Canal relief ahead as rain clouds gather over Panama

Decreased movement through one of the most important waterway shortcuts for ocean cargo between Asia and the Americas could soon be eased as weather forecasts predict plenty of rain heading towards Panama. Because of a drought, the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) was forced to limit ship passages to 24 per day until April 2024 due to dropping water levels in Gatún Lake, a man-made reservoir that supplies water to the

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Transnet Port Terminals Prepares for Citrus Export Surge

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is gearing up to support the upcoming citrus export season, as forecasts predict a significant 15% increase in volumes for 2024. Michelle van Buren Schele, TPT’s general manager of commercial and planning, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitating a successful export season for the citrus fruit industry. To accommodate the higher volume of traffic, TPT has implemented several measures across its container terminals in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

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Cargo crime weighs heavily on South Africa’s transport sector

Recent research conducted by the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) has shed light on the concerning state of security within South Africa’s supply chains. Over the past year, the country has grappled with more than 40,000 crimes affecting supply chains, as reported by the South African Police Service. These incidents, ranging from high-profile truck hijackings to common robberies and stock theft, underscore the pervasive nature of security threats faced by

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$2.4 billion set aside for modernising transport in the US

President Joe Biden’s administration has revealed that it will pay $2.4 billion in grants aimed at modernising freight and passenger rail infrastructure across the United States. The move is part of Biden’s broader initiative to enhance America’s transportation network and bolster economic growth through improved rail systems. According to the US Department of Transport, the grants will be allocated to upgrading and expanding rail infrastructure to enhance efficiency, safety, and

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Confronting the China Challenge in Africa: The Lobito Corridor

The Lobito Corridor project in Africa is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at creating a vital trade route. It seeks to connect the mineral-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo (“DRC”) and Zambia to Angola’s Atlantic coast port city of Lobito. This project holds particular interest for some Western nations, potentially serving as a counterpoint to China’s expansive Belt and Road Initiative (“BRI”). China remains a dominant economic force in Africa,

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Zambia Calls for Railway Sector Investment to Boost Regional Connectivity

Zambia’s Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, is advocating for increased investment in the country’s railway sector, aiming to modernize and enhance connectivity both domestically and across borders. Tayali’s call for action follows the recent Third Zambia Land-linked Conference and Exhibition in Indaba, where the crucial role of robust transport infrastructure in regional economic development was underscored. Highlighting the significance of revitalizing the railway system, Minister Tayali emphasized Zambia’s ambition

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Zambia Eyes “Once-in-a-Lifetime” Opportunity with Angolan Rail Link

President Hakainde Hichilema foresees a significant economic shift for Zambia, with a US-backed project poised to link the nation’s copper mines to Angola’s port of Lobito, offering unprecedented opportunities. This ambitious initiative, supported by global powers like the US, EU, and G7, aims to establish the Lobito Corridor, a transformative railway network spanning Zambia and Angola. The Lobito Corridor project promises to revolutionize transit times for mining supplies and exports,

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Zambia and Botswana Establish Kazungula Bridge Authority to Promote Regional Integration

The recent establishment of the Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA) through a bilateral agreement between Zambia and Botswana marks a significant milestone in promoting regional commerce and integration in Southern Africa. This agreement, finalized during the latest Kazungula Bridge project Joint Ministerial Committee meeting in Gaborone, Botswana, outlines the composition and functions of the KBA, tasked with overseeing the vital Kazungula Bridge and its associated One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs). The KBA,

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World Bank Grants Transform Tanzania-Zambia Trade Corridor

The World Bank has allocated $270 million in grants to Tanzania and Zambia to bolster commercial and transportation ties between the two countries. This funding, part of the six-year Transport Corridors for Economic Resilience project, aims to enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and climate resilience of key regional trade routes in eastern and southern Africa. Focused primarily on the Dar es Salaam corridor, a critical route facilitating trade between Tanzania and

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Tanzania Ports Authority Slashes Fees, Boosting Zambia Trade

The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) recently announced a significant reduction in wharfage rates for containerized cargo bound for Zambia, cutting costs by over 50%. This move, confirmed by Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics on April 6, 2024, is poised to greatly enhance the ease of doing business in Zambia. The lowered port charges at key Tanzanian ports such as Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara mark a pivotal step

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