Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reached an agreement to clear at least 500 trucks daily at the Kasumbalesa border, aiming to alleviate severe congestion on the Copperbelt. The decision follows reports of over 3,000 trucks stranded on the Zambian side of the border. Katanga Governor Jacques Katwe announced that customs officers’ working hours at Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakanya border posts will be extended from 6 hours
Category: Road Freight
$700 Million Set for Phase One of Kinshasa-Brazzaville Bridge Project
The total cost of the first phase of the Kinshasa-Brazzaville road-rail bridge construction project is estimated at $700 million. This figure was announced during a restitution meeting held on Wednesday, January 15, 2024, and chaired by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. The meeting brought together delegations of experts from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo. DRC’s Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, Alexis Gisaro, emphasized that
AfDB Approves $165 Million Loan to Boost Madagascar’s Trade Corridors
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $165 million loan to Madagascar to develop critical trade corridors and strengthen regional connectivity. The funding, sanctioned on December 11 in Abidjan, will finance the third phase of an infrastructure project aimed at enhancing trade routes across the country. Adam Amoumoun, the AfDB’s country manager for Madagascar, stated that the financing would come from the African Development Fund, the concessional lending
Lebombo Border Reopens Amidst Ongoing Unrest in Mozambique
The Lebombo border with Mozambique has reopened to travelers, but with limited operations, according to an announcement by the Border Management Authority (BMA) on Thursday. Jane Thupana, the BMA’s acting commissioner, confirmed that pedestrian and small vehicle processing resumed on a restricted scale. Statistics showed that 7,471 travelers were processed on December 11, reflecting a 50% drop in movement compared to the same period in 2023. This partial reopening follows
AfDB Approves $100 Million Loan for Kigali’s Urban Transport Revamp
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $100 million loan to overhaul Kigali’s urban transport system, aiming to tackle the city’s growing mobility challenges. The “Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project,” finalized on December 2 at AfDB’s headquarters in Abidjan, seeks to create an inclusive, efficient, and safe road network for the city. With a population of 1.7 million, set to double by 2050, Kigali faces congestion, limited public transport
Long-Distance Truck Drivers Threaten Zambia Border Shutdown Over Visa Policy
Cargo movement through Zambia faces a potential shutdown from December 16 as long-distance transport unions representing foreign truck drivers plan labour action against the government of President Hakainde Hichilema. A letter addressed to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) headquarters in Gaborone outlines the unions’ intentions to enforce a “truck stoppage,” effectively halting operations at all Zambian borders. The dispute stems from recent measures by the Zambian government to tighten
Zambian Govt Reduces Transit Permit Fees, But Truck Drivers Maintain Protest Plans
The Zambian government has announced a 55% reduction in transit permit fees for international truck drivers, a move aimed at addressing concerns over high costs. However, truck drivers in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have vowed to proceed with their planned protest to block Zambia’s borders on December 16 unless the permits are scrapped entirely. Truck driver unions, including the Professional Drivers Union of Malawi, the United Truck Drivers
Enhancing Africa’s Transport and Logistics for a Sustainable Future
A major transport conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa, brought together over 100 experts from 10 African countries. Organized by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport chapters in Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, the conference focused on the theme “Unlocking Sub-Saharan Africa’s Potential: Transforming Transport and Logistics for a Sustainable Future.” The conference centered on addressing the challenges facing Africa’s transport and logistics systems. Teete Owusu, President of the
Cold Box Unit Completes Successful Journey to Kansanshi Mine in Zambia
The Cold Box Unit has successfully arrived at Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi, completing a challenging journey that began on October 29, 2024, at the Katima Mulilo Border in Zambia’s Western Province. After a well-coordinated transport effort, the load passed through multiple provinces, navigating various terrains and logistical hurdles before arriving at the Kansanshi Mine boom gate at 16:50 hours. Transporting this large and complex piece of equipment posed significant challenges
Zambia and DRC Unite to Build Key Cross-Border Road Boosting Regional Trade
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a landmark agreement to construct a 145-kilometer road linking Kolwezi in the DRC to Lumwana in Zambia, passing through the Kambimba-Sakabinda border posts. This ambitious project, formalized in Kolwezi, Lualaba Province, aims to enhance border infrastructure, streamline trade, and strengthen economic ties between the two nations. The agreement, signed by Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development, Charles Milupi,