On January 29, 2025, Tanzania and Burundi signed an agreement to construct a 282-kilometer Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Uvinza in Tanzania to Musongati in Burundi. The $2.15 billion project, awarded to China Railway Engineering Group Co. Ltd (CREGC) and China Railway Engineering Design and Consulting Group Co. Ltd (CREDC), is set for completion within 72 months. The signing ceremony took place at the John Pombe Magufuli SGR station in
Category: East Africa
Kenya and UAE Explore Partnership to Extend Standard Gauge Railway to Uganda and South Sudan
Kenya has announced ongoing discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to expand its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network to Uganda and South Sudan, aiming to bolster regional trade and integration. President William Ruto shared the update on X, stating:“We are exploring a partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to connect Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.” As part of the initiative, Kenya and
AfDB Partners with Deutsche Bank and Société Générale to Mobilize $1.2 Billion for Tanzania’s SGR Project
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a coordination agreement with Deutsche Bank and Société Générale to mobilize up to $1.2 billion for the construction of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). This agreement was formalized during the African Investment Forum’s 2024 Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, as stated in an official AfDB release. The funds will support the development of a 411-kilometre railway line connecting Tabora and Kigoma in western
Air Congo Expands with New Aircraft, Boosting Connectivity and Economic Potential
Air Congo, the new national airline born from a partnership between the Congolese state and Ethiopian Airlines, has reached a significant milestone with the arrival of its second Boeing 737-800. This acquisition is part of a broader expansion plan that includes a total of eight aircraft, with six expected within the year. The addition of this second aircraft marks a turning point for air connectivity in the Democratic Republic of
Somalia and Ethiopia to Launch Negotiations on Somaliland Port Dispute
Somalia and Ethiopia have announced plans to begin technical negotiations by February next year to resolve tensions surrounding Ethiopia’s proposal to develop a port in Somaliland, the self-declared breakaway region of Somalia. Both nations have committed to concluding these talks within four months. The conflict originated in January when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proposed securing access to a port in Somaliland. In return, Ethiopia would offer Somaliland a stake
AfDB Approves $100 Million Loan for Kigali’s Urban Transport Revamp
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $100 million loan to overhaul Kigali’s urban transport system, aiming to tackle the city’s growing mobility challenges. The “Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project,” finalized on December 2 at AfDB’s headquarters in Abidjan, seeks to create an inclusive, efficient, and safe road network for the city. With a population of 1.7 million, set to double by 2050, Kigali faces congestion, limited public transport
Kenya Halts Adani’s Airport and Power Deals Amid U.S. Bribery Allegations
Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered the immediate cancellation of a procurement process that would have transferred control of Kenya’s main airport to India’s Adani Group. The decision follows the indictment of Gautam Adani, the company’s founder, and seven others in the United States on bribery charges. In his state of the nation address last week, Ruto also announced the termination of a $736 million, 30-year public-private partnership deal signed
Ethiopian Cargo Clinches ‘Best Cargo Airline – Africa’ Award for Second Consecutive Year
Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services has once again been recognized for its exceptional performance, winning the prestigious ‘Best Cargo Airline – Africa’ award for the second consecutive year. The award was presented during the Arabian Cargo Awards ceremony held on November 11, 2024, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This esteemed recognition highlights excellence in the cargo and logistics sector across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of
Ethiopian Airlines Becomes Africa’s Largest Airbus Operator with Delivery of A350-1000
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading airline, has strengthened its position as the continent’s largest Airbus operator with the delivery of its first A350-1000. This landmark achievement marks a significant milestone for both the airline and the African aviation industry. The aircraft, the first A350-1000 to arrive in Africa, landed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on Tuesday after a flight from Toulouse, France, where it was welcomed with a traditional water
Emirates Expands African Network with New Flights to Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa
Emirates Airlines has strengthened its presence in Africa by expanding flight services to Entebbe (Uganda), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Johannesburg (South Africa). This expansion highlights the airline’s commitment to the continent, enhancing travel options and fostering trade and tourism between Africa and the Middle East. Since launching its first African route to Cairo in 1986, Emirates has steadily grown its footprint and now serves 20 destinations across the continent. With