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Logistics

Angola’s Lobito Atlantic Railway financial close

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.

Anzana advances Lobito Corridor energy project

Structure, sustainability drive DRC mining toward maturity

Rolls-Royce to power Africa-Europe fast ferries

Rolls-Royce powering Africa-Europe maritime bridge. (Image source: mtu Solutions, Rolls-Royce Power Systems)

Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division is set to supply generators for new fast ferries that will create a rapid maritime bridge between Africa and Europe

The company is supplying a total of eight mtu emergency power generators for two fully-electric fast ferries belonging to the Spanish shipping company Baleària.

From 2027, the ships will cover the 18 nautical miles between Tarifa in Spain and Tangier in Morocco using electric power, thereby opening up the first ‘green corridor’ between Europe and Africa.

According to a Rolls-Royce statement, the project is considered a milestone for CO2-neutral mobility at sea and is supported by an international network of partners consisting of shipping companies, shipyards, port authorities, energy suppliers and other companies.

On behalf of the Spanish shipyard Astilleros Armon, four mtu 20V4000M35S emergency power generators will be supplied for each of the two ships.

The two identical catamarans are fully electric, reach a maximum speed of up to 26 knots, and can accommodate 804 passengers and 225 vehicles.

With an output of 2,840 kilowatts each, the generators will ensure the power supply in case of need – for example, if the ferries’ on-board batteries cannot be charged in port as planned.

Unlike conventional on-board power systems, however, their function goes beyond simply supplying the electrical systems: in an emergency, the mtu gensets can also secure the entire propulsion system of the ferries.

“The project is a prime example of how emission-free shipping and reliable system technology go hand in hand,” said Phil Kordic, senior expert, commercial marine business, at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

“Our mtu engines make an important contribution to the operational safety and efficiency of these state-of-the-art ships – powerful, lightweight and perfectly tailored to maritime requirements.”

With their high-power density, low weight, and compact design, mtu engines are ideal for use in high-speed ferries.

“For us as a shipyard, the integration of powerful, compact systems is crucial, especially in innovative ship projects such as this one,” said Ricardo Garcia, head of marketing, sales and business development at Astilleros Armon.

“The mtu gensets from Rolls-Royce meet these requirements perfectly and help to provide additional backup for the ferries' electrical systems.”

Delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2026, with the ferries entering regular service in 2027.

Rolls-Royce unveils hydrogen-powered terminal energy system

Rolls-Royce opens Johannesburg power HQ

Dongfeng Motor showcases e-fleet at G20

Dongfeng Motor vehicles at the G20 summit (Image source: Dongfeng Motor)

China’s Dongfeng Motor showcased its vehicle range at the recent G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, as the event’s designated transport partner

“This collaboration epitomises and highlights Dongfeng’s deep cultivation of the African market in recent years through localised production, technological exchanges, and other initiatives,”the automaker said in a statement.

Its specialised ‘green’ fleet at the event included multiple new models, such as the Dongfeng BOX and Dongfeng 007, to provide safe and reliable transportation services for national delegations and staff during the summit.

The company has assembly operations in Morocco, where it produces light-duty trucks, and is exploring similar opportunities in Egypt and Algeria.

It also exports significant numbers of cars and commercial vehicles to South Africa, Nigeria and other markets.

The G20 collaboration stemmed from Dongfeng’s partnership with South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation to provide a high-quality green mobility solutions for the showcase event.

“The fleet's zero-failure stable operation during the event visually showcased Dongfeng Motor's latest achievements in electrification technology, intelligent manufacturing, and high-end quality control to the world,” the statement added.

“Through its successful debut on the international stage, Dongfeng Motor has demonstrated with concrete actions that its new energy vehicles are fully capable of meeting the high-end and rigorous transportation demands globally, both in terms of capability and reliability.”

The company also said that it was a vote of confidence in its Africa ambitions.

“The success of serving as an official partner for the G20 Summit has significantly enhanced Dongfeng's brand reputation and influence in South Africa and across the broader African region, laying a solid foundation of trust for future market expansion.”

Dongfeng Motor added that it hopes to use the momentum from the summit, held at the end of November, to continue to improve its products and services offering to the market.

“The company will continue to uphold an open and cooperative global approach,” the Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer added.

