MSC Adds Direct Cape Town–Asia Link to Iroko Service, Cutting Transit Times for Reefer and Dry Cargo Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced an upgrade to its Iroko service, introducing a new direct call in Cape Town as part of efforts to expand port coverage and strengthen trade links between South Africa and key Asian markets. “This strategic enhancement provides a direct connection between Cape Town and Asia, offering faster
Category: Southern Africa
South Africa’s Transport Sector Shows Early Signs of Recovery Amid Mixed Performance
Ctrack Index: South Africa’s Logistics Sector Rebounds in 2025 Despite Uneven Recovery South Africa’s logistics sector is beginning to recover after reaching a two-year low in January, according to the latest Ctrack Transport Freight Index (Ctrack TFI). The index climbed to 118.5 in September, representing a 3.5% improvement since January and a 0.7% increase year-on-year. However, Ctrack notes that the recovery remains inconsistent across transport modes. In the first nine
Dube Cargo Terminal Achieves Strong Growth in Airfreight Volumes
Dube Cargo Terminal Reports 7% Surge in Air Cargo Volumes for 2024–2025 Dube Cargo Terminal at King Shaka International Airport has recorded substantial growth in air cargo volumes over the past year. According to newly released data from the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone, the terminal handled 15,429 tonnes of cargo between April 2024 and March 2025, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the 14,424 tonnes moved in 2024. This
China, Zambia, and Tanzania Seal $1.4 Billion Deal to Modernise TAZARA Railway
China Signs $1.4B Agreement to Upgrade TAZARA Railway, Boosting Zambia–Tanzania Trade Route China has signed a $1.4-billion agreement with Zambia and Tanzania to modernise the TAZARA railway, a strategic transport corridor linking landlocked Zambia to the Indian Ocean. Originally financed and built by China in the 1970s, the TAZARA railway has long served as a vital route for copper exports and fuel imports through Tanzania. The upgrade is widely viewed
Angola Enhances Lobito Corridor for Regional Transport and Trade
Angola Signs Agreement to Boost Lobito Corridor as Regional Transport, Trade, and Logistics Hub Angola has taken a significant step in asserting its role as a key player in regional transport and trade, following the signing of an agreement on Monday in Luanda between the Angolan Government and the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (AFTTCL). The agreement establishes the opening of a representation of the Agency in Angola. The
Angolan President Hails Lobito Corridor as a Game-Changer for Africa’s Trade and Economic Growth
Lobito Corridor Positioned as Strategic Infrastructure Project to Boost African Trade and Industrialization Angolan President and African Union Chairperson João Lourenço has described the Lobito Corridor as a “game-changer” for Africa’s trade and economic growth, calling it a model for turning the continent’s ambitious infrastructure plans into reality. Speaking at the Financing Summit on Logistics in Luanda, themed “Capital, Corridors, Trade: Investing in Infrastructure for the AfCFTA and Shared Prosperity”,
TAZARA Revitalisation Set to Safeguard Zambia’s Road Infrastructure
Zambia Plans Major Cargo Shift to Rail as Part of TAZARA Rehabilitation Strategy Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali says the ongoing revitalisation of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) will significantly reduce the volume of heavy cargo transported by road, helping preserve the country’s road infrastructure. Speaking in the National Assembly in response to a question from Shiwang’andu Member of Parliament Stephen Kampyongo, Mr. Tayali explained that heavy cargo is
EU Commits €50 Million to Rehabilitate Zambia’s Livingstone–Ndola Railway
EU Funds Livingstone–Ndola Railway Rehabilitation to Boost Zambia’s Regional Trade and Mining Logistics The European Union has committed €50 million to rehabilitate the railway line from Livingstone to Ndola, a major investment expected to strengthen regional trade corridors and reduce transport costs across Zambia and Southern Africa. The announcement followed a tour of the Ngwerere–Lusaka rail section by European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela, who reiterated the EU’s long-standing
EU Strengthens Support for Lobito Corridor to Boost Zambia’s Trade and Industrial Growth
EU, Sweden, Finland, and Czech Republic Back Zambia’s Lobito Corridor to Drive Regional Trade and Economic Transformation The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Lobito Corridor project, citing its potential to enhance regional connectivity, trade, and economic growth across Southern Africa. Speaking during the official opening of the EU–Zambia Lobito Corridor Business Forum in Chongwe, Swedish Director General for Trade Policy at the Ministry of Foreign
Zambia Strengthens Ties with European Investment Bank to Accelerate Lobito Corridor Development
Zambia and EIB Deepen Cooperation to Boost Investment in the Lobito Corridor and Drive Regional Trade Growth Zambia has intensified its engagement with multilateral development partners, as Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane met with European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice President Karl Nehammer ahead of the Zambia–EU Lobito Corridor Business Forum, scheduled for 13–14 November in Lusaka. The high-level bilateral talks focused on unlocking new investment opportunities along