Botswana railway modernisation project

RITES Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the Republic of Botswana, through its Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, to support the development and upgrading of the country’s transport infrastructure

The agreement is focused on advancing Botswana’s railway and broader transport networks by leveraging advanced technologies, international best practices, and targeted capacity-building programmes. The collaboration is intended to strengthen local expertise while improving operational efficiency, safety, and reliability across the transport sector.

Under the MoU, Botswana will utilise RITES Limited’s technical and consultancy expertise to support the development and modernisation of its railway systems. RITES’ role will include assistance with the supply of rolling stock, commissioning services, repair and maintenance support, operational advisory services, and the modernisation of railway workshops.

Beyond railways, the partnership also extends to a wide range of transport infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, airports, and buildings, supporting Botswana’s long-term infrastructure development goals.

In addition, RITES will deliver capacity-building initiatives and technical training programmes, promote structured knowledge exchange, and provide quality assurance services such as third-party inspections, pre-shipment inspections, and final acceptance testing. The collaboration also includes the deployment of advanced digital solutions, including integrated train operations systems and passenger management platforms.

Mangombe River Port launch boosts Central Africa connectivity.

The Central African Republic has taken a significant step forward in advancing the Pointe-Noire–Brazzaville–Bangui–N’Djamena (CD13) multimodal transport corridor with the official launch of works on the MANGOMBE river port, marked by the laying of its foundation stone

The ceremony, held on 10 December 2025, signals a new stage in regional integration efforts aimed at boosting intra-regional trade, easing the movement of goods and people, and supporting economic growth across Central Africa through improved road and river transport links.

The event was presided over by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic, alongside Prime Minister Félix Moloua, members of government, African Development Bank representatives led by interim Country Manager Boye Kissagne, development partners and local community representatives.

“By laying this stone, I confirm my strong commitment to building a modern Central African Republic that can capitalise on its geographical, hydraulic and human assets to take a worthy place among emerging nations,” president Touadéra said.

“This marks a decisive turning point for our policy of openness, connectivity and greater economic exchange in our Central African sub-region. We are laying more than a stone: we are laying the foundation of something that will bring growth, hope and opportunities for our country.”

Located at Mongoumba, the new river port is designed to play a pivotal role in strengthening river transport links between the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo. The facility is expected to improve regional connectivity, shorten supply chains, ease inflationary pressures, and enhance the management of cargo transfers between river and road networks. In addition, the project is anticipated to stimulate private sector investment, create employment and open up new opportunities in logistics and financial services.

The project is being financed through a US$282mn grant from the African Development Fund, the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group, underscoring the institution’s continued commitment to infrastructure development across Africa.

“Today, we are not simply launching an infrastructure project; we are opening the door to a future firmly focused on shared prosperity,” Kissagne said.

“The Port of Mongoumba is a symbol of resilience, courage, and determination to advance despite challenges.”

Construction of the port is scheduled to last 24 months and will be executed by the Italian–Egyptian Selip–Rowad consortium, with oversight provided by the SCET Tunisie and Lege Engineering consortium.

Currently, the African Development Bank Group is supporting 20 projects in the Central African Republic, with total commitments of US$583mn. These investments are concentrated mainly in transport (51%), water and sanitation (21%), agriculture (12%) and other sectors, including energy, social development, governance and finance (16%).

AGL wins first berths in Bagamoyo Port Project.

MSC subsidiary Africa Global Logistics (AGL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to act as a construction partner for the proposed Bagamoyo (Mbegani) Port

The MoU relates to the development of three berths from a total of 28 planned for the new port, which will be implemented in three phases, with the first phase scheduled to begin next year.

Under the agreement, TPA has granted AGL the rights to design, build and operate the initial three berths at Bagamoyo Port.

“We expect construction of the three new berths at Bagamoyo to begin early January,” said Plasduce Mbossa, TPA’s Director General. “We welcome more local and international investors to join the project, which aims to bring major transformation to port operations in Tanzania.”

The total investment earmarked for the full port development stands at $2.1bn.

