Zambia Targets TAZARA Railway Upgrade with $1.6 Billion Rehabilitation Plan to Boost Trade and Economic Growth Zambia is advancing plans to modernise the TAZARA railway corridor, with President Hakainde Hichilema highlighting the importance of upgrading the route to support trade, transport efficiency and economic growth. Speaking at the TAZARA train station in Kapiri Mposhi, President Hichilema said the government is committed to improving the railway, which provides a strategic link
Category: Southern Africa
Transnet Rolls Out Digital Upgrades to Improve Efficiency at the Port of Cape Town
Transnet Accelerates Port of Cape Town Digital Transformation with Automated Gates and Smart Port Systems Transnet is accelerating the digital transformation of the Port of Cape Town with the introduction of automated gate systems and an expanded digital booking platform aimed at improving cargo movement, reducing congestion, and enhancing operational efficiency. The initiatives form part of Transnet’s broader programme to modernise South Africa’s ports and strengthen the competitiveness of the
Record Coal and Manganese Exports Test South Africa’s Rail and Port Bulk Handling Capacity
South Africa Breaks Coal and Manganese Export Records as Bulk Terminals Face Capacity Pressure in 2026 South Africa has recorded its highest-ever export volumes of coal and manganese over the past year, but the surge is now testing whether the country’s rail corridors and bulk terminals can sustain the pace of rising mining output. While increased export tonnage is positive for the economy, the constraint in 2026 is no longer
South Africa and Botswana Explore Freight Bridge Solution at Congested Groblersbrug Border Post
South Africa–Botswana Plan Potential Groblersbrug Relocation and Freight Bridge to Fix Growing Border Congestion South Africa and Botswana are reportedly in discussions to relocate the Groblersbrug border post and construct a dedicated freight bridge, as rising truck volumes have turned the crossing into a major bottleneck in regional logistics flows. The proposal comes after increased traffic diverted from Beitbridge border post placed unexpected pressure on Groblersbrug, overwhelming its capacity and
Namibia Advances Walvis Bay Container Terminal Concession to Improve Throughput and Regional Competitiveness
Namibia Moves to Concession Walvis Bay Container Terminal to Private Operator to Boost SADC Trade Efficiency Namibia is advancing plans to bring in a private operator to manage the Walvis Bay container terminal, with the environmental public-comment period on the operation-and-management proposal set to close on 29 June 2026. The move is aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening the port’s role as a competitive gateway for regional trade in the
Cape Town MyCiTi Advances Electric Bus Rollout and Integrated Claremont Transport Hub
Cape Town MyCiTi to Launch First Electric Bus and Claremont Transport Hub, Advancing Urban Mobility and Logistics Efficiency Cape Town’s MyCiTi bus network is preparing to introduce its first electric bus in August 2026, marking a key step in the city’s transition toward lower-emission urban mobility. At the same time, construction is advancing on a major integrated transport hub in Claremont, designed to improve connectivity across multiple public transport operators.
Luanda–Guangzhou Air Route Strengthens Angola–China Connectivity
New Luanda–Guangzhou Direct Flight Boosts Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation Between Angola and China The launch of the direct air link between Luanda (Angola) and Guangzhou (China) marks a strategic milestone in the growing economic relationship between the two countries, extending far beyond aviation connectivity. The new route is expected to strengthen bilateral trade, facilitate investment flows, and improve mobility between two increasingly interconnected markets. By reducing travel time and
DRC Joins Luxembourg Rail Protocol, Opening Door to Major Rail Investment in Africa
DRC Accession to Luxembourg Rail Protocol Set to Unlock Rail Investment and Boost African Trade Corridors The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s accession to the Luxembourg Rail Protocol is being viewed as a major milestone for Africa’s transport and logistics sector, with the potential to unlock private investment in railway rolling stock and strengthen key regional trade corridors. The Luxembourg Rail Protocol, which entered into force on 8 March 2024,
Zimbabwe Explores China Resource-Backed Financing to Modernize Roads and Rail Network
Zimbabwe Eyes China-Backed Resource Financing to Fund $34 Billion Transport Infrastructure Upgrade Zimbabwe is exploring resource-backed financing agreements with China to fund major road and railway infrastructure projects as the government seeks to modernize its transport network and accelerate economic growth. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed that discussions are underway with China Railway on financing mechanisms that would use future revenues generated from Zimbabwe’s natural resources to repay infrastructure-related loans.
Transnet Launches RFP for Rail Rolling Stock Leasing Entity LeaseCo Under PPP Model
Transnet issues RFP for LeaseCo PPP to modernise rail rolling stock and expand private sector participation in South Africa Transnet has issued a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to two shortlisted bidders as part of its plan to establish a rail rolling stock leasing entity known as LeaseCo, structured as a public–private partnership (PPP). The bidders were selected from 14 respondents who participated in an earlier Request for Qualification (RFQ)