Port of Dar es Salaam Records Record Cargo Throughput as $421 Million Infrastructure Upgrade Boosts Regional Trade The Port of Dar es Salaam is strengthening its position as one of East Africa’s leading maritime gateways following major infrastructure investments that have significantly improved efficiency and regional connectivity. During the 2024/25 financial year, the port handled a record 27.7 million tonnes of cargo, a 15% increase from the previous year, driven
Author: Constance Makungu
Uganda Secures €650.75 Million Islamic Development Bank Loan for Standard Gauge Railway
Uganda Secures €650.75 Million IsDB Financing to Accelerate Standard Gauge Railway and Boost Regional Trade Uganda has secured Shs2.73 trillion (€650.75 million) in financing from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to accelerate construction of key sections of the long-awaited Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a landmark project expected to strengthen regional trade and improve connectivity with the Port of Mombasa. Approved during the 51st Islamic Development Bank Group Annual Meetings in
Zimbabwe Explores China Resource-Backed Financing to Modernize Roads and Rail Network
Zimbabwe Eyes China-Backed Resource Financing to Fund $34 Billion Transport Infrastructure Upgrade Zimbabwe is exploring resource-backed financing agreements with China to fund major road and railway infrastructure projects as the government seeks to modernize its transport network and accelerate economic growth. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed that discussions are underway with China Railway on financing mechanisms that would use future revenues generated from Zimbabwe’s natural resources to repay infrastructure-related loans.
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Rebounds, Easing Fuel Supply Risks for Africa
Record Vessel Traffic in Strait of Hormuz Signals Easing Energy Supply Risks for Africa’s Fuel Importers Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has surged to its highest level since recent conflict disrupted operations in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, offering potential relief for African economies heavily reliant on imported fuel. According to vessel tracking data from S&P Global Market Intelligence and S&P Global Commodities at Sea,
Transnet Launches RFP for Rail Rolling Stock Leasing Entity LeaseCo Under PPP Model
Transnet issues RFP for LeaseCo PPP to modernise rail rolling stock and expand private sector participation in South Africa Transnet has issued a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to two shortlisted bidders as part of its plan to establish a rail rolling stock leasing entity known as LeaseCo, structured as a public–private partnership (PPP). The bidders were selected from 14 respondents who participated in an earlier Request for Qualification (RFQ)
Zambia and US Expand $491 Million Grant Programme to Support Lobito Corridor Infrastructure
Zambia, US Redirect Part of $491 Million Agriculture Grant to Boost Lobito Corridor and Critical Minerals Infrastructure Zambia has reached an agreement with the United States’ Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to expand the scope of a $491 million grant programme, allowing part of the funding to support infrastructure linked to the country’s critical minerals sector and the strategic Lobito Corridor. The grant, signed in 2024 under the MCC’s “farm-to-market” initiative,
Cameroon Advances Regional Trade Ambitions with Edéa–Kribi–Lolabé–Campo Railway Project
Cameroon Signs MoU for Edéa–Kribi–Lolabé–Campo Railway to Boost Regional Trade and Mining Logistics Cameroon has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of the Edéa–Kribi–Lolabé–Campo railway corridor, a major infrastructure project aimed at strengthening freight connectivity between production centres, industrial zones and export gateways. The agreement was signed between the Government of Cameroon, Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and CAMALCO. According to a statement shared by the Kribi Port
Maersk Raises China–East Africa Shipping Costs as Importers Face Rising Freight Pressure
Maersk Imposes Up to $2,000 Container Surcharge on China–East Africa Routes, Raising Import Costs for Kenya and Tanzania Importers across East Africa are facing rising shipping costs after global logistics giant A.P. Moller–Maersk announced steep increases in its Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on cargo moving from China and Hong Kong to the region. The revised charges apply to key trade routes serving major ports including Kenya’s Port of Mombasa and
Lobito Atlantic Railway Expands Mineral Logistics with Major Manganese Shipment
14,000-Ton Manganese Delivery Highlights Growth of Lobito Atlantic Railway Operations Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) has successfully received and handled a shipment of approximately 14,000 tons of manganese at the Port of Lobito Mining Terminal, marking a significant step in strengthening its regional logistics and mineral transportation capabilities. The operation required close coordination between multiple operational teams and logistics partners to ensure safe, efficient, and well-controlled unloading and handling processes. According
West Africa Emerges as Strategic Maritime Hub Amid Global Shipping Route Shifts
Middle East Shipping Disruptions Drive Major Maritime Investment Boom Across West Africa Rising tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are reshaping global maritime trade routes, driving increased investment and expansion by major shipping and logistics companies across West Africa. As vessels increasingly avoid traditional Middle Eastern chokepoints, shipping lines traveling between Asia and Europe are being forced to reroute around the Cape