An event hosted in Parliament has called for Anglo American to immediately address and take steps to remediate the tremendous public health and environmental harm that the company has caused to the communities of Kabwe, Zambia.
Peers and attendees were invited to sign a letter to Anglo American already signed by a number of civil society organisations from across the world and across environmental, human rights, children’s rights, and corporate accountability bodies.
A representative from Anglo American attended the event, and heard a first-hand account from Kabwe community facilitator Barry Mulimba, who said: “We feel our human rights have been abused and violated. We demand justice from Anglo American”.
Yesterday evening, Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) and Lord Peter Hain hosted an event in the House of Lords about the devastating lead contamination crisis in Kabwe, Zambia, caused by London-headquartered mining giant Anglo American.

The event was attended by civil society organisations, Peers, members of the media, and a representative from Anglo American. Attendees were given the opportunity to sign an open letter addressed to Anglo American CEO, Duncan Wanblad, calling for immediate action by the company to address its historic legacy of mass lead poisoning and pollution.

The open letter has already been signed by civil society organisations across the world and across environmental, human rights, children’s rights, and corporate accountability bodies. The letter urges Anglo American to remediate the situation that the company’s historic actions have caused to the communities and environment of Kabwe by:

– Taking immediate steps to compensate to the people of Kabwe for the harm caused to them by Anglo American’s historic legacy.

Meeting world class standards in air quality, South Africa-based Cobra Projects is producing 14 ventilated operator cabins for a Tier 1 mining company in Australia – fitted with Sy-Klone filtration systems supplied by local HVAC specialist Booyco Engineering.

The cabins allow operators to remotely operate heavy mining equipment in their line of sight, providing a cool and dust-free environment to enhance their concentration and performance. Adhering to tight lead times, two of the units have already been shipped and the remainder will be on site in Australia in the last quarter of 2024.

“One of the critical aspects of a sealed cab is allowing the entry and recirculation of fresh air, to provide a safe and conducive environment for the operator,” says Neal Forman, Business Development Manager at Cobra Projects. “We achieved this through our collaboration with Booyco Engineering who supplied the Sy-Klone fresh air pre-cleaner as well as the recirculation component and monitor.”

Sy-Klone’s patented RESPA® air quality products reduce respirable dust and debris, providing clean air to HVAC systems and keeping recycled air safe and breathable. The system also includes specialised filters for the recirculated air inside the cab.

Due to an oversupply of steel in the global and local market, the South African government faces a critical decision: safeguard the future of the entire steel industry or prop up ArcelorMittal’s outdated and heavily polluting operations.

We, the electric steel producers of South Africa, rely on scrap ferrous steel as a critical raw material to produce long products including steel bars and wire rods used in construction and mining. We are calling on the government to keep the export tax on scrap steel in place as it helps ensure the viability of greener domestic steel production by ensuring sufficient scrap availability.

ArcelorMittal, who still produces steel from iron ore in a heavily polluting process, is pushing for government to remove the scrap metal export tax—a move that would cripple smaller, greener steel producers who collectively make up 75% of South Africa’s long steel production capacity.

Zambia has officially signed an agreement to become a full member of the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA). This move is expected to expand Zambia’s market and boost its trade activities with other member states. The agreement was signed by Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, during the Interstate Council of Ministers meeting held in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Minister Tayali stressed how important it is for Zambia’s trade and logistics industry to be a part of the Central Corridor. Zambia is a landlocked country, thus its main means of accessing foreign markets is through effective commercial routes. Zambia will benefit from greater access to major seaports by joining the Central Corridor, particularly Tanzania’s Port of Dar es Salaam, a significant gateway for trade in the area. Because it will be simpler to export goods to other African countries and abroad, this development is anticipated to open up new commercial prospects for Zambian companies.

An established, cohesive multimodal transportation and logistics network is the Central Corridor. By road, rail, and waterways, it links five important member states: Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By establishing essential links between landlocked states and the Indian Ocean, this network promotes easier trade and lowers the cost of transportation for products entering and leaving these countries. Zambia may now take advantage of this integrated system as a full member, which will improve its capacity to engage in regional trade more successfully.

Mr. Tayali expressed optimism about Zambia’s future within the Central Corridor. He noted that being part of this cooperative effort will not only improve access to markets but also enhance Zambia’s competitiveness in the global trade arena. The membership allows Zambia to be more integrated with its neighboring countries in terms of transport and trade facilitation, thus promoting economic growth and development. Zambia will also be in a better position to benefit from regional infrastructure projects, which are aimed at improving transport and trade routes, as well as reducing the time and cost associated with moving goods across borders.

The Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency was originally established to ensure coordination and cooperation among its member states in managing transit transport along the corridor. It plays a pivotal role in harmonizing policies and procedures that affect the movement of goods. With Zambia now on board, the agency is expected to increase its scope of influence and strengthen its efforts to promote smoother, more efficient transport links across the region.

Enhancing cooperation among participating nations is a fundamental aspect of the Central Corridor’s functional structure. The organization strives to expedite border checks, customs processes, and infrastructure upgrades that support the secure and timely flow of products. In order to minimize the obstacles and hold-ups that can impede cross-border trade in Africa, member-state collaboration has proven to be crucial.

Therefore, Zambia’s accession to the Central Corridor is a move in the right direction toward improved regional trade facilitation. It gives Zambia a dependable path for importing commodities and creates new opportunities for its exporters to more effectively reach international markets. Zambia is well-positioned to seize this chance to deepen its integration into the regional and international economies, supported by the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency.

Zambia has committed to collaborating closely with other African countries to improve trade and transportation connectivity, as seen by the signing of this pact. Zambia wants to boost its logistics network, reach a wider market, and aid in the development of the commerce infrastructure in the region by making the most of the Central Corridor.

With great pride, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group announces that it has successfully assisted the transportation of a massive 50-meter oxygen plant container to Solwezi, the capital of Zambia’s mineral-rich North-Western Province. Along the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor, a distance of approximately 2,900 kilometers, is covered by the 63-meter-long truck carrying the 171-ton weighing plant.

It was sourced from Malaysia and shipped through the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia, which is one of the most vital logistical centers in this region. It is a gateway for shipment into several African countries, from which cargo can be imported. In fact, it is even smoother and faster than elsewhere for importing goods, mainly to landlocked countries like Zambia. This decision to make use of this port, especially for such cumbersome cargo, underpins the critical role it plays in support of regional trade and transportation. From the port, the container is being transported through Namibia, passing different checkpoints and borders before it reaches Zambia’s mining hub in Solwezi.

Transportation of such huge equipment is an extremely specialized operation. Abnormal cargo would need an extremely cautious plan and tight coordination while at all times conforming to the strictest guidelines about safety and regulation. WBCG, in cooperation with its Transport Company and governmental agency partners, has been taking the leading role in the safe and efficient movement of cargo across national boundaries. This specially built 63-meter truck for oversized cargo transport boasts of the latest technologies and safety features, required in trying to undertake such an unprecedented long and heavy load.

The WBCG has underscored the belief that it regards the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor as an important Southern African trade route. It has, therefore, become one of the leading drivers in the economic development of this region, as it connects the Port of Walvis Bay to Zambia, the DRC, and other landlocked countries. This corridor provides regional exporters and importers with a strategic comparative advantage, as this route is much shorter compared to the alternative ports. It has also proven that it can carry large and huge cargo through the successful transportation of the oxygen plant container, further cementing its reputation as a corridor of choice for efficient routes of trade and investment.

The oxygen plant is headed to one of the major mining companies operating in Solwezi. North-Western Province is richly endowed with mineral deposits, mainly copper, which is an important export product for the country. The oxygen plant is envisaged to serve at the heart of mining operations, especially for bringing efficiency and environmental sustainability into mining processes. Oxygen in application has widely been used in mining operations for things like smelting, a basic means of extracting valuable metals from their ores.

The WBCG expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project and referred to the good cooperation that exists between the different role players in the logistics chain. “The group remains committed to excellent client service and ensuring the Walvis Bay Corridor remains the corridor of choice in the region for the transportation of goods.

The consignment of this oxygen plant, in a containerized move, portrayed the role and significance of the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor in facilitating regional trade and investment. Such a move also shows the commitment of the WBCG to efficiently assist in the movement of special project cargo to ensure safety for mining and logistics developments within the Southern African region.

Kenya has just allowed flights operated by Zambia Airways 2014 Limited into its territory. The move has been taken positively by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Eng. Museba Frank Tayali of Zambia. This happened in the wake of a notice from the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority announcing that flights from Kenya Airways into the country had been suspended, a situation which was resolved amicably between the two countries.

Minister Tayali has praised Kenya’s decision to permit Zambia Airways to begin operating flights into the nation as a positive move toward deepening the two nations’ ties. He pegged the development on how this cooperation shows the good connections and mutual respect that exist between the governments of the Republic of Zambia and Kenya, characterizing it as an exhibit of comradeship and goodwill between two sister nations.

My office has been working tirelessly with the CAA, and now it has all been settled amicably to the benefit of the two nations.” He hailed the CAA for running its business very professionally, saying the issue has clearly demonstrated that disputes can be resolved smoothly if taken with diplomacy and cooperation. Tayali seemed excited over the agreement reached between the two countries and highlighted that both Zambia and Kenya would greatly benefit from it.

The Minister underlined that air transport has a pivotal role in improving regional connectivity and that this partnership between the two countries is of critical importance to the growth of the economy and the development of the region. Tayali underlined the necessity of reinforcing the air transport sector, as it creates a critical avenue for better connectivity not only within but also beyond Africa. Efficient and reliable air transport links are crucial in fostering trade, tourism, and business opportunities to further the economic aims of both countries.

In this context, Tayali also insisted that Zambia and Kenya hasten talks to promote cooperation in the exportation of fresh agricultural produce to other Western and Asian markets. Improved air connectivity between Zambia and Kenya will definitely boost the export sector while opening new markets for farmers and producers from both countries, he said.

Tayali also urged the two airlines to encourage good international aviation principles that will ensure high levels of efficiency, safety, and security standards in aviation practices. He called upon both Zambia Airways and Kenya Airways to ensure improvement in passengers relations and first-class services to satisfy customers. Ensuring the skies are safe and secure and providing a service that is reliable and efficient are crucial to the success of the two regional airlines.

This is a positive step in aviation cooperation between the two countries, especially since the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority had written to them to confirm that they had no objections to Zambia Airways flying into Nairobi. This resolution is, in fact, a follow-through on an earlier decision made by the Zambian Civil Aviation Authority to suspend all Kenya Airways flights into Zambia, effective from 8th October 2024. The issue has been settled, with both countries now focusing on the way forward with strengthened aviation ties.

This development reflects the bigger ambition of both Zambia and Kenya, in fostering regional cooperation, particularly in air transport, which plays an important role in stimulating economic growth, accelerating regional integration, and opening new routes of trade. With Zambia Airways planning flights into Kenya, the two countries will now enjoy improved connectivity, with increased levels of collaboration within the aviation space. This is a move that is testament to the power of diplomacy and cooperation to ensure the doing of a common solution to complex problems for the advancement of shared prosperity.

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway, commonly known as Tazara, holds a special place in China-Africa relations as a symbol of enduring friendship. Built in the early 1970s with Chinese assistance, it was China’s largest foreign aid project in Africa, linking Zambia’s Copperbelt town of Kapiri-Mposhi to the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam. However, more than five decades later, the 1,860-kilometer railway has fallen into disrepair, operating at a fraction of its capacity with only 10 locomotives in use out of a potential 50. Now, Beijing has pledged over US$1 billion to refurbish the ageing railway and restore it to full functionality.

The decision to revitalize Tazara comes at a critical time, as the US has announced its own African railway infrastructure project, bankrolling the refurbishment of the Lobito Corridor, which connects Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This move is seen as part of a broader competition for control over Africa’s transport routes and access to critical minerals, particularly those used in electric vehicle batteries, such as cobalt and copper. The race for these resources has intensified between China, the US, and the European Union, and Tazara plays a strategic role in this competition.

China’s commitment to upgrading Tazara, announced during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in September 2024, underscores the railway’s importance. The signing ceremony, witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, marked the start of the railway’s revitalization. The state-owned China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), is negotiating a concession to operate the railway for 30 years, during which it aims to make Tazara profitable and recoup its investment before transferring control back to the Tanzanian and Zambian governments.

The rehabilitation plan includes upgrading tracks, purchasing new locomotives, and increasing the railway’s capacity to shift heavy cargo from road transport to rail. Zambian Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali noted that this revitalization would create jobs, enhance trade, and improve connectivity in the region. The Tazara Railway Authority echoed this optimism, stating that the railway’s operational capacity is expected to increase from the current 500,000 metric tonnes to approximately 2 million metric tonnes once the upgrades are complete. The project is estimated to take two years to complete.

Tazara’s importance extends beyond its economic role; it is a political and historical symbol for China. During its construction, 160 workers, including 69 Chinese nationals, lost their lives, and Chinese diplomats still honour their memory today. The railway was built during a period of resistance against Western control in Southern Africa. In the 1970s, China stepped in to fund the project when both the US and Russia refused, citing economic concerns. The railway was crucial for landlocked Zambia, whose access to the sea was cut off by its neighbour, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), during the region’s struggle for majority rule.

China’s rekindled interest in Tazara is also motivated by geopolitical factors. The DRC’s and Zambia’s vital minerals, which are needed to produce electric car batteries and other renewable energy technologies, are accessible via the railway. The significance of modernizing Tazara to conform to Africa’s modern railway infrastructure strategy was underscored by China-Africa specialist Lauren Johnston. China stands to lose influence in the transportation arteries of the area if this improvement is not carried out.

