United States Prioritizes Mota-Engil Concession for DR Congo’s Lobito Corridor to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply Chains The United States has identified the awarding of the concession for the Congolese segment of the Lobito Corridor to Mota-Engil as a priority initiative under its strategic partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), signed on December 4, 2025. Speaking at the Powering Africa Summit in Washington, D.C. on March 19, 2026,
Author: Constance Makungu
DRC, Tanzania and Burundi Advance Plans for Electrified Regional Railway Corridor
DRC, Tanzania and Burundi Push Forward with 800 km Electrified Railway Linking Kindu to Dar es Salaam Port The governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Burundi are advancing plans to develop an electrified standard-gauge railway connecting Uvinza, Musongati, Gitega, Bujumbura, Uvira, and Kindu as part of a major regional transport initiative in Central and East Africa. On March 31, 2026, transport ministers from the three countries
SAFLA: New Operational Voice for The Freight Forwarding and Logistics Industries Launches
The South African Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA) has officially launched as a new industry body dedicated to representing the ground-level interests of freight forwarders and logistics operators across South Africa. Built on a foundation of data-driven advocacy and operational relevance, SAFLA enters the industry with a clear mandate to tackle the friction points that have long slowed trade and burdened businesses. SAFLA’s founding Executive Officer, Dave Logan, is unambiguous
Chinese Firms Invest $1.24 Billion to Modernize TAZARA Railway Linking Zambia to Indian Ocean Port
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
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