Cape Town Container Terminal Surpasses Targets by 62%, Marks Best Weekly Volume Since 2019 The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has achieved a record-breaking performance, exceeding its weekly target by 62% for the week ending 20 July, according to Transnet Port Terminals (TPT). This performance marks a major milestone for CTCT, a port historically challenged by severe weather and equipment breakdowns. TPT described the result as a “remarkable turnaround,” noting
Category: Southern Africa
Southern Africa’s Mining Boom Sparks Project Cargo Opportunities
Surging Mining Investment in Southern Africa Drives Demand for Project Cargo and Energy Infrastructure As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, Southern Africa is experiencing a surge in mining investment—opening up significant opportunities for project cargo operators across the region. “The project landscape in Southern Africa is fairly robust and showing steady momentum,” said Duncan Bonnett, a partner at strategic research consultancy Africa House. Bonnett noted that a wave of
South African Ports Exceed Container Handling Targets Amid Recovery Plan Success
South African Ports Break Records with 101,295 Containers Handled in a Week Ports along South Africa’s coastline handled 101,295 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last week—surpassing the weekly target for all container terminals by 15%. Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) announced on Monday that this marks the highest weekly container throughput since the 2017/2018 financial year, when 101,871 TEUs were moved, a record that still stands. This performance reflects steady gains achieved
Transnet Faces Prolonged Cash Burn as S&P Downgrades Credit Rating
S&P Downgrades Transnet, Warns of Cash Burn Through 2027 Without Government Support Transnet, South Africa’s state-owned freight rail and ports operator, is expected to burn cash for at least the next three years, according to a new forecast by S&P Global Ratings, as reported by BusinessLive on Tuesday. Citing an unsustainable capital structure in the absence of ongoing state support, S&P downgraded Transnet’s credit rating. The agency also warned that
Angola Secures €75 Million from AFC to Build 186 Bridges and Upgrade National Roads
Angola Accelerates Infrastructure Growth with €75 Million Boost from Africa Finance Corporation Angola has received a significant boost to its transportation infrastructure, with the disbursement of €75 million from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). This funding is part of an €85 million sovereign facility designed to transform the country’s national road network. The investment will support the construction of 186 priority bridges and strategic upgrades to key national roads. These
DRC Launches $230 Million Likasi-Solwezi Road to Strengthen Trade with Zambia
DRC Begins Construction of $230M Likasi-Solwezi Road to Boost Trade with Zambia The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially launched construction of the 160-kilometer Likasi-Solwezi road, a major infrastructure project aimed at enhancing trade with neighboring Zambia. The project, valued at $230 million, was announced on July 8, 2025, by Haut-Katanga Governor Jacques Kyabula during a visit to Likasi, the province’s second-largest city. Construction is expected to be completed
Lobito Rail Project Gains U.S. Momentum as Gateway for Africa’s Copper and Cobalt
U.S. Supports Lobito Corridor Rail Project Linking DRC, Angola, and Zambia to Accelerate Mineral Exports The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Lobito Corridor—a transformative rail project that will connect the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, and Zambia—in a move aimed at boosting regional trade and unlocking economic opportunities. Speaking in a recent interview, U.S. Ambassador to the DRC, Lucy Tamlyn, described the Lobito Corridor as
Angola’s TAAG Airlines to Acquire Boeing 787s in $297M U.S.-Backed Deal
Angola’s TAAG Secures $297M EXIM-Backed Deal for Boeing 787 Jets to Boost Luanda’s New Aviation Hub Angola’s state-owned airline, TAAG Angola Airlines, is set to acquire Boeing 787-10 wide-body aircraft and General Electric Aerospace engines through a $297 million financing package backed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM). The agreement, announced Wednesday, will support the delivery of new aircraft and spare engines while strengthening U.S. manufacturing jobs and Angola’s aviation
Durban and Richards Bay Airports Expand to Boost Airfreight Growth
Durban and Richards Bay Airports Drive Airfreight Growth with Major Expansion Plans Expansion projects at Durban and Richards Bay airports are underway or in the planning stages to accommodate rising airfreight volumes in the region. Durban’s airfreight operator, Dube Cargo Terminal at King Shaka International Airport, opened a new public bonded warehouse on April 1. In May, the Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) unveiled the second phase of its Aeropark and
Transnet Reports Throughput Gains Amid Ongoing Equipment Challenges
South Africa’s state-owned terminal operator, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), has reported improved vessel handling performance in May 2025, with several container terminals exceeding compliance targets for arrivals, berthing, and departures. According to a TPT statement, performance aligned with shipping agreements at three of its five container terminals. The Ngqura Container Terminal achieved a 96% compliance rate, while Port Elizabeth and Cape Town Container Terminals (CTCT) recorded 86% and 83% respectively.