Botswana’s primary transit link with South Africa, the Groblersburg Border Post, is facing significant congestion after the Limpopo River and other tributaries flooded in early March, causing the border to close. As a result, cargo moving from South Africa to the Copperbelt through Botswana is being redirected to southern routes like Kopfontein, leading to extensive backlogs at a crossing critical for express logistics into Gaborone. Over the weekend, video footage
Category: Southern Africa
Eswatini Invests 5% of Budget in Roads Launches New Infrastructure Fund
Eswatini will allocate one out of every twenty rands from its 2025–26 government budget to road infrastructure, marking a significant investment in the country’s transport network. To finance new road construction and maintain existing roads, the newly established Road Agency Fund begins operations this month. Created under the 2023 Roads Authority Act, the agency operates under the Ministry of Finance and is funded by an additional 40-cent levy on petrol
SAA Cargo Expands Regional Network with Johannesburg–Dar es Salaam Route
South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) has reinforced its strategic expansion with the reintroduction of direct flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This move highlights the airline’s commitment to strengthening regional trade and logistics by offering efficient and reliable freight solutions across East Africa. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s economic and logistical hub, plays a crucial role in regional commerce. With ongoing infrastructure development, the city provides an ideal
South Africa’s 2025 Budget Allocates R402 Billion to Revitalize Transport and Logistics Sectors
South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, has announced a substantial investment plan aimed at improving the country’s transport and logistics infrastructure. As part of the 2025 budget, the government has earmarked R402 billion for infrastructure projects that will enhance road networks, rail services, and logistics efficiency, with the goal of addressing long-standing challenges and stimulating economic growth. A significant portion of this budget is allocated to the South African
Botswana Railways Partners with KORAIL to Revamp Railway Services
Botswana Railways (BR) and the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing railway services and infrastructure in Botswana. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Botswana Railways Station in Gaborone, marking a significant step in fostering collaboration, technical exchange, and capacity building within Botswana’s railway sector. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both Botswana Railways and KORAIL, along
LAND-LINKED ZAMBIA CONFERENCE LINKING SECTORS THROUGH TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS
Land linkages play a critical role in Africa’s economic development by facilitating trade, investment, and regional integration. As a continent rich in resources but challenged by infrastructure deficits, Africa’s road networks are critical for connecting markets, reducing costs, and improving the movement of goods and people. Strengthening land linkages has become a key driver for road infrastructure growth, shaping the continent’s future development. Chimwemwe Nyirenda, the Co-Founder and CEO of
Mozambique Railways and NRZ Strengthen Cooperation with Key Operational Agreements
Mozambique Railways (CFM) has taken a significant step in regional rail transport by signing two Operational Understanding Agreements with the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). The agreements, signed on March 14, 2025, in Maputo, will allow CFM to operate on Zimbabwean railway lines, enhancing cooperation between the two countries and improving freight transport efficiency. Covering the 148 km Chicualacuala-Rutenga Southern Corridor and the 84 km Machipanda-Nyazura Central Corridor, the partnership
Zambia Urges DRC to Address Harsh Treatment of Truck Drivers
Zambia’s Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, has raised serious concerns over the mistreatment of Zambian truck drivers entering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite ongoing discussions with DRC authorities. Minister Tayali emphasized the urgent need to protect drivers operating in the region, stressing that their safety and well-being must be prioritized. Meanwhile, the Zambian government is making strides to enhance transport infrastructure, including upgrading key roads and modernizing
China to Invest $1.4 Billion in Upgrading Zambia-Tanzania Railway
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has committed over $1.4 billion to modernize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), a vital transport link for Zambia’s copper exports to Tanzania’s largest port. TAZARA plays a crucial role in exporting copper and cobalt from Central Africa while offering an alternative route to South Africa’s congested ports. However, years of neglect have left the railway in need of urgent repairs. Negotiations for a 30-year concession
Mozambican Ports Handle 70,170 Tonnes in 2024 Despite Maputo’s Decline
Mozambican ports handled 70,170 tonnes of cargo in 2024, marking a 10.7% increase from 2023, despite a slight decline in traffic at the Port of Maputo, which accounted for nearly half of the total volume, according to official data compiled by Lusa. Cargo movement at the ports of Beira and Nacala grew by 12.9% and 13.6%, respectively, while Maputo saw a marginal decline of 0.3% compared to the previous year.