President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill into law, introducing stricter measures to safeguard South Africa’s oceans from ship-related pollution. In a statement on Tuesday, the Presidency emphasized the legislation’s role in both national and global efforts to protect the marine environment while ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources. With South Africa’s coastline spanning over 3,000 kilometers—from Namibia’s Atlantic shores to
Category: Southern Africa
Port of Maputo Begins $164 Million Expansion to Boost Capacity and Trade
Construction has commenced on the $164 million expansion of the Port of Maputo’s container terminal, a project set to double its annual capacity from 255,000 TEUs to 530,000 TEUs. DP World and the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) announced the launch of Phase 1 of the two-year project in a joint statement on Monday. The expansion, undertaken by Shafa Construções, EA, Limitada, will significantly enhance the port’s efficiency and competitiveness
ANC Pushes for Debt-Relief Package to Revive Transnet
South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), plans to request the National Treasury to implement a one-off debt-relief package for state-owned rail and ports operator Transnet ahead of the February budget announcement. According to Zuko Godlimpi, Deputy Head of the ANC’s Economic Transformation Committee, Transnet requires support akin to the R254-billion debt-relief package granted to Eskom Holdings in 2023. Godlimpi emphasized that Transnet’s efficient operation is critical to
Zambia Pushes for Private Sector Role in Transforming the Lobito Corridor
The Zambian government has called for greater private sector participation in the Lobito Corridor to drive sustainable economic growth across the region. At the official opening of the Lobito Corridor Secretariat on Wednesday, Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, underscored the transformative potential of the corridor, which connects Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Secretariat, based on Lobito Island in Angola, will oversee the
Eiffage Wins €100 Million Contract for Matadi Port Container Terminal Expansion
The French construction company Eiffage has secured a €100 million contract for the renovation and expansion of the Container Terminal at the Port of Matadi in Kongo Central, located in the southwestern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The announcement was made through a press release from the company on Monday, January 20, 2025. “Eiffage, through its marine civil engineering subsidiary, has been awarded the contract for the
Port of Maputo Embarks on Expansion to Boost Capacity and Sustainability
The Port of Maputo is set to begin its ambitious container and coal terminal expansion projects in the first half of this year. These initiatives are central to the operational upgrades envisioned under the extended concession agreement granted to Sociedade de Desenvolvimento do Porto de Maputo (MPDC), the port’s managing entity. According to MPDC, the expansion aims to solidify the Port of Maputo’s role as a critical hub for trade
EU Commits to Supporting Sustainable Development of Lobito Corridor
The European Union (EU) has expressed its interest in participating in the development of the Lobito Corridor, recognizing its potential for sustainable and inclusive economic diversification, including increased household income in the region. Sylvie Millot, Head of the EU’s Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Unit, confirmed this on Friday in Benguela, following a courtesy meeting with the provincial governor of Benguela. She emphasized that the Lobito Corridor is a key
AIA Calls for Feasibility Study to Enhance Lobito Corridor’s Economic Impact
Members of the Angolan Industrial Association (AIA) have emphasized the importance of conducting a feasibility study for the construction of connection branches between key large-scale production centers and the Lobito Corridor. This initiative is seen as a priority to maximize the economic benefits of this significant infrastructure, which serves both the Angolan economy and the southern region of Africa. The message was conveyed by the president of the association, José
Namibia and Zambia Advance Efforts to Operationalize Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post
Namibia and Zambia have taken a significant step toward operationalizing the Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) through the inaugural Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting. The meeting, held in Sesheke, Zambia, from January 13 to 17, 2025, focuses on establishing governance structures and frameworks to implement a bilateral agreement signed in June 2024. Led by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), the week-long discussions involve representatives from various border agencies. Jacqueline
Walvis Bay Positioned as Key Southern Africa Transshipment Hub by MSC
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has officially designated the Port of Walvis Bay as a crucial transshipment hub for Southern Africa with the launch of its Namibia Express route. This strategic move aims to strengthen trade links between Africa, Europe, and global markets, cementing Namibia’s role in international logistics. MSC recently announced plans to enhance its North West Continent (NWC) to South Africa service and introduce two new routes: the