Boko, Lourenço Call for Stronger Botswana-Angola Trade Connectivity Botswana and Angola are seeking to strengthen trade and transport links between the two countries, with Presidents Duma Boko and João Lourenço highlighting the need to address existing constraints on the movement of goods. The issue was raised during President Boko’s three-day state visit to Angola in September, where the two countries discussed measures to deepen economic and commercial cooperation. Lourenço said
Category: Southern Africa
Lobito Corridor targets major freight increase as rail investment accelerates
Lobito Atlantic Railway targets 800,000 tonnes of cargo in 2027 after US$300 million investment Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) is targeting a doubling of international cargo volumes to about 800,000 tonnes in 2027 as new investment strengthens the rail infrastructure connecting Angola with the mineral-producing regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The railway operator expects to move about 400,000 tonnes of international cargo in 2026, with volumes projected to
Maersk Introduces R24,000 Import Surcharge Amid Rising Shipping Costs
Maersk Introduces R24,000 Import Surcharge as Shipping Costs Rise Maersk is introducing an additional R24,000 import surcharge on selected cargo as ongoing disruptions and rising operational costs continue to put pressure on global shipping. The new charge will increase the cost of importing affected shipments into the region, adding further pressure to businesses already facing elevated freight, logistics and supply-chain costs. The surcharge comes as shipping lines continue to navigate
Botswana Railways Partners with Ntokoto Holdings to Strengthen Mining and Logistics
Botswana Railways and Ntokoto Holdings Join Forces to Support Mining and Logistics Growth Botswana Railways has entered into a strategic partnership with Ntokoto Holdings to strengthen the country’s mining and logistics sectors and improve the movement of minerals and other commodities through Botswana’s rail network. The partnership is aimed at developing more efficient rail-based logistics solutions for the mining industry, with a particular focus on improving the transportation of bulk
Trans-Kalahari Corridor Emerges as a Strategic Trade Route for Southern Africa
Trans-Kalahari Corridor Strengthens Southern Africa Trade and Regional Connectivity The Trans-Kalahari Corridor is becoming increasingly important to Southern Africa’s regional trade and logistics network, providing a strategic route linking landlocked countries to international markets through the ports of Namibia. The corridor connects Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, stretching from the Namibian port of Walvis Bay through Botswana to South Africa. It provides an alternative route for the movement of cargo
Transnet Plans Major Property Sell-Off to Unlock Value from Surplus Assets
Transnet Plans Major Property Sale as It Moves to Unlock Value from Assets Transnet is preparing a major sell-off of surplus and underutilised property as the State-owned logistics company seeks to unlock value from its extensive property portfolio and strengthen its financial position. The planned disposal forms part of a broader strategy to improve the utilisation of Transnet’s assets and generate additional revenue while focusing resources on its core role
Zambia Deploys Advanced X-Ray Cargo Scanners at Livingstone Border
Zambia Signs Deal for Advanced X-Ray Cargo Scanner at Livingstone Border to Boost Trade and Security The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has signed a contract with US-based Astrophysics Inc. to supply, install and commission advanced X-ray cargo scanning technology at the Livingstone Border Post, one of Southern Africa’s busiest trade crossings. The drive-through scanner will enable customs officers to inspect trucks and cargo more efficiently, accurately and safely, helping to
Angola Secures €665 Million Financing for Luena-Saurimo Railway Project
Angola Secures €665 Million for Luena-Saurimo Railway Linking Mining Regions to Lobito Corridor Angola has authorised financing of up to €665 million to support construction of the 260-kilometre Luena-Saurimo railway line, a major infrastructure project designed to strengthen rail connectivity between eastern Angola and the Benguela Railway and Lobito Corridor. The financing is backed by three European export credit agencies UK Export Finance (UKEF), Poland’s KUKE and Dutch ECA Atradius
TRIM Seeks Private-Sector Partners to Revitalise 9,000km Rail Network
TRIM Seeks Private Partners to Revitalise 9,000km of South Africa’s Rail Network South Africa’s Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) is seeking private-sector partners to help commercialise and revitalise approximately 9,000 kilometres of rail lines across the country. The initiative targets the B Network, which consists largely of lower-volume, underutilised or dormant rail lines outside the country’s priority freight corridors. TRIM sees the network as an opportunity to attract private investment,
Durban Gateway Terminal Faces Operational Crisis as Freight Backlogs Mount
Durban Gateway Terminal Crisis Deepens as Freight Forwarders Call for Urgent Intervention South Africa’s freight industry has raised concerns over worsening operational problems at Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT), warning that congestion, equipment shortages and system disruptions are restricting cargo movement through the Port of Durban. The South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) has described the situation as an operational crisis and escalated the matter to the Presidency, saying the