The South Africa Incident Management Organisation (Imorg) has launched an investigation into an oil spill believed to have originated from a container cargo vessel anchored in Algoa Bay last week. In a statement released on Monday, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) reported that the spill was first detected by a vessel anchored at number 2 in Algoa Bay. The crew noticed oil-like blobs and an oily sheen on
Category: Southern Africa
Zambia Ratifies AU Road Safety Charter to Boost Road Safety and Economic Growth
Zambia has officially signed the African Union (AU) Road Safety Charter, marking a significant step toward enhancing road safety and reducing traffic accidents. This initiative is part of a broader continental effort to curb the high incidence of road fatalities, particularly in African countries where dangerous road conditions pose serious risks to motorists. Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala, submitted the ratification instrument on behalf of the Zambian government. In
Walvis Bay Port to Boost Operations with Private Management under TiL
The Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia is poised to make a significant leap in its operations as its container handling will transition to private management by Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). Originally slated for the second quarter of 2023, the much-anticipated concession will now officially begin on October 1, 2024, following the finalization of a joint venture between Namport and TiL, known as Terminal Investment Namibia (TiN). The privatization of
Namibia’s Informal Trade Declines, with Katima Mulilo and Oshikango Leading Cross-Border Activity
Namibia’s informal cross-border trade sector has experienced a significant decline since 2019, with activity dropping by 46.8%, according to the latest report from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). Informal trade fell from N$19.4 million in September 2019 to N$10.3 million by November 2023. Despite this decline, several key border posts, particularly Oshikango, continue to play a vital role in the country’s trade network. Oshikango remains the leading border post for
Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport Set to Begin Flights in November
Domestic and international flights at Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport (AIAAN) are scheduled to commence in the second half of November, as announced by the general director of the Temporary Operator of the New Luanda Airport (ATO), António Pombal. This announcement came during the third integrated simulation of operational tests at the new airport. Pombal revealed that airlines are currently reprogramming and adjusting flight codes, along with other operational and
DBSA Approves $200 Million for the Lobito Corridor Railway Project
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has approved funding of up to US$200 million towards the Lobito Corridor Railway Project in Angola, alongside the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This strategic infrastructure initiative, valued at approximately US$786.4 million, aims to enhance regional trade and transportation networks by providing an efficient and reliable railway connection from the Lobito Port on Angola’s Atlantic coast to the border with the Democratic Republic of
Chinese State-Owned Firm Set to Revamp Key Zambia-Tanzania Railway by 2024
A Chinese state-owned company is expected to finalize an agreement to take over the concession for the railway connecting Zambia’s copper mines to a Tanzanian port by the end of 2024, according to the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara). Last week, the heads of state from Zambia, Tanzania, and China witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to rehabilitate the 1,860-kilometer (1,160 miles) railway, originally built in the 1970s
Vandalism to Rail Infrastructure Costs South Africa R5-Billion Annually
Vandalism of rail infrastructure is costing South Africa nearly R5 billion each year, according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. This has significantly reduced the amount of freight transported via the country’s rail system. Speaking to the National Council of Provinces as part of a ministerial team addressing infrastructure challenges, Creecy emphasized the impact on the economy. She explained that to meet economic needs, the rail system should be transporting between
$700 Million Trans-Cunene Railway Project to Link Angola and Namibia
The $700 million “Trans-Cunene” railway project, aimed at connecting Angola and Namibia, was presented last Thursday to the Provincial Government of Namibe by Namibian company Global Business Development (GBD). Harold Luttichau, head of the consortium, outlined the project, which includes building a new 400-kilometer railway from Lubango to Cunene and rehabilitating the existing line between Lubango and Moçâmedes. The project is expected to be completed within 15 months. “This rail
Construction of Angola’s Amboim Port to Begin Soon
Nelson dos Santos, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Amboim, announced last week in Sumbe that construction of the new port facility in Porto-Amboim, Cuanza-Sul province, will soon commence. This statement followed a courtesy meeting with provincial governor Mara Quiosa, aimed at welcoming her and discussing the port’s development. Dos Santos confirmed that preparations for the project are in advanced stages, with construction expected to begin