Members of the Committee of Ministers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are meeting today in Benguela to deliberate on the organizational structure of the Agency. This marks the second meeting of the group, held in the rail-port city of Lobito. The discussions aim to refine the framework and operations of the Agency, aligning it with SADC’s goals of regional cooperation and sustainable development. Lobito, renowned for its strategic
Category: Railway News
EU Commits to Supporting Sustainable Development of Lobito Corridor
The European Union (EU) has expressed its interest in participating in the development of the Lobito Corridor, recognizing its potential for sustainable and inclusive economic diversification, including increased household income in the region. Sylvie Millot, Head of the EU’s Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Unit, confirmed this on Friday in Benguela, following a courtesy meeting with the provincial governor of Benguela. She emphasized that the Lobito Corridor is a key
AIA Calls for Feasibility Study to Enhance Lobito Corridor’s Economic Impact
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
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,