Members of the Angolan Industrial Association (AIA) have emphasized the importance of conducting a feasibility study for the construction of connection branches between key large-scale production centers and the Lobito Corridor. This initiative is seen as a priority to maximize the economic benefits of this significant infrastructure, which serves both the Angolan economy and the southern region of Africa. The message was conveyed by the president of the association, José
Category: Railway News
SADC Ministers to Convene for the 2nd Lobito Corridor Committee Meeting
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat is set to host the 2nd meeting of the Lobito Corridor Committee of Ministers, bringing together representatives from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. The Ministers will assess progress made by the Technical Working Group, established during their inaugural meeting on December 16, 2023, in Lobito, Angola. This group was tasked with setting up and operationalizing the Lobito Corridor Transit
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
MIPA welcomes Transnet Network Statement as a Turning Point for South African Rail
The Multi-Modal Inland Port Association (MIPA) welcomes the release of Transnet’s Network Statement, a landmark development that opens up South Africa’s rail network to third party operators, at an affordable cost structure. Approved in December 2024 by the Honourable Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, the Network Statement provides a clear framework for private sector participation in the rail sector, a move that is expected to transform freight logistics in the
China Funds $254.76 Million for Nigeria’s Kaduna-Kano Railway
The China Development Bank has approved a $254.76 million loan to Nigeria for the construction of the Kaduna-Kano railway, part of the country’s larger railway modernization efforts under the Lagos-Kano initiative. This development is a significant milestone in China’s involvement in Nigeria’s infrastructure development and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Kaduna-Kano railway project was launched in July 2021 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari in Kano State. It is envisioned
TRIM Prepares for Private Rail Operator Integration Amid Challenges
South Africa’s Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) is set to allocate its first route slots to private train operating companies (TOCs) following the release of the long-awaited Network Statement in December. This move marks a significant step toward opening the country’s rail network to third-party operators. The Network Statement, which will be updated annually on April 1, introduces a differentiated access tariff regime with rates based on commodity types 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
Freight Train Derailment in Lualaba, DRC, Leaves Five Dead and Dozens Injured
A freight train traveling from Tenke to Lubudi in the Lualaba province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) derailed on Friday, December 13, at 10 p.m., resulting in at least five fatalities and around twenty injuries, according to a provisional report by the Nouvelle Société Civile Congolaise (NSCC) shared with Actualité.cd. The accident also caused significant material damage. The derailment occurred in Kansenia village, located 55 km from Lubudi,
AfDB Disburses $1 Billion to Transnet for Infrastructure Recovery
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has made an initial disbursement of $1 billion to South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, marking a key step in enhancing the continent’s infrastructure. This loan is part of a four-tranche financing agreement approved in mid-2023, supporting Transnet’s ZAR 152.8 billion ($8.1 billion) five-year plan to upgrade critical infrastructure. The funds will address operational issues and strengthen South Africa’s logistics sector, vital to regional and
Lobito Corridor Investment Project Set to Boost Regional Trade and Economic Growth
The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) forecasts substantial economic gains for Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the development of the ambitious Lobito Corridor Investment Project. The corridor is expected to revolutionize regional trade dynamics by boosting trade and investment in key industries such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture by 20%, through simplified trade routes to international markets. ZACCI Chief Executive Officer Elvin