Excessive cargo scanning at the Beitbridge border between South Africa and Zimbabwe continues to impede the potential for improved intra-regional trade. Southbound traffic is routinely subjected to rigorous checks for contraband such as illegal cigarettes and lithium, regulated by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra). However, the scanner used for rigs exiting Zimbabwe is outdated, requiring drivers to park and disembark before their trucks, often empty on the return leg to
Category: Southern Africa
Santa Clara-Oshikango Border Post Now Open 24/7 to Boost Trade and Mobility
The Santa Clara-Oshikango border post, which officially opened 34 years ago, has begun operating 24 hours a day to better accommodate the movement of people and goods. This significant change was marked by an event attended by Angolan Minister of the Interior, Eugénio Laborinho, and Namibian Minister of Internal Affairs, Immigration, Security, and Protection, Albert Kawana. The introduction of a mobile biometric border control system now allows citizens from both
Angola’s Transport Minister Calls for Swift Implementation of Transport Projects
Minister Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu emphasized the urgency for transport sector operators to accelerate ongoing projects during the closure of the XV Consultative Council in Lobito, Benguela province, on Friday. Highlighting the importance of executing national interest programs, particularly those supporting the production sector, Minister d’Abreu underscored the potential of the Lobito Corridor to stimulate economic diversification and enhance other sectors. A pivotal initiative proposed includes establishing the National Agency for
Fly Angola CEO Advocates for Streamlined Airport Development Strategies
The airport sector must adopt new strategies and expedite development processes to fully utilize the available infrastructure, stated Belarnício Muangala, President of the Executive Committee (PCE) of Fly Angola, on Monday in Luanda. In an interview with Jornal de Angola, Muangala identified persistent slowness and bureaucracy in the aviation sector as significant barriers, specifically hindering the planned air connection between Lubango and Windhoek. This new route is envisioned to facilitate
Lobito Corridor boosted with new reference partner
Angola’s minister of Transport Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu recently highlighted the significant financial commitments from the G7 and Italy, including a $320 million pledge from Italy, which complement the investments from the United States’ Partnership for Global Infrastructure (PGI) and the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy. D’Abreu emphasized the Lobito Corridor’s strategic importance, stating, “This financial support from Italy directly aids the Benguela Railway (CFB) connection to Zambia, enhancing Angola’s ability
Angola Advances Lobito Corridor to Boost Regional Trade and Economic Integration
Angola is leading efforts to transform the Lobito Corridor into a vital artery for regional trade, enhancing economic integration in Southern Africa. This large-scale infrastructure project, supported by the Angolan government and international partners, aims to connect Angola with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, facilitating trade and fostering regional economic growth. Significant International Investments Italy’s Contribution:Under Prime Minister Meloni’s Mattei Plan and PGI, Italy has committed $320
Italy Joins US and EU in Promoting Sustainable Development Along Lobito Corridor
On Friday, during the G7 meeting it hosted, Italy committed to joining the US and EU in efforts to promote sustainable development along the Lobito Corridor. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration and mobilize up to $320 million in investments to support core rail infrastructure and related projects, in synergy with the Green Infrastructure Alliance in Africa (AGIA). The Lobito Corridor is a significant railway infrastructure that traverses Angola, the
Maintenance Work Halts Long-Distance Trains Between Mozambique and Neighboring Countries
Mozambique’s publicly owned Ports and Rail Company (CFM) has temporarily suspended the circulation of long-distance freight and passenger trains on the Ressano Garcia and Goba railway lines, which connect Mozambique to South Africa and Eswatini, due to ongoing maintenance work. Emídio Bata, the CFM executive director for the southern region, announced that a total of 14 freight trains will be halted on these railway lines for the next two weeks.
Angolan Airlines to Bolster Fleet with Five New Aircraft by Year’s End
TAAG, Linhas Aéreas de Angola (Angolan Airlines) is set to receive a significant boost to its fleet with the arrival of five new aircraft before the end of 2024. This news was announced by the Angolan Minister of Transport, Ricardo d’Abreu, according to Rádio Nacional de Angola. The Minister did not disclose specific details regarding the size or type of the incoming aircraft. However, his statement indicates a mix of
Lobito Corridor to Enhance Freight Capacity with 275 New Wagons from South Africa’s Galison Manufacturing
In furtherance of the commitment to invest $455 million in Angola, the Lobito Atlantic Railway—a consortium of Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis—has awarded a contract to South Africa’s Galison Manufacturing to supply 275 container wagons over 30 months. This investment, part of a larger procurement plan for 35 locomotives and 1555 wagons, aims to enhance the Lobito Corridor’s freight capacity. The Lobito Atlantic Railway, a consortium of Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis,