issue bids in the coming months for the construction of a new railway connecting Zambia’s copper-rich region to the Angolan port of Lobito, a move set to strengthen regional trade and infrastructure. According to Samaila Zubairu, AFC President, the tender will be divided into three parts, covering: Construction of
Brazzaville-Kinshasa Road-Rail Bridge Poised to Transform Trade and Connectivity in Central Africa
Brazzaville-Kinshasa Road-Rail Bridge: Connecting Two Capitals Across the Congo River Brazzaville and Kinshasa, the capitals of the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are separated by only a few kilometers of the Congo River, yet remain disconnected by any permanent infrastructure. Currently, travel between the two cities relies exclusively on ferry services, which are often unreliable. A proposed road-rail bridge promises to transform this connection,
Kasomeno-Mwenda Toll Road Set to Transform DRC-Zambia Trade Corridor
Kasomeno-Mwenda Toll Road Project in DRC and Zambia to Boost Trade, Cut Travel Time, and Create Jobs The Kasomeno-Mwenda Toll Road is a landmark infrastructure project connecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, designed to enhance regional trade, transportation efficiency, and economic development. The project encompasses the construction of 184 kilometers of modernized highway—split evenly between Zambia (92 km) and the DRC (92 km)—a 362-meter cable-stayed bridge over
DRC, Angola, Zambia, and EU Forge Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Lobito Corridor Development
DRC, Angola, Zambia, and European Union Partner to Boost Trade, Infrastructure, and Mining Value Chains Through Lobito Corridor On the sidelines of the Global Gateway Forum, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Angola, and Zambia signed a landmark cooperation agreement with the European Union (EU) to accelerate the integrated development of the Lobito Corridor—a key initiative aimed at enhancing trade, transport infrastructure, and industrial competitiveness across Central Africa. The
Proflight Zambia to Co-Host Major Regional Aviation Summit in Lusaka
Zambia to Host 55th Airlines Association of Southern Africa AGM in 2025 — Proflight Showcases Growing Aviation Hub Zambia’s aviation industry will take centre stage this October as Proflight Zambia co-hosts the 55th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA). The high-profile event will take place from 16 to 19 October 2025 at Ciela Resort in Lusaka. The prestigious gathering is expected to attract over
Lobito Corridor Project: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Ahead
Lobito Corridor Project: DRC Pushes for Funding and Skills Development to Boost Regional Trade The Lobito Corridor project, an initiative championed by former U.S. President Joe Biden, aims to construct a railway connecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, and Angola to the port of Lobito. Beyond exporting strategic minerals to the United States, the project seeks to open up Central Africa and strengthen regional trade. Although last September
Japan Commits $7 Billion to Boost Nacala Logistics Corridor and Support Malawi’s Kasiya Mineral Project
Japan Pledges $7B for Nacala Corridor to Advance Sovereign Metals’ Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi Japan has pledged $7 billion to support the development of the Nacala Logistics Corridor, a major infrastructure project designed to accelerate economic growth in southern Africa and strengthen the global supply chain for critical minerals. The announcement was made during the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), held in Yokohama from August 20