Kasumbalesa Border Guide: Key Gateway for Zambia–DRC Copperbelt Freight and Mining Trade The Kasumbalesa border crossing between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the most important freight gateways in Southern and Central Africa. Located near Chililabombwe on Zambia’s Copperbelt, the border connects Zambia with the mineral-rich DRC and provides a major route for copper, cobalt, mining equipment, fuel, industrial inputs and other commercial goods. The
Author: Constance Makungu
Botswana Tightens Border Controls with Mandatory Pre-Clearance for Road Freight
Botswana Makes Pre-Clearance Mandatory for All Commercial Road Freight Botswana has strengthened its customs and border controls by making pre-clearance mandatory for all commercial goods transported by road into, through or out of the country. Implemented by the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) from 1 August 2026, the new requirement means importers, exporters and transporters must obtain a “PROCEED TO BORDER” status before a vehicle can travel to a Botswana
Traxtion Bets on Rail Reforms and Africa’s Growing Mineral Trade
South Africa’s Traxtion Invests $210 Million as Rail Reforms Open New Opportunities in Africa’s Mining Sector South African rail services company Traxtion is positioning itself for growth as rail reforms across Africa open freight networks to private operators and rising mineral production creates stronger demand for reliable transport infrastructure. The company plans to invest 3.4 billion rand, or about $210 million, in expanding its rolling stock capacity. The investment includes
Saudi Arabia Eyes 25-Year Cape Town Port Concession as Gulf Investment Expands
Saudi Arabia’s RSGT Considers 25-Year Cape Town Port Concession as Gulf Investment in Africa Grows Saudi Arabian port operator Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) is considering a bid for a 25-year concession to refurbish and operate a terminal at the Port of Cape Town, highlighting growing Gulf interest in Africa’s logistics and transport infrastructure. South Africa’s Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is seeking a private operator for the Duncan Dock
Mombasa Port Expansion to Boost Cargo Capacity as Hapag-Lloyd Targets East African Growth
Mombasa Port Expansion Adds Capacity as Hapag-Lloyd Targets Growth Across East Africa Kenya is accelerating expansion and modernisation at the Port of Mombasa as rising cargo volumes increase pressure on existing infrastructure and shipping lines strengthen their presence in East Africa. The port handled a record 45.45 million tonnes of cargo in 2025, up 10.9% from 40.99 million tonnes in 2024. Container traffic also increased to about 2.11 million TEUs,
MSC Launches Weekly Service to Nigeria’s Lekki Port
MSC Launches Weekly Feeder Service to Lekki Port, Strengthening Nigeria’s Global Trade Links Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest container shipping line, has launched a new weekly service to Nigeria’s Lekki Port, strengthening the port’s connection to regional and international trade networks. The new service operates through a feeder connection with Lomé, Togo, linking Lekki with other major Nigerian ports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island. The weekly schedule
Kasaï-Oriental Explores Cargo Air Link With Tanzania
Kasaï-Oriental and Tanzania Explore Mbuji-Mayi–Dar es Salaam Cargo Air Route Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasaï-Oriental province and Tanzania are exploring the possibility of establishing a cargo air link between Mbuji-Mayi and Dar es Salaam to improve trade and regional connectivity. The proposal was discussed on July 28 during a meeting between Kasaï-Oriental Governor Jean-Paul Mbwebwa Kapo and Tanzanian Ambassador to the DRC Saidi Juma Mshana. The proposed
DRC Advances US$1.26 Billion Plan to Modernise Dilolo-Sakania Railway
DRC Approves US$1.26 Billion Dilolo-Sakania Railway Modernisation Project The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is advancing a US$1.258 billion project to rehabilitate and modernise the 1,004.5-kilometre Dilolo-Sakania railway, strengthening a critical section of the Lobito Corridor. The government adopted a draft collaboration convention with Mota-Engil Africa covering the railway’s financing, rehabilitation, modernisation, operation, maintenance and eventual transfer to the state. The railway runs through the DRC’s mineral-rich southeastern region and
TAAG Launches Dedicated Cargo Route Connecting Angola and Zambia
TAAG Launches Weekly Luanda-Lusaka Cargo Service to Boost Regional Trade TAAG Angola Airlines has launched a dedicated weekly cargo service to Lusaka, strengthening air freight links between Angola and Zambia and supporting regional trade. The inaugural flight operated on July 24 using a Boeing 737-800 freighter, carrying 12.8 tonnes of cargo originating from Amsterdam. The shipment included machine parts, IT equipment, personal effects and other high-value goods. The new service
MSC Launches Afungi Shuttle to Strengthen Logistics for Mozambique LNG Project
MSC Launches Afungi Shuttle Linking Nacala and Maputo to Mozambique LNG Project Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has launched the Afungi Shuttle, a new maritime service designed to strengthen logistics connectivity for the TotalEnergies-led Mozambique LNG project and support growing economic activity in northern Mozambique. The new service connects Afungi, the site of the Mozambique LNG development in Cabo Delgado province, with dedicated feeder connections through the ports of Nacala and