President Joe Biden is concluding his trip to Angola with a significant announcement of $600 million in new financing for a multi-country railway, a move aimed at boosting U.S. investment in critical minerals infrastructure across Africa and countering China’s growing influence on the continent. This latest announcement builds on the $553 million pledged earlier this year by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor, which
Category: Southern Africa
Cold Box Unit Completes Successful Journey to Kansanshi Mine in Zambia
The Cold Box Unit has successfully arrived at Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi, completing a challenging journey that began on October 29, 2024, at the Katima Mulilo Border in Zambia’s Western Province. After a well-coordinated transport effort, the load passed through multiple provinces, navigating various terrains and logistical hurdles before arriving at the Kansanshi Mine boom gate at 16:50 hours. Transporting this large and complex piece of equipment posed significant challenges
Zambia’s President Announces Plans to Upgrade Northern Airports for Economic Growth
Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, has committed to upgrading Mansa, Kasama, and Nakonde airports to international standards as part of a broader strategy to accelerate economic development in the Northern Corridor. Speaking at the Kwabuka Traditional Ceremony in Mansa on Sunday, the President emphasized his administration’s ambition to transform Luapula Province into a dynamic economic hub. “We will transform Mansa, Kasama, and Nakonde into international airports to foster significant economic growth,”
Zambia and DRC Unite to Build Key Cross-Border Road Boosting Regional Trade
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a landmark agreement to construct a 145-kilometer road linking Kolwezi in the DRC to Lumwana in Zambia, passing through the Kambimba-Sakabinda border posts. This ambitious project, formalized in Kolwezi, Lualaba Province, aims to enhance border infrastructure, streamline trade, and strengthen economic ties between the two nations. The agreement, signed by Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development, Charles Milupi,
Portugal-Angola Trade Declines as Angola Drops in Portugal’s Export Rankings
From January to September 2024, Portugal’s exports to Angola totaled €753.1 million, a decrease of €229.6 million compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting a 23.4% decline. As a result, Angola has fallen four places in Portugal’s export rankings, now positioned as the 13th largest destination for Portuguese goods, down from 9th place since 2019. Despite this, Portugal remains Angola’s second-largest supplier, after China. These figures are part of
Eswatini Railways: A Key Player in Southern Africa’s Transport and Logistics
Eswatini Railways (ESR) has been a vital part of the country’s transportation landscape for more than six decades. Despite operating in a small, landlocked market, ESR plays a critical role in regional trade, connecting South Africa and Mozambique with other Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations. With its focus on productivity and profitability, ESR is thriving, even as the country has set the retirement age at 60. The railways of
Zambia Reduces Border Clearance Times by 60%, Strengthening Trade Facilitation Efforts
Zambia has made significant strides in improving trade facilitation by reducing border clearance times for goods and travelers by 60%. This achievement was highlighted in the third Time Release Survey conducted at the Chirundu and Kazungula One-Stop Border Posts (OSBP). The survey, led by Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), revealed that average clearance
Namibia Inaugurates the Windhoek-Okahandja Dual Carriageway
Namibia has achieved a significant milestone in its infrastructure development with the inauguration of the Windhoek-Okahandja A1 dual carriageway. Officially opened by President Nangolo Mbumba, the 71-kilometer stretch, built at a cost of N$2.8 billion, marks a transformative upgrade from its previous B1 classification. The dual carriageway is expected to drive economic growth, enhance regional trade, and improve transportation safety and efficiency for both citizens and international travelers. The A1
Emirates Expands African Network with New Flights to Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa
Emirates Airlines has strengthened its presence in Africa by expanding flight services to Entebbe (Uganda), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Johannesburg (South Africa). This expansion highlights the airline’s commitment to the continent, enhancing travel options and fostering trade and tourism between Africa and the Middle East. Since launching its first African route to Cairo in 1986, Emirates has steadily grown its footprint and now serves 20 destinations across the continent. With
Zambia Airways Partners with Motor Dealers to Boost Trade and Connectivity
Zambia Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zambia Motor Dealers Association, creating a strategic partnership to enhance travel logistics for association members. Announced during a ceremony in Lusaka, this collaboration aims to support local businesses by offering efficient and affordable transportation solutions. Under the agreement, Zambia Airways will provide targeted flights to regional destinations such as South Africa and Tanzania, tailored to meet the needs of