Container operations at South Africa’s port terminals have significantly improved, reaching a daily average of 8,246 containers, according to the latest Container Movement Update from the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity South Africa (Busa). This marks a notable recovery following two weeks of declining activity. In late August, container movement had dropped from an average of 6,747 containers per day on August 23 to 6,537
Author: Constance Makungu
South Africa Investigates Oil Spill in Algoa Bay
The South Africa Incident Management Organisation (Imorg) has launched an investigation into an oil spill believed to have originated from a container cargo vessel anchored in Algoa Bay last week. In a statement released on Monday, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) reported that the spill was first detected by a vessel anchored at number 2 in Algoa Bay. The crew noticed oil-like blobs and an oily sheen on
Zambia Ratifies AU Road Safety Charter to Boost Road Safety and Economic Growth
Zambia has officially signed the African Union (AU) Road Safety Charter, marking a significant step toward enhancing road safety and reducing traffic accidents. This initiative is part of a broader continental effort to curb the high incidence of road fatalities, particularly in African countries where dangerous road conditions pose serious risks to motorists. Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala, submitted the ratification instrument on behalf of the Zambian government. In
Malawi Celebrates Milestone with Arrival of Fuel Train Following Railway Rehabilitation
Malawi has marked a significant milestone with the arrival of a fuel train in the southern region, transporting 1.2 million liters of fuel. This achievement was made possible by the extensive rehabilitation of the country’s railway line, which had fallen into disrepair over several decades. President Lazarus Chakwera, who personally oversaw the train’s arrival, hailed the event as a “great milestone” for Malawi, highlighting its potential to boost the country’s
Walvis Bay Port to Boost Operations with Private Management under TiL
The Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia is poised to make a significant leap in its operations as its container handling will transition to private management by Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). Originally slated for the second quarter of 2023, the much-anticipated concession will now officially begin on October 1, 2024, following the finalization of a joint venture between Namport and TiL, known as Terminal Investment Namibia (TiN). The privatization of
Namibia’s Informal Trade Declines, with Katima Mulilo and Oshikango Leading Cross-Border Activity
Namibia’s informal cross-border trade sector has experienced a significant decline since 2019, with activity dropping by 46.8%, according to the latest report from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). Informal trade fell from N$19.4 million in September 2019 to N$10.3 million by November 2023. Despite this decline, several key border posts, particularly Oshikango, continue to play a vital role in the country’s trade network. Oshikango remains the leading border post for
China, Tanzania, and Zambia Sign Landmark Agreement to Modernize Rail-Sea Transport Network
In a significant boost to regional infrastructure, China, Tanzania, and Zambia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance the intermodal rail-sea transportation network in East Africa. The agreement, centered on the modernization of the Tanzania-Zambia railway, was signed in Beijing during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The event, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, marks a new
Zambia Achieves Major Aviation Milestone with ICAO Audit Success
Zambia’s aviation industry has reached a significant milestone, clearing an intensive audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This audit, a key evaluation of a country’s adherence to international aviation safety standards, saw Zambia achieve an impressive 73.48% successful implementation rate. This result surpasses both the global average of 69.4% and the East and Southern Africa regional average of 60.71%, highlighting Zambia’s efforts to strengthen its aviation sector
Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport Set to Begin Flights in November
Domestic and international flights at Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport (AIAAN) are scheduled to commence in the second half of November, as announced by the general director of the Temporary Operator of the New Luanda Airport (ATO), António Pombal. This announcement came during the third integrated simulation of operational tests at the new airport. Pombal revealed that airlines are currently reprogramming and adjusting flight codes, along with other operational and
DBSA Approves $200 Million for the Lobito Corridor Railway Project
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has approved funding of up to US$200 million towards the Lobito Corridor Railway Project in Angola, alongside the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This strategic infrastructure initiative, valued at approximately US$786.4 million, aims to enhance regional trade and transportation networks by providing an efficient and reliable railway connection from the Lobito Port on Angola’s Atlantic coast to the border with the Democratic Republic of