The proposal for 24-hour operations at the Victoria Falls border post, a crucial link between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is gaining momentum. Ongoing discussions among stakeholders emphasize both the potential benefits and challenges of this initiative. The tourism sector is driving this proposal, viewing extended border hours as a significant advantage. Zambian Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba highlighted the negative impact of current operating hours on small businesses. By extending border hours,
Category: Southern Africa
Container Handling at South African Ports Plummets 30.3% in Just One Week
Transnet is currently facing significant scrutiny following the latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), which ranked South Africa’s ports among the lowest of 405 evaluated worldwide. The operational efficiency of these ports has been further compromised by adverse weather conditions. The recent Cargo Movement Update (CMU), prepared by Business Unity South Africa and the South African Association of Freight Forwarders, reported a substantial week-on-week decline in container handling capacity, dropping
Air Botswana Launches Direct Flights to Strengthen Regional Connectivity
Air Botswana is set to launch direct flights between Windhoek and Gaborone, enhancing both business and leisure travel between Namibia and Botswana. Mogolo Mokgosi, the Sales and Marketing Manager for Air Botswana, announced the new routes, which will also include flights from Kasane to Windhoek, Kasane to Cape Town, Maun to Cape Town, and Kasane to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). Kasane, located in northeastern Botswana, serves as a hub
Proposals Submitted for Management of Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport
Two proposals have been submitted for the public tender to explore, manage, and maintain the Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN). The proposal opening took place on the 8th of this month in the Operator’s Room. According to a statement from the Ministry of Transport, the two contenders are the consortium Corporacion America Airports, SA (CAAP), Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construção, SA, and BestFly, Lda, and a second consortium comprising
Lobito Port Welcomes First Major Shipment to Support DRC Mining Operations
The Port of Lobito Mining Terminal in Benguela welcomed its first large cargo ship on Friday, loaded with 40,500 tons of sulfur to support mining activities in the Katanga area of the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to a press release, the bulk cargo transport ship MV Lindsaylou’s arrival marks the start of port operations by Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR), the concession company for the Lobito Corridor. The ship was
G7 Investment Set to Transform Angola’s Lobito Corridor
Luciano Chilembe, the financial administrator of the Catumbela Industrial Development Pole (PDIC), expressed satisfaction with the recent $320 million financing provided by the Group of Seven (G7) richest countries for projects in the Lobito Corridor. This funding is expected to significantly enhance the region’s infrastructure and economic potential. Chilembe emphasized the critical work ahead in the transport sector and the need for a focused approach to consolidate reforms in agro-industry
Angola-Zambia Road Project to Boost Trade and Economy in Eastern Angola
Economists and business leaders in Lunda-Norte believe that the construction of a road connecting Angola and Zambia, part of the Lobito Corridor initiative, will significantly enhance the flow of goods and services between Angola’s eastern provinces and the country’s coast. The project involves constructing an approximately 800-kilometer road from Lobito (Benguela) to Luau (Moxico) on the Angolan side. companies, including a consortium like SIbitech and Queiroz Galvão, as well as
MPDC Initiates Tender for Maputo Port Container Terminal Expansion
The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has launched a public tender to engage engineering, procurement, and construction firms for the first phase of expanding the Maputo port container terminal, operated by DP World, a multinational logistics company based in the UAE. This expansion, announced in February following the extension of MPDC’s concession contract, aims to double the terminal’s capacity from 255,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 530,000 TEUs. According to
Maputo Province Tightens Control on Cargo Trucks to Protect Roads
The government of Maputo Province is increasing control over cargo truck circulation to reduce road damage and curb the high costs of annual road repairs. During the tenth session of the Provincial Executive Council, government spokesperson Ludgero Gemo highlighted that significant road damage could be avoided if truck drivers adhered to established load limits. However, many drivers violate these restrictions, leading to further deterioration and increased need for rehabilitation. Gemo
Angola’s Ministry of Transport to Receive High-Performance Vessels for Port of Namibe in 2025
The Ministry of Transport will receive four high-performance vessels for the Port of Namibe in the first quarter of 2025, following a financing agreement with the Japanese Government. Signed on April 5th between Damen Shipyards Group and Toyota Tsusho, the contract includes the delivery of two ASD 2813 tugs, a Pushy Cat 1004, and a Stan Pilot 1905. Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu, Minister of Transport, emphasized the importance of ports and