The recent signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Zambia and Angola marks a pivotal milestone in the development of the Lobito Corridor—one of Africa’s most ambitious and transformative infrastructure initiatives. Witnessed by the highest levels of both governments, the agreement affirms a joint commitment to develop, finance, construct, and operate an 830-kilometre railway from Luacano in Angola to Chingola in Zambia. For decades, Africa’s capacity to independently envision and
Category: Southern Africa
SA Cargo Streamlines Ro-Ro Operations at Key Car Terminals to Boost Efficiency
SA Cargo has expanded its roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) services to directly access vehicle terminals in Durban, Gqeberha, and East London, aiming to streamline vehicle movement and improve operational efficiency. “This strategic extension allows us to drive units directly through the terminal without unnecessary stops,” said branch manager Denzil Reddy. “It enhances our control over the vehicle flow for both imports and exports, ensuring a smoother transition from vessel to yard.”
Cape Town Container Terminal Begins Assembly of New High-Speed Gantry Cranes
The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has received components for the first of nine new rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, part of a fleet of 28 being supplied by original equipment manufacturer Liebherr Africa. Assembly of the cranes has already commenced onsite. CTCT stated that the investment will significantly benefit agricultural producers and regional exporters by improving efficiency and resilience in cargo handling operations. Equipped with advanced anti-sway technology, the new
Wage Dispute Escalates as Untu Threatens Strike Action Against Transnet
The United National Transport Union (Untu) has warned of imminent industrial action that could cripple port operations and cost South Africa’s economy billions, following the collapse of wage negotiations with Transnet. Untu General Secretary Cobus van Vuuren announced on Monday evening that talks for the 2025/26 wage agreement had officially reached a deadlock. Attempts at conciliation through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) failed to yield a resolution.
Port Elizabeth Terminal Boosts Efficiency with New R240 Million Ship-to-Shore Crane
The Port Elizabeth Container Terminal has strengthened its operations with the acquisition of a new state-of-the-art ship-to-shore crane valued at R240 million, Transnet announced. The crane, supplied by original equipment manufacturer Liebherr Africa, replaces a unit that had served for over 35 years and reached the end of its operational life. This move is part of Transnet’s broader equipment replacement strategy to ensure reliability and improved service delivery. According to
President Ramaphosa to Assess Port Operations and Strengthen Governance in Eastern Cape
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to conduct an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape this week, where he will engage with the Provincial Executive Committee and receive a comprehensive briefing on the Port of Ngqura. The visit will begin on Tuesday with a presentation by Transnet leadership on the operational status of the port. As one of South Africa’s newest deep-water ports, Ngqura is designed for high-efficiency container handling and
TAAG Resumes Luanda-Lisbon Flights Following Power Restoration at Lisbon Airport
TAAG Angola Airlines announced on Tuesday the resumption of its Luanda–Lisbon–Luanda flights after power was restored at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon. In a statement quoted by Lusa, TAAG confirmed that essential services have returned to normal and assured that passengers affected by Monday’s unexpected power outage in Portugal will be gradually rebooked on upcoming flights. The national carrier also noted that its customer service points will maintain regular communication
TAAG Launches New Cargo Route to Nairobi to Boost African Trade and Flower Exports
TAAG Angola Airlines has launched a new cargo route connecting Luanda, Angola, to Nairobi, Kenya, marking a strategic step in the airline’s expansion across the African continent. The inaugural flight took place on Wednesday and will now operate weekly, every Wednesday. In an official statement, TAAG emphasized that the new Luanda–Nairobi (LAD-NBO) cargo service will prioritize the transport of flowers, capitalizing on Kenya’s status as one of the world’s leading
Zambia and Angola Cement Partnership for Lobito–Zambia Railway to Boost Regional Integration
In a major milestone for regional integration and economic growth, the governments of Zambia and Angola have signed an Intergovernmental Agreement to formalize their cooperation on the Lobito–Zambia Railway Project. The signing, which took place during the Land-Linked Zambia Conference in Lusaka, marks a turning point for infrastructure-led development in Southern Africa. This strategic partnership lays the foundation for collaboration on the financing, construction, and operation of the 830-kilometre Luacano–Chingola
Zimbabwe Reserves Haulage and Logistics Sector for Citizens to Boost Economic Empowerment
In a major step toward strengthening economic indigenisation, the Zimbabwean government has officially restricted the haulage and logistics sector to Zimbabwean citizens. The move forms part of a broader strategy to enhance local ownership and participation across key sectors of the economy. On April 15, 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, together with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, issued a joint statement detailing the new measures. They