Malawi has marked a significant milestone with the arrival of a fuel train in the southern region, transporting 1.2 million liters of fuel. This achievement was made possible by the extensive rehabilitation of the country’s railway line, which had fallen into disrepair over several decades. President Lazarus Chakwera, who personally oversaw the train’s arrival, hailed the event as a “great milestone” for Malawi, highlighting its potential to boost the country’s
Category: Railway News
China, Tanzania, and Zambia Sign Landmark Agreement to Modernize Rail-Sea Transport Network
In a significant boost to regional infrastructure, China, Tanzania, and Zambia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance the intermodal rail-sea transportation network in East Africa. The agreement, centered on the modernization of the Tanzania-Zambia railway, was signed in Beijing during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The event, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, marks a new
DBSA Approves $200 Million for the Lobito Corridor Railway Project
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has approved funding of up to US$200 million towards the Lobito Corridor Railway Project in Angola, alongside the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This strategic infrastructure initiative, valued at approximately US$786.4 million, aims to enhance regional trade and transportation networks by providing an efficient and reliable railway connection from the Lobito Port on Angola’s Atlantic coast to the border with the Democratic Republic of
Chinese State-Owned Firm Set to Revamp Key Zambia-Tanzania Railway by 2024
A Chinese state-owned company is expected to finalize an agreement to take over the concession for the railway connecting Zambia’s copper mines to a Tanzanian port by the end of 2024, according to the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara). Last week, the heads of state from Zambia, Tanzania, and China witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to rehabilitate the 1,860-kilometer (1,160 miles) railway, originally built in the 1970s
Vandalism to Rail Infrastructure Costs South Africa R5-Billion Annually
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
$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