Read more:

Spiro accelerates electric mobility

Scatec pioneers industrial EV adoption on site in Northern Cape

IEA: electric cars to make up over 40% of global market by 2030

AFRAA launches Free Route Airspace

Officials_from_African_Airlines_Association

AFRAA implements full Free Route Airspace in WACAF. (Image source: African Airlines Association)

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has announced a major shift for the continent’s aviation sector with the full-scale rollout of Free Route Airspace (FRA) across the Western and Central Africa (WACAF) region as of 30 October 2025

This development follows the positive outcomes of FRA trials that began in November 2023, enabling airlines to design and operate more direct User Preferred Routes (UPRs). The shift to UPRs marks a significant improvement in operational efficiency, allowing pilots to choose optimal flight paths based on real-time conditions instead of adhering to fixed conventional routes. The result is reduced fuel use, faster journeys and lower emissions, enhancing both sustainability and airline performance.

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has backed the FRA programme from the outset, supporting its progression within the framework of its Memorandum of Understanding with AFRAA, the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Global Air Navigation Plan and the work of the Africa-India FRA Planning and Implementation Regional Group.

The full implementation is the outcome of collaboration between air operators and air navigation service providers, who agreed to conclude the trial period during a joint workshop in Dakar, Senegal.

“The implementation of Free Route Airspace in the WACAF region is a game-changer for African aviation,” said Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA secretary general.

“This is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration. By cutting flight times and fuel consumption, we are not only boosting the competitiveness and profitability of our airlines but also making a significant commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Kanayo Awani, executive vice-president for Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, also highlighted the bank’s continued support: “Efficient, safe, and well-regulated air services are critical to facilitating intra-African trade, tourism and connectivity in line with the objectives of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Afreximbank is fully committed to supporting the full implementation of SAATM and the establishment of an effective and efficient aviation industry through a range of financing instruments, including its aircraft leasing platform as well as trade facilitation interventions.”

The initiative has already demonstrated tangible benefits for the first airlines involved. Six major carriers, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, EGYPTAIR, Royal Air Maroc, RwandAir, and ASKY Airlines, received approval to operate UPRs linking 30 important routes. These optimised trajectories are expected to save more than 1,393 flight hours each year, reduce fuel consumption by 5,000 metric tonnes, avoid 16,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions and cut fuel costs by around US$15mn annually.

With the WACAF region now fully accessible for free routing, airlines can file User Preferred Routes from 30 October 2025. ANSPs have also agreed to process new UPR requests within 48 hours. Once administrative updates across the 24 WACAF states are completed, the approval requirement will be removed entirely from mid-2026.

Following the WACAF milestone, attention will now turn to implementing FRA across the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAF) region in 2026. Plans also include the creation of a digital coordination platform to simplify the interaction between airlines and ANSPs across the continent.

AGL strengthens Ghana’s maritime gateway

Tema Port expansion officially inaugurated. (Image source: AGL)

AGL, a shareholder in Meridian Port Services Ltd (MPS), has announced the successful inauguration of the first two phases of the Tema Port expansion project

The expansion, executed by MPS, whose primary stakeholders include AGL, APM Terminals, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), represents a US$1.5bn investment. The initiative involved reclaiming 1,270,000 m² of land from the ocean, deploying advanced handling equipment, and integrating digital systems, further elevating Tema’s role as a strategic maritime gateway in West Africa.

The upgraded terminal now spans 127 hectares and features a 1.4 km quay with four berths capable of receiving ultra-large container vessels with drafts of up to 16 metres. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the development boosts Tema Port’s container throughput capacity from 800,000 TEU to 3 million TEU annually. By adhering to global operational standards, the revamped Terminal 3 improves efficiency and enhances the competitiveness of Ghana’s logistics network.

“We are committed to ensuring that this infrastructure stimulates not only trade, but also industrial development in the region,” said Philippe Labonne, president of Africa Global Logistics. “Through strong public-private partnerships, we aim to support Ghana’s vision, accelerate intra-African trade, and empower the people who will drive this transformation. Our goal is to make this platform an engine of sustainable growth for Africa.”

With the expanded facilities, Ghana is better positioned to advance its leadership role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The project enhances access to international trade routes, supports stronger regional commerce, and stimulates growth in value chains across West Africa and the Sahel.

Additionally, MPS has earned the “Green Terminal” certification from Bureau Veritas, reflecting its adoption of modern port infrastructure aligned with environmentally responsible practices that underpin innovative logistics solutions for the continent’s economic development.

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