British International Investment (BII) and DP World have announced a $35 million investment to develop the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) first deepwater container port. This initiative continues their partnership, which began in 2021, and aims to modernize and expand port infrastructure across Africa, following similar projects in Senegal, Egypt, and Somaliland. The new port at Banana, situated on the Atlantic coast, will serve as the primary gateway for all
Category: Central Africa
The US-Backed Railway and the New Era in African Copper Supply
As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, the US-backed Lobito Corridor is poised to revolutionize access to African copper resources. This ambitious project, linking Angola to the mineral-rich Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), challenges China’s dominance in critical mineral supply chains. With an estimated investment of $10 billion, the Lobito Corridor encompasses more than just railway construction. It includes roads, energy facilities, and telecommunications, fostering broader regional economic growth and
Zambia Reopens Borders with DRC After Two-Day Closure Amid Protests
Zambia has reopened its three border crossings with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a two-day suspension triggered by protests in the neighboring country. The decision came after emergency negotiations between officials from both countries in Lubumbashi, DRC. A joint declaration issued following the meeting confirmed the reopening of the borders and emphasized the commitment of both nations to uphold regional trade agreements. Zambia’s Commerce and Trade Minister, Chipoka
Angola-Zambia Road Project to Boost Trade and Economy in Eastern Angola
Economists and business leaders in Lunda-Norte believe that the construction of a road connecting Angola and Zambia, part of the Lobito Corridor initiative, will significantly enhance the flow of goods and services between Angola’s eastern provinces and the country’s coast. The project involves constructing an approximately 800-kilometer road from Lobito (Benguela) to Luau (Moxico) on the Angolan side. companies, including a consortium like SIbitech and Queiroz Galvão, as well as
The Impact of Lobito Atlântico Railways on the Benguela Railway Corridor
The management of the Benguela Railway (CFB) by the consortium Lobito Atlântico Railways (LAR), Trafigura, and Mota-Engil is expected to significantly enhance Angola’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), contributing between $1.6 billion to $3.4 billion annually over the next 30 years. This projection was shared by LAR administrator Ottoniel Manuel during a discussion on the Girassol television channel under the theme, “The Impact of the Lobito Corridor on the Angolan Economy
Namibia and Zambia Forge Path to Seamless Trade with Katima Mulilo OSBP Agreement
Namibia and Zambia have taken a significant step towards enhancing regional integration and trade facilitation by formalizing their commitment to establish a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) at the Katima Mulilo Border Post. Signed in Katima Mulilo, this bilateral agreement aims to streamline cross-border operations, combining immigration and customs procedures into a single process to reduce time and costs associated with border crossings. Representing Namibia, Zambezi Regional Governor Lawrence Sampofu, and
Upgrades Underway for Nkaya–Mchinji Railway Section to Boost Malawi’s Transport and Mining Sectors
ASX- and Aim-listed Sovereign Metals reports that upgrades to the 399 km Nkaya–Mchinji railway section, which connects the Malawi–Zambia border to the Nacala Logistics Corridor (NLC), are currently underway. This railway section traverses Sovereign Metals’ Kasiya rutile/graphite project tenements. The refurbishment of the segment connecting the Kanengo junction in Lilongwe district, where Kasiya is situated, to the NLC junction at Nkaya, is nearing completion. The railway rehabilitation is an initiative
Lobito Corridor boosted with new reference partner
Angola’s minister of Transport Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu recently highlighted the significant financial commitments from the G7 and Italy, including a $320 million pledge from Italy, which complement the investments from the United States’ Partnership for Global Infrastructure (PGI) and the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy. D’Abreu emphasized the Lobito Corridor’s strategic importance, stating, “This financial support from Italy directly aids the Benguela Railway (CFB) connection to Zambia, enhancing Angola’s ability
Angola Advances Lobito Corridor to Boost Regional Trade and Economic Integration
Angola is leading efforts to transform the Lobito Corridor into a vital artery for regional trade, enhancing economic integration in Southern Africa. This large-scale infrastructure project, supported by the Angolan government and international partners, aims to connect Angola with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, facilitating trade and fostering regional economic growth. Significant International Investments Italy’s Contribution:Under Prime Minister Meloni’s Mattei Plan and PGI, Italy has committed $320
Italy Joins US and EU in Promoting Sustainable Development Along Lobito Corridor
On Friday, during the G7 meeting it hosted, Italy committed to joining the US and EU in efforts to promote sustainable development along the Lobito Corridor. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration and mobilize up to $320 million in investments to support core rail infrastructure and related projects, in synergy with the Green Infrastructure Alliance in Africa (AGIA). The Lobito Corridor is a significant railway infrastructure that traverses Angola, the