Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah S.L.M. Salakae, recently visited the Kazungula Bridge and the One Stop Border Post as part of a familiarization tour organized by the Kazungula Bridge Project Office (KBPO). The visit, held on Friday, provided the minister with a firsthand view of the project’s progress and its strategic importance to the region. Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Transport and other key stakeholders, Minister
Category: Southern Africa
Zambia and DRC Agree to Clear 500 Trucks Daily to Ease Border Congestion
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reached an agreement to clear at least 500 trucks daily at the Kasumbalesa border, aiming to alleviate severe congestion on the Copperbelt. The decision follows reports of over 3,000 trucks stranded on the Zambian side of the border. Katanga Governor Jacques Katwe announced that customs officers’ working hours at Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakanya border posts will be extended from 6 hours
SADC Ministers to Convene for the 2nd Lobito Corridor Committee Meeting
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat is set to host the 2nd meeting of the Lobito Corridor Committee of Ministers, bringing together representatives from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. The Ministers will assess progress made by the Technical Working Group, established during their inaugural meeting on December 16, 2023, in Lobito, Angola. This group was tasked with setting up and operationalizing the Lobito Corridor Transit
Port of Maputo Demonstrates Resilience with 30.9 Million Tonnes Handled in 2024
The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has announced a total cargo volume of 30.9 million tonnes handled in 2024. While this marks a slight 1% decrease from the previous year, the Port of Maputo’s performance underscores its resilience and adaptability amidst significant logistical challenges. MPDC’s direct operations showed strong growth, handling 14.2 million tonnes, a 14% increase compared to 2023. Road freight volumes saw notable growth, rising by 11% from
$700 Million Set for Phase One of Kinshasa-Brazzaville Bridge Project
The total cost of the first phase of the Kinshasa-Brazzaville road-rail bridge construction project is estimated at $700 million. This figure was announced during a restitution meeting held on Wednesday, January 15, 2024, and chaired by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. The meeting brought together delegations of experts from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo. DRC’s Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, Alexis Gisaro, emphasized that
MIPA welcomes Transnet Network Statement as a Turning Point for South African Rail
The Multi-Modal Inland Port Association (MIPA) welcomes the release of Transnet’s Network Statement, a landmark development that opens up South Africa’s rail network to third party operators, at an affordable cost structure. Approved in December 2024 by the Honourable Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, the Network Statement provides a clear framework for private sector participation in the rail sector, a move that is expected to transform freight logistics in the
TRIM Prepares for Private Rail Operator Integration Amid Challenges
South Africa’s Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) is set to allocate its first route slots to private train operating companies (TOCs) following the release of the long-awaited Network Statement in December. This move marks a significant step toward opening the country’s rail network to third-party operators. The Network Statement, which will be updated annually on April 1, introduces a differentiated access tariff regime with rates based on commodity types and
MSC Establishes Walvis Bay as Southern Africa’s Transshipment Hub
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced significant updates to its North West Continent (NWC) to South Africa service, alongside the introduction of two new shuttle services. These developments position the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia as a critical transshipment hub for the region. In a recent statement, MSC confirmed its commitment to enhancing its Southern African network to facilitate seamless trade between Africa, Europe, and other global markets. Key
Reopening of Bunkering in Algoa Bay Set to Transform South Africa’s Maritime Industry
The reopening of bunkering in Algoa Bay represents more than just a return to business; it’s an opportunity to reshape South Africa’s position within the global maritime industry. By drawing on past lessons and embracing new opportunities, Algoa Bay has the potential to become a leading model for sustainable and efficient offshore bunkering. This vision, according to Durand Naidoo, CEO of Linsen Nambi, can be realized through close collaboration among
AfDB Approves $165 Million Loan to Boost Madagascar’s Trade Corridors
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $165 million loan to Madagascar to develop critical trade corridors and strengthen regional connectivity. The funding, sanctioned on December 11 in Abidjan, will finance the third phase of an infrastructure project aimed at enhancing trade routes across the country. Adam Amoumoun, the AfDB’s country manager for Madagascar, stated that the financing would come from the African Development Fund, the concessional lending