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
Category: Central Africa
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
Maintenance Work Halts Long-Distance Trains Between Mozambique and Neighboring Countries
Mozambique’s publicly owned Ports and Rail Company (CFM) has temporarily suspended the circulation of long-distance freight and passenger trains on the Ressano Garcia and Goba railway lines, which connect Mozambique to South Africa and Eswatini, due to ongoing maintenance work. Emídio Bata, the CFM executive director for the southern region, announced that a total of 14 freight trains will be halted on these railway lines for the next two weeks.
Lobito Corridor to Enhance Freight Capacity with 275 New Wagons from South Africa’s Galison Manufacturing
In furtherance of the commitment to invest $455 million in Angola, the Lobito Atlantic Railway—a consortium of Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis—has awarded a contract to South Africa’s Galison Manufacturing to supply 275 container wagons over 30 months. This investment, part of a larger procurement plan for 35 locomotives and 1555 wagons, aims to enhance the Lobito Corridor’s freight capacity. The Lobito Atlantic Railway, a consortium of Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis,