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Mangombe River Port launch boosts Central Africa connectivity

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

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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