Fuel transport operators to the Copperbelt are increasingly bypassing Zimbabwe due to a newly imposed duty aimed at curbing in-transit fuel theft. This development is leading to a significant shift in transportation routes. According to Mike Fitzmaurice, CEO of the Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta), at least two major companies, which handle substantial market-share volumes, have already stopped using Zimbabwe as a transit route. This
Category: Road Freight
Beitbridge Border Delays Resurface Despite $300 Million Overhaul
Traffic at the Beitbridge Border Post between South Africa and Zimbabwe has slowed to a frustrating pace, reminiscent of the pre-overhaul congestion. The border was redesigned by concessionaire Zimborders at a cost of $300 million, with the goal of streamlining cargo processing and reducing transit times. Despite these efforts, the situation has deteriorated, with truckers now facing delays of 24 hours or more, particularly on northbound routes. The $200 transit
Zambia Reopens Borders with DRC After Two-Day Closure Amid Protests
Zambia has reopened its three border crossings with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a two-day suspension triggered by protests in the neighboring country. The decision came after emergency negotiations between officials from both countries in Lubumbashi, DRC. A joint declaration issued following the meeting confirmed the reopening of the borders and emphasized the commitment of both nations to uphold regional trade agreements. Zambia’s Commerce and Trade Minister, Chipoka
Namibia and Botswana Progress on Joint Border Infrastructure Development
The Joint Steering Committee meeting held last week, led by NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute and Botswana Unified Revenue Service Commissioner General Jeanette Makgolo, convened to discuss progress reports at Charleshill in Botswana. This significant gathering was also attended by notable figures such as Road Fund Administration Chief Executive Officer Ali Ipinge and Fidelis Mwazi, head of the Namibian Agronomic Board, who both serve as committee members. The committee evaluated advancements
Construction of Lúrio River Bridge Nears Completion, Set to Enhance Mineral Transport in Northern Mozambique
Construction of the bridge over the Lúrio River, linking Nipepe district in Niassa province to Lalaua in Nampula, is nearing completion. Lalaua administrator Alfredo Matata highlighted that the bridge will enhance the transportation of mineral resources, particularly graphite, from Nipepe to the Port of Nacala in Nampula province. Matata also reported that the Nipepe-Lalaua-Malema road, connecting Niassa to Nampula, is approaching its final phase. This development is expected to significantly
Zambia Commits to Enhancing Transport Infrastructure for Regional Integration
Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s transport infrastructure to facilitate regional integration and boost trade. Speaking at the Infrastructure Africa Conference, Minister Milupi outlined plans for the construction and rehabilitation of roads, rail lines, and aviation infrastructure through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Minister Milupi emphasized the strategic importance of projects such as the African Union’s trans-African highways
Zambia and Zimbabwe Explore 24-Hour Border Operations at Victoria Falls
The proposal for 24-hour operations at the Victoria Falls border post, a crucial link between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is gaining momentum. Ongoing discussions among stakeholders emphasize both the potential benefits and challenges of this initiative. The tourism sector is driving this proposal, viewing extended border hours as a significant advantage. Zambian Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba highlighted the negative impact of current operating hours on small businesses. By extending border hours,
AGL Egypt Successfully Delivers Massive Transformer to Zimbabwe
The AGL team faced several significant challenges during their recent logistics operation, including navigating complex border crossings and complying with various local regulations. Each country along the route presented unique logistical and bureaucratic hurdles that required careful negotiation and planning. Additionally, the uneven road conditions posed a considerable risk to the safe transport of the transformer. Despite these difficulties, the AGL team’s flawless execution demonstrated their expertise in managing intricate
Angola-Zambia Road Project to Boost Trade and Economy in Eastern Angola
Economists and business leaders in Lunda-Norte believe that the construction of a road connecting Angola and Zambia, part of the Lobito Corridor initiative, will significantly enhance the flow of goods and services between Angola’s eastern provinces and the country’s coast. The project involves constructing an approximately 800-kilometer road from Lobito (Benguela) to Luau (Moxico) on the Angolan side. companies, including a consortium like SIbitech and Queiroz Galvão, as well as
Maputo Province Tightens Control on Cargo Trucks to Protect Roads
The government of Maputo Province is increasing control over cargo truck circulation to reduce road damage and curb the high costs of annual road repairs. During the tenth session of the Provincial Executive Council, government spokesperson Ludgero Gemo highlighted that significant road damage could be avoided if truck drivers adhered to established load limits. However, many drivers violate these restrictions, leading to further deterioration and increased need for rehabilitation. Gemo