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.
Category: Southern Africa
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)
Zambia and US Expand $491 Million Grant Programme to Support Lobito Corridor Infrastructure
Zambia, US Redirect Part of $491 Million Agriculture Grant to Boost Lobito Corridor and Critical Minerals Infrastructure Zambia has reached an agreement with the United States’ Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to expand the scope of a $491 million grant programme, allowing part of the funding to support infrastructure linked to the country’s critical minerals sector and the strategic Lobito Corridor. The grant, signed in 2024 under the MCC’s “farm-to-market” initiative,
Lobito Atlantic Railway Expands Mineral Logistics with Major Manganese Shipment
14,000-Ton Manganese Delivery Highlights Growth of Lobito Atlantic Railway Operations Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) has successfully received and handled a shipment of approximately 14,000 tons of manganese at the Port of Lobito Mining Terminal, marking a significant step in strengthening its regional logistics and mineral transportation capabilities. The operation required close coordination between multiple operational teams and logistics partners to ensure safe, efficient, and well-controlled unloading and handling processes. According
South Africa Opens Freight Rail Network to Private Operators in Landmark Logistics Reform
Transnet Signs 11 Private Operators to Run Freight Rail as South Africa Launches Major Logistics Reform to Boost Exports Transnet has opened its freight rail network to private operators in the country’s most significant rail reform in decades, aiming to restore efficiency to a logistics system that has long constrained exports and economic growth. The state-owned logistics group has concluded agreements with 11 private rail operators who will begin running
Transnet Reports Strong Growth Across South African Ports as Cargo Volumes Reach Multi-Year High
South Africa’s Transnet Records 9% Rise in Vessel Arrivals and Strongest Port Cargo Growth Since 2011 South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, has reported strong growth across the country’s port system for the 2025/26 financial year, signaling improving trade activity and growing confidence in the country’s logistics sector. The company announced a 9% year-on-year increase in vessel arrivals, alongside notable gains in cargo volumes across several major categories. According to
Namibian Ports Handle 8.4 Million Tonnes in 2025 as South Africa and Zambia Dominate Cargo Flows
South Africa and Zambia Account for Nearly 70% of Namibia’s Cross-Border Port Cargo in 2025 Amid 19% Trade Growth Surge In 2025, 35% of all cross-border cargo processed at Namibian ports came from South Africa, with Zambia contributing 34%, collectively accounting for almost 70% of the total. Botswana’s share was 18%, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at 10%, and Malawi at 8%. This data is sourced