According to the project timeline, the three new berths are expected to be designed and constructed over a three-year period.

AGL has been expanding its footprint in port development projects across Africa, with activities in countries including the Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia and Ivory Coast. The company has stated that its investment in Tanzania will further strengthen access to multiple African markets, supported by the strategic Indian Ocean location of the Bagamoyo Port.

The railway will open up the Copperbelt to Atlantic markets. (Image source: AdobeStock)

Angola’s Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) has reached a major milestone after achieving financial close

It follows a crucial loan agreement with the US’ International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and other partners worth US$753mn that enables the project to proceed.

The loan will enable upgrades to the railway’s track infrastructure, workshops, signalling systems, and rolling stock — enhancing the capacity, efficiency and reliability of the shortest and most direct import-export route between the Copperbelt mining region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and international markets via the Atlantic Ocean.

DFC held a signing ceremony in Washington DC to mark the event, noting in a statement that it underscores America’s “commitment to advance strategic infrastructure that promotes regional trade, mutual economic growth, and long-term US-Africa cooperation.”

The loan will support the rehabilitation and operation of the brownfield mineral port in Lobito and an approximately 1,300-kilometre brownfield rail line in Angola running between the Lobito port to Luau on the Angolan border.

DFC’s investment, alongside the Development Bank for Southern Africa (DBSA), is expected to increase Lobito’s transportation capacity ten-fold to 4.6 million metric tons as well as reduce the cost of transporting critical minerals by up to 30%.

“The signing of our loan agreement for the Lobito Atlantic Railway in Angola further characterises President Trump's commitment to forging strong partnerships and alliances in Africa,” said Ben Black, DFC CEO.

“This investment builds on the impactful work DFC is already leading along the corridor, reinforcing its mission to drive sustainable economic growth and strengthen strategic infrastructure.”

Black was accompanied at the signing ceremony by US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, Caleb Orr and Angola’s Minister of Transportation, Ricardo D’Abreu.

“The signing of this financing agreement between DFC and Lobito Atlantic Railway represents a historic milestone for Angola,” said D’Abre.

“While DFC has previously supported projects in the country, this financing stands out for its unprecedented scale and strategic significance. It sets an important benchmark for other sectors to access capital from American institutions. As the concessionaire of the Lobito Corridor railway and port, LAR plays a vital role in connecting regions and facilitating trade. With this financing, LAR will strengthen its operational capacities, ensuring the railway operates at full potential and contributes to sustained economic growth in Angola and across the broader region.”

Also in attendance were project partners, including DBSA group executive, Mpho Mokwele and Trafigura CEO, Richard Holtum.

“We are pleased that Lobito Atlantic Railway has secured financing from DFC and DBSA to further advance the rehabilitation and operation of the line in Angola. As a shareholder of LAR, we see the railway as a key domestic and regional asset that will drive economic development and support the movement of critical metals to global markets,” said Holtum.

Portuguese engineering contractor, Mota Engil, is also a part of the LAR project group.

Manuel Mota, its deputy CEO, said the signing marked the culmination of a long-term collaboration with Trafigura to advance the Lobito Corridor.

“This strategic agreement will expand transport capacity, reduce transit costs, and open access to the mineral-rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia,” he said.

“Mota-Engil’s participation underscores its commitment to deliver an infrastructure that supports Angola’s national priorities, economic diversification, and regional connectivity. This strategic financing not only enables further investment in the project but also reinforces confidence in Angola’s institutional capacity to attract interest for world-class infrastructure initiatives.”

The DFC media statement added that Central Africa is “rich in key resources essential to US industries, including minerals critical for technology and defence.”

It added that DFC’s investments will “help secure reliable supply chains and prevent monopolisation by China and other strategic competitors.”

Africa represents the second largest portion of DFC’s portfolio, with cumulative exposure surpassing US$10bn.

Read more:

Africa construction market drives Mota Engil growth

Anzana advances Lobito Corridor energy project

Structure, sustainability drive DRC mining toward maturity