Vandalism of rail infrastructure is costing South Africa nearly R5 billion each year, according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. This has significantly reduced the amount of freight transported via the country’s rail system. Speaking to the National Council of Provinces as part of a ministerial team addressing infrastructure challenges, Creecy emphasized the impact on the economy. She explained that to meet economic needs, the rail system should be transporting between
Category: Railway News
$700 Million Trans-Cunene Railway Project to Link Angola and Namibia
The $700 million “Trans-Cunene” railway project, aimed at connecting Angola and Namibia, was presented last Thursday to the Provincial Government of Namibe by Namibian company Global Business Development (GBD). Harold Luttichau, head of the consortium, outlined the project, which includes building a new 400-kilometer railway from Lubango to Cunene and rehabilitating the existing line between Lubango and Moçâmedes. The project is expected to be completed within 15 months. “This rail
Residents of Lobito Praise Economic and Healthcare Benefits of the Lobito Corridor
Residents of Lobito in Benguela province have highlighted the significant benefits of the Lobito Corridor, emphasizing the creation of new business opportunities and the development of tourism in the region. Florinda Miranda e Silva, the general director of Lobito Regional Hospital, noted that the Corridor could also lead to the introduction of new medical specialties in local hospitals, improving healthcare services. She believes that the Lobito Corridor will attract tourists,
Canadian Govt Steps in to Halt Rail Strike and Prevent Economic Disruption
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has taken action to resolve a work stoppage that halted operations at Canada’s two largest railways, Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. The shutdown, which began just after midnight on Thursday, threatened to cause significant economic disruption. Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon announced on Thursday afternoon in Ottawa that the Canada Industrial Relations Board has been asked to impose binding arbitration between the
Mining Giants Turn to Trucks Amid Canadian Railway Disruptions
Two major mining companies are rerouting shipments and increasing truck use in response to a Canadian railway stoppage that threatens to disrupt industry operations. Rio Tinto Group announced it will rely on trucking and enhance its use of its own railway between Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador to transport raw materials. The company, which produces aluminum, iron ore, diamonds, and titanium in Canada, made the announcement via email on Thursday.
Southern Africa’s Railways Surge with Global Investment Amid Copper Boom
Southern Africa’s railways are garnering international attention and attracting billions of dollars in investment, driven by the race to secure copper supplies essential for the energy transition. From Angola on the west coast to Tanzania on the east, governments and investors are poised to revive long-neglected rail lines and construct new ones. This surge in demand is largely fueled by the central African copperbelt shared by Zambia and the Democratic
Transnet Seeks Debt Relief as Freight and Port Services Struggle
South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, is requesting debt relief from the government as it attempts to repair its balance sheet and restore its freight rail and port capacities, according to the company’s chairman, Andile Sangqu, on Tuesday. Transnet is burdened with 130 billion rand ($7.30 billion) in debt and has faced difficulties in providing adequate freight rail and port services due to equipment shortages and maintenance backlogs, stemming from
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
Algeria and Tunisia Reopen Railway Link After Three Decades
After a 30-year hiatus, the railway connection between Algeria and Tunisia is officially back in operation. The service, initially halted in 1995 due to security concerns and again suspended in 2003 due to technical issues, marks a significant step in strengthening economic and social ties between the two North African nations. The National Company for Rail Transport in Algeria announced the resumption of services, with the inaugural commercial journey departing
INFOTUR Leverages Lobito Corridor to Boost National Tourism
The Institute for Tourism Promotion (INFOTUR) plans to capitalize on the Lobito Corridor to enhance national tourism, announced the General Director, Lukeni Araújo, in Luanda. During the operation of the Rovos Rail luxury train this month, which travels between Lobito, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after originating in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a total of 124 tourists were transported—60 entering Angola and 64 leaving. Araújo emphasized that