The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has approved funding of up to US$200 million towards the Lobito Corridor Railway Project in Angola, alongside the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This strategic infrastructure initiative, valued at approximately US$786.4 million, aims to enhance regional trade and transportation networks by providing an efficient and reliable railway connection from the Lobito Port on Angola’s Atlantic coast to the border with the Democratic Republic of
Category: Southern Africa
Chinese State-Owned Firm Set to Revamp Key Zambia-Tanzania Railway by 2024
A Chinese state-owned company is expected to finalize an agreement to take over the concession for the railway connecting Zambia’s copper mines to a Tanzanian port by the end of 2024, according to the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara). Last week, the heads of state from Zambia, Tanzania, and China witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to rehabilitate the 1,860-kilometer (1,160 miles) railway, originally built in the 1970s
Vandalism to Rail Infrastructure Costs South Africa R5-Billion Annually
Vandalism of rail infrastructure is costing South Africa nearly R5 billion each year, according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. This has significantly reduced the amount of freight transported via the country’s rail system. Speaking to the National Council of Provinces as part of a ministerial team addressing infrastructure challenges, Creecy emphasized the impact on the economy. She explained that to meet economic needs, the rail system should be transporting between
$700 Million Trans-Cunene Railway Project to Link Angola and Namibia
The $700 million “Trans-Cunene” railway project, aimed at connecting Angola and Namibia, was presented last Thursday to the Provincial Government of Namibe by Namibian company Global Business Development (GBD). Harold Luttichau, head of the consortium, outlined the project, which includes building a new 400-kilometer railway from Lubango to Cunene and rehabilitating the existing line between Lubango and Moçâmedes. The project is expected to be completed within 15 months. “This rail
Construction of Angola’s Amboim Port to Begin Soon
Nelson dos Santos, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Amboim, announced last week in Sumbe that construction of the new port facility in Porto-Amboim, Cuanza-Sul province, will soon commence. This statement followed a courtesy meeting with provincial governor Mara Quiosa, aimed at welcoming her and discussing the port’s development. Dos Santos confirmed that preparations for the project are in advanced stages, with construction expected to begin
Residents of Lobito Praise Economic and Healthcare Benefits of the Lobito Corridor
Residents of Lobito in Benguela province have highlighted the significant benefits of the Lobito Corridor, emphasizing the creation of new business opportunities and the development of tourism in the region. Florinda Miranda e Silva, the general director of Lobito Regional Hospital, noted that the Corridor could also lead to the introduction of new medical specialties in local hospitals, improving healthcare services. She believes that the Lobito Corridor will attract tourists,
Secil Marítima Assures Restoration of Soyo-Cabinda and Cabinda-Luanda Routes Within Three Days
Secil Marítima announced on Friday that efforts are underway to restore normal operations on the Soyo-Cabinda and Cabinda-Luanda routes within three days, following the completion of repairs to damaged vessels. In a press release, Secil Marítima confirmed that technical teams are “working day and night” to resolve an issue with the propeller of one of the vessels operating on the Soyo-Cabinda and Cabinda-Luanda routes, part of the northern cabotage service.
Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport Sees Sixfold Surge in Cargo Operations
Cargo operations at Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport have experienced significant growth, with a total volume of 225,900 kilograms (225.9 tons) recorded from January to August this year, according to António Pombal, the general director of the airport’s Temporary Operator. Pombal highlighted that the cargo segment has grown sixfold since operations began on December 19, 2023. The airport’s cargo terminal has an annual capacity of 130,000 tons and handles
Mozambique Awards 15-Year Concession for Chongoene Port Terminal Development
The Mozambican government has granted a 15-year concession for the construction, operation, maintenance, and management of the Chongoene Port Terminal in Gaza province. This public-private partnership involves a joint venture between Chinese firm Desheng Port and the state-owned Mozambican Ports and Railways (CFM). The concession was formalized through a decree approved by the Council of Ministers on August 26, which outlines the legal framework for this public-private partnership. The decree
Transnet Secures $284 Million Loan from BRICS Bank for Turnaround Plan
South Africa’s state logistics company, Transnet, has obtained a 5 billion rand ($283.53 million) loan from the New Development Bank (NDB), established by the BRICS group of emerging economies. The South African government will guarantee the loan, announced by Director General Duncan Pieterse during a New Development Bank meeting in Cape Town. Transnet, which is grappling with approximately 130 billion rand in debt, has struggled with reliable freight rail and