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
Author: Constance Makungu
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
Grindrod to Acquire Full Ownership of Matola Terminal for $77 Million
Ports and logistics group Grindrod has announced plans to acquire the remaining 35% stake in Terminal de Carvão da Matola (TCM) at Maputo Port from Vitol Mauritius for $77 million. Grindrod, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), currently holds a 65% interest in the Mozambican terminal. TCM operates the Matola dry bulk terminal, which has an annual capacity to export over seven million tons of bulk materials, primarily magnetite
Chinese State-Owned Firm Set to Revamp Key Zambia-Tanzania Railway by 2024
A Chinese state-owned company is expected to finalize an agreement to take over the concession for the railway connecting Zambia’s copper mines to a Tanzanian port by the end of 2024, according to the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara). Last week, the heads of state from Zambia, Tanzania, and China witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to rehabilitate the 1,860-kilometer (1,160 miles) railway, originally built in the 1970s
Workers Strike Over Adani Group Deal Disrupts Operations at Nairobi’s Main Airport
A strike by workers at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) led to widespread flight delays and cancellations on Wednesday, affecting both departing and arriving passengers, according to Kenya Airways. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union, the country’s largest aviation workers’ union, initiated the industrial action in response to a proposed agreement allowing India’s Adani Group to lease JKIA for 30 years. The union expressed concerns that the deal, announced in
Vandalism to Rail Infrastructure Costs South Africa R5-Billion Annually
Vandalism of rail infrastructure is costing South Africa nearly R5 billion each year, according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. This has significantly reduced the amount of freight transported via the country’s rail system. Speaking to the National Council of Provinces as part of a ministerial team addressing infrastructure challenges, Creecy emphasized the impact on the economy. She explained that to meet economic needs, the rail system should be transporting between
Kenya’s High Court Blocks Adani Group Airport Lease Amid Public Concerns
Kenya’s High Court has temporarily halted a proposed deal for India’s Adani Group to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years in exchange for upgrading the facility, according to court documents. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) jointly filed an application on Monday, arguing that Kenya could independently raise the $1.85 billion needed to modernize the airport in Nairobi. They raised
$700 Million Trans-Cunene Railway Project to Link Angola and Namibia
The $700 million “Trans-Cunene” railway project, aimed at connecting Angola and Namibia, was presented last Thursday to the Provincial Government of Namibe by Namibian company Global Business Development (GBD). Harold Luttichau, head of the consortium, outlined the project, which includes building a new 400-kilometer railway from Lubango to Cunene and rehabilitating the existing line between Lubango and Moçâmedes. The project is expected to be completed within 15 months. “This rail