Transnet Opens Rail Network: LeaseCo Plan to Fast-Track Private Train Operators in South Africa Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips says negotiations are advancing with the first 11 private train operating companies (TOCs) approved to access the state-owned rail network. However, the companies have indicated it could take 12 to 36 months before operations begin. Speaking at Transnet’s 2024/25 results presentation, Phillips said access to rolling stock remains a key barrier for
Category: Southern Africa
Mozambique Creates State-Owned Consortium to Rescue National Airline LAM
Mozambique Sets Up Special-Purpose Vehicle for $130M Rescue of National Airline LAM Mozambique will establish a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) to enable a consortium of state-owned companies to acquire shares in its struggling flag carrier, Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), the cabinet announced in a statement. The new entity will be jointly owned by hydropower producer Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa, railway operator Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique, and insurer Empresa Moçambicana
South Africa’s Mining Logistics Reform Gains Momentum with Private Sector Involvement
South Africa Mining Logistics: Private Train Operators Boost Rail Capacity and Reduce Export Bottlenecks South Africa’s mining logistics reforms are “moving in the right direction,” according to Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane, who emphasized that collaboration between the government and private sector is starting to yield tangible results, albeit at a slower pace than some stakeholders would prefer. Speaking at the Africa Down Under conference in Perth on
South African Exporters Stay Resilient Amid Rising US Tariffs
South African Exporters Defy Rising US Tariffs, Maintain Shipments Despite Uncertainty Over Trump-Era Duties South African exporters to the United States are pressing ahead with shipments despite a 30% increase in duties since August 7, showing resilience in the face of tariff uncertainty and shifting trade policy. The development comes as the US Federal Appeals Court ruled last weekend that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency
South Africa Opens Rail to Private Operators
Private Train Operators Approved on 41 Routes: Rail Reform Set to Boost Jobs, Exports, and Efficiency The Department of Transport’s decision to grant 11 private train operators access to 41 rail routes is expected to strengthen competition, safeguard jobs, and revive South Africa’s struggling freight logistics system, according to Business Unity South Africa (Busa). Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced the milestone last Friday, calling it a critical step in the
Zambia Plans Local Shipbuilding to Cut Marine Transport Costs
Zambia Explores Local Shipbuilding and Harbour Expansion to Boost Marine Transport Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, has revealed that the Zambian government is exploring ways to attract investors to build ships locally as part of a strategy to reduce the cost of marine transport. Speaking during a working visit to Mpulungu District in Northern Province on Thursday, Minister Tayali inspected facilities at Mpulungu Port, operated by Mpulungu Harbour
Zambia Positioned as Key Player in Africa’s Rail Expansion
Zambia Key to Africa’s Rail Growth: South Africa Highlights TAZARA and Regional Corridors South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, has highlighted Zambia’s pivotal role in Africa’s rail transformation, emphasizing the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and other regional corridors as essential drivers of trade and economic growth. Speaking at the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) International Rail Conference 2025 on Tuesday, Creecy called for a decisive shift from planning to
AD Ports Group Strengthens Angola’s Transport and Logistics Sector with New Strategic Agreements
AD Ports Group and Angola Partner to Launch Digital Logistics Platform and Expand Truck Fleet The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Angola has taken a major step toward modernizing the nation’s logistics sector through a series of strategic agreements signed with AD Ports Group. These agreements include the development of a Single Digital Logistics Window and the expansion of Angola’s national truck fleet, both critical initiatives to enhance
South Africa’s Airports Operator to Spend R21.7 Billion on Modernisation Drive
Airports Company South Africa to Invest $1.2 Billion in Upgrades, Expands OR Tambo and Cape Town Projects South Africa’s state-owned Airports Company South Africa SOC Ltd. (Acsa) plans to raise about half of the R21.7 billion ($1.2 billion) it will spend on infrastructure upgrades over the next year, according to Chief Financial Officer Luzuko Mbotya. The operator will fund the program through a mix of long-term debt instruments and favorable
South Africa Opens Freight Rail Network to Private Operators to Boost Efficiency
South Africa Allows Private Operators on Freight Rail to Tackle Transnet Bottlenecks South Africa will open its freight rail network to private operators, the government announced Friday, in an effort to improve efficiency as state-owned Transnet grapples with persistent bottlenecks. Transnet, which manages the nation’s rail and port services, has faced equipment shortages, maintenance delays, and widespread cable theft, prompting calls for greater private sector involvement, Reuters reported. Transport Minister