The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $1 billion corporate loan to Transnet, a major freight transport and logistics company in South Africa. Transnet has faced significant operational challenges in recent years, including underinvestment in infrastructure and equipment, theft and vandalism, and external shocks such as floods affecting critical rail and port operations. The company is now committed to addressing these challenges, enhancing integrity, and improving efficiency through a
Category: Southern Africa
Uganda Airlines Expands Routes to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare Amid Criticism
Uganda Airlines has announced the expansion of its routes to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare, aiming to strengthen its market position and boost revenue. The airline revealed the decision on Wednesday, highlighting its goal to enhance fleet utilization. However, some critics have raised concerns about the new destinations being commercially risky grey markets. According to the East African, the Abuja service is set to launch on September 12, 2024, with Lusaka
Zambia Commits to Enhancing Transport Infrastructure for Regional Integration
Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s transport infrastructure to facilitate regional integration and boost trade. Speaking at the Infrastructure Africa Conference, Minister Milupi outlined plans for the construction and rehabilitation of roads, rail lines, and aviation infrastructure through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Minister Milupi emphasized the strategic importance of projects such as the African Union’s trans-African highways
Zambia Railways Board Resurfaces Nacala Corridor Project to Boost Trade
To enhance Zambia’s railway infrastructure and strengthen regional trade, the Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board of Directors, led by Chairperson Emmanuel Hachipuka, recently undertook a familiarization tour of the Chipata-Mchinji railway line. This visit emphasized the Board’s and Government’s commitment to resuming train operations on the Nacala Corridor, a vital trade route connecting Zambia to the Port of Nacala via Malawi and Mozambique. During a courtesy call with the Provincial
Zambia and Zimbabwe Explore 24-Hour Border Operations at Victoria Falls
The proposal for 24-hour operations at the Victoria Falls border post, a crucial link between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is gaining momentum. Ongoing discussions among stakeholders emphasize both the potential benefits and challenges of this initiative. The tourism sector is driving this proposal, viewing extended border hours as a significant advantage. Zambian Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba highlighted the negative impact of current operating hours on small businesses. By extending border hours,
Container Handling at South African Ports Plummets 30.3% in Just One Week
Transnet is currently facing significant scrutiny following the latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), which ranked South Africa’s ports among the lowest of 405 evaluated worldwide. The operational efficiency of these ports has been further compromised by adverse weather conditions. The recent Cargo Movement Update (CMU), prepared by Business Unity South Africa and the South African Association of Freight Forwarders, reported a substantial week-on-week decline in container handling capacity, dropping
Air Botswana Launches Direct Flights to Strengthen Regional Connectivity
Air Botswana is set to launch direct flights between Windhoek and Gaborone, enhancing both business and leisure travel between Namibia and Botswana. Mogolo Mokgosi, the Sales and Marketing Manager for Air Botswana, announced the new routes, which will also include flights from Kasane to Windhoek, Kasane to Cape Town, Maun to Cape Town, and Kasane to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). Kasane, located in northeastern Botswana, serves as a hub
Proposals Submitted for Management of Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport
Two proposals have been submitted for the public tender to explore, manage, and maintain the Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN). The proposal opening took place on the 8th of this month in the Operator’s Room. According to a statement from the Ministry of Transport, the two contenders are the consortium Corporacion America Airports, SA (CAAP), Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construção, SA, and BestFly, Lda, and a second consortium comprising
Lobito Port Welcomes First Major Shipment to Support DRC Mining Operations
The Port of Lobito Mining Terminal in Benguela welcomed its first large cargo ship on Friday, loaded with 40,500 tons of sulfur to support mining activities in the Katanga area of the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to a press release, the bulk cargo transport ship MV Lindsaylou’s arrival marks the start of port operations by Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR), the concession company for the Lobito Corridor. The ship was
G7 Investment Set to Transform Angola’s Lobito Corridor
Luciano Chilembe, the financial administrator of the Catumbela Industrial Development Pole (PDIC), expressed satisfaction with the recent $320 million financing provided by the Group of Seven (G7) richest countries for projects in the Lobito Corridor. This funding is expected to significantly enhance the region’s infrastructure and economic potential. Chilembe emphasized the critical work ahead in the transport sector and the need for a focused approach to consolidate reforms in agro-industry