The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing investments along the Lobito Corridor, confirmed the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe during his visit to Huambo on Tuesday. James Story, after meeting with Governor Pereira Alfredo, stated that his three-day visit to the Lobito Corridor projects is part of an initiative that includes 16 ambassadors from various countries. This visit aims to demonstrate the U.S.
Category: Southern Africa
Angola’s TAAG Plans to Resume Direct Luanda-Houston Flights
Angola’s national airline, TAAG, is exploring a long-term plan to reinstate direct flights between Luanda and Houston, USA, a source told Energy Capital & Power. This initiative aligns with the airline’s global expansion strategy and aims to strengthen trade and commerce between Angola and the United States. TAAG has submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation and is awaiting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category 1 Certification before launching
Norwegian Ambassador Highlights Lobito Corridor’s Role in Expanding Angola’s Agricultural Exports
Norwegian Ambassador Bjørnar Dahl Hotvedt is visiting Huambo and the Lobito Corridor from today until the 3rd, as part of a delegation of ambassadors from the United States and several European countries. This visit focuses on assessing Angola’s agricultural potential, with particular attention to how the Lobito Corridor can facilitate the export of Angolan products to Norway. In a statement from the Norwegian embassy, the ambassador explained that Angola’s vast,
Lobito Corridor and EU-Africa Cooperation Take Center Stage at Rome Conference
Luanda – The strategic importance of the Lobito Corridor and enhanced cooperation between Africa and the European Union (EU) were key topics at the EU high-level conference held this week in Rome, Italy. The event aimed to strengthen ties between African nations and the EU. Under the theme “The Mattei Plan for Africa and the EU’s Global Gateway: A Common Effort with the African Continent,” the conference brought together political
Four-Day Border Delays at Kopfontein Cause Major Supply Chain Disruptions
Truck drivers crossing from South Africa into Botswana via the Kopfontein Border Post face an average wait time of four days, with no emergency amenities, according to industry executives. The backlog on the R49 follows the flooding of the Groblersbrug Border Post over three weeks ago, forcing cargo carriers—many en route to the Copperbelt—to reroute through Kopfontein. Mike Fitzmaurice, regional vice president of the African Union’s Organisation for Transport and
OR Tambo Airfreight Volumes Surge 13% Amid Aviation Challenges
Airfreight volumes at South Africa’s busiest international airport, OR Tambo International, have risen 13% year-on-year, according to the latest Cargo Movement Update (CMU). Compiled by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity SA (Busa), the CMU reports steady growth in both inbound and outbound shipments as of March 16. Imports totaled 628,476 kg, a 14% increase, while exports reached 386,267 kg, reflecting a 5% rise. OR
Security Concerns Threaten Mozambique’s LNG Projects Amid Ongoing Insurgency in Cabo Delgado
The exploration of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province is facing renewed challenges due to ongoing threats from Islamic State insurgents based in rural areas like Chiure and Macomia, near the Port of Pemba, and Nangade along the Rovuma River, which borders Tanzania. In the latest wave of violence in the country’s northeastern province, the United Nations estimates that 10,140 people were forced to flee their homes
Airlink to Expand Nairobi and Lusaka Services Amid Growing Demand for Regional Connectivity
Airlink has announced plans to enhance its Nairobi and Lusaka services in response to increased demand for more connections between South Africa, Zambia, and Kenya’s economic hubs. Starting 30 March, the airline will add extra flights to these routes. The expanded services include three weekly night-time return flights between Johannesburg and Nairobi, complementing the airline’s daily service launched in 2023, which made Airlink the first private-sector carrier to operate on
Port of Cape Town Delays Force Maersk to Reroute Ships Amid Ongoing Infrastructure Challenges
Inclement weather and delays at the Port of Cape Town, coupled with the state-owned port and rail operator’s struggle to recover from wind-related disruptions, have forced Maersk to significantly adjust its shipping schedules. Over the weekend, The Cape Independent reported that the Danish shipping line had informed customers of extended wait times at the port, with delays of up to 10 days becoming increasingly common. Due to idling at anchorage,
Deputy President Mashatile Reassures Isuzu Motors on South Africa’s Infrastructure Progress
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reassured executives of Isuzu Motors Limited in Japan that South Africa is actively addressing its port and infrastructure issues, which have led to significant congestion, equipment failures, and disruptions in both import and export operations. “I am pleased to report that we have resolved the energy issues that had previously impacted our economy,” Mashatile said during his visit to the Isuzu Fujisawa Plant on Monday.