During the conference titled “Revitalization of Transport and Export Processes for Iron Ore and Ornamental Rocks in Southern Angola” on December 7th in Menongue, 84 attendees stressed the critical necessity of establishing railway connections in the region.
Their focus was on expanding the Moçâmedes Railway (CFM) to create links between Menongue-Malanje (extending further to Zambia) and connecting Namibe to a terminal in Namibia.
They urged for a link between Menongue-Malanje (leading to Zambia) via the Moçâmedes Railway (CFM) and another connection from Namibe to Namibia’s terminal.
The initiative not only aims to enhance the transportation and export of raw materials but also seeks to invigorate tourism in the Southern Region.
The focus is especially on areas like Okavango/Zambezi, addressing concerns about deteriorating access roads that discourage both local and foreign investors and tourists, particularly in Cuando Cubango.
Participants advocated for CFM’s pivotal projects’ execution, including the construction of branches like Companhia Siderúrgica do Cuchi, Hipermáticas, Kaleido, Sonangol, and Centralidade da Quilemba, aiming to fortify the region’s infrastructure.
Under the theme “Simplify for Better Exports Towards the Diversification of the Economy,” the event witnessed the presence of transport sector professionals, mining and timber-related companies and associations, hotel industry representatives, shipping agents, entrepreneurs, and society at large.
There was a call for a multisectoral team’s return to Cuando Cubango, including the Port Authority of Namibe and the CFM, to address vessel-related concerns raised by representatives from the municipalities of Calai and Dirico.
Helena Chimena, the vice-governor of Cuando Cubango, emphasized the significance of mineral resources and existing railway infrastructures in contributing to sustainable economic development in the Southern region.
Manuel Nazareth Neto, the PCA of Porto do Namibe, stressed the importance of promoting the Southern Region’s economy and its array of business prospects.
Echoing similar sentiments, António Coelho da Cruz, CEO of the Moçâmedes Railway, identified meeting the growing international market demand for regional products as a significant challenge.