As part of a larger plan to preserve its influence in Africa and gain access to vital minerals, China is actively rehabilitating Tazara. It also emphasizes China’s and the West’s continuous geopolitical competition for sway over Africa’s resource and infrastructural sectors.

South African Airways will increase the frequency on its route from Johannesburg to Windhoek, going up from the double daily currently offered, by adding a third daily flight that will operate effective 27 October 2024. This additional frequency is targeted at increasing travel options between the two cities and shall be operated with SAA’s A320 fleet. This shall be in a bid to give flexibility and convenience to both business and leisure travellers while enhancing connectivity between South Africa and Namibia.

The three daily flights will depart Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport at 05:45, 09:05, and 15:00, with return flights departing from Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek at 08:30, 11:55, and 17:45, respectively. The increased frequencies should provide more options for both corporate and leisure passengers while capitalizing on the rising demand for air travel between the two cities.

Air Connect Namibia is a joint initiative by the Namibia Airports Company, and it is very pleased with the new service. Bisey /Uirab, Chairperson and CEO of the NAC, welcomed the introduction of the third daily flight. He termed this a positive development toward ensuring better air access to Namibia and higher international connectivity. This additional flight will not only offer more capacity but greater flexibility for travellers when planning their journey between Johannesburg and Windhoek,” believes Uirab.

“This new flight is a much-needed addition to the route, offering consumers more choice and flexibility,” said /Uirab. He said improved connectivity between the two cities would go both ways for the benefit of the two countries. Increased air services will promote economic cooperation and develop relations between Johannesburg and Windhoek. With increased air capacity, the two countries can look forward to new business opportunities, tourism inflows, and cultural exchanges.

Air Connect Namibia, conceptualised in 2024, is a collaborative air service development initiative led by the NAC. The programme aims to enhance Namibia’s air access and international connectivity. The introduction of SAA’s third daily flight was thus viewed as a major accomplishment in terms of meeting the initiative’s objectives.

This increased flight capacity is supposed to see a rise in passengers plying between Johannesburg and Windhoek. At present, Johannesburg is Namibia’s largest international destination, based on two-way passenger traffic. With this ever-increasing demand for air travel, SAA’s third flight is well-placed to respond to market requirements.

Increased air connectivity is likely further to enhance the development of Namibia’s aviation sector. The new frequency of flights, according to /Uirab, will see more inbound and outbound travel. He further alluded that such expansion would offer convenience to tourists who want to experience and enjoy the rich heritage and variety of offerings of the two destinations. With improved connectivity, tourists can experience Namibia’s natural beauty and new business opportunities opening up in Johannesburg.

Thus, SAA’s decision to introduce a third daily flight between Johannesburg and Windhoek represents a serious milestone toward improving air travel options between South Africa and Namibia. It is expected that this service would increase tourism, firm up economic ties, and bring about collaboration between the two countries because of more flexible schedules with higher capacity. This development represents a welcome step toward continuous efforts to improve international connectivity while Namibia’s aviation industry grows.

Leading African logistics company, Logidoo has formally opened the China-West Africa commerce corridor. With its quicker and more dependable logistical solutions, this strategic effort is poised to completely transform trade between these two crucial regions. As a crucial milestone in Logidoo’s quest to simplify and enhance trade, this new corridor will not only decrease shipment times but also streamline the frequently complex customs handling and logistical processes that have long created problems for businesses.

The trade corridor is the result of months of intensive collaboration between Logidoo and several Chinese companies, culminating in formal partnerships established in August 2024. The collaboration was facilitated by Logidoo’s participation in the prestigious C-START program, which has been instrumental in fostering business ties between African and Chinese enterprises. This corridor promises to reshape the logistics landscape, creating an efficient and seamless route for goods to flow between China and West Africa.

Tamsir Traore Ousmane, the CEO of Logidoo, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative, stating, “Our China-West Africa corridor is set to redefine how businesses operate across these regions. By significantly reducing shipping times and simplifying logistics processes, we’re opening new doors for economic growth and international trade.” This corridor addresses one of the most significant pain points for businesses: the long and often unpredictable shipping times associated with traditional sea routes.

For a range of shipments, from little packages to big containers, Logidoo’s services will offer end-to-end freight management. By providing a comprehensive logistics solution, the company hopes to remove the obstacles that companies typically have while managing global trade. Logidoo guarantees that companies may transport their goods more effectively and economically, enabling them to compete more successfully in the global market. It does this by expediting customs procedures and optimizing the logistics process.

The corridor’s operations will first be based in Senegal, a nation where Logidoo is already well-established. Senegal is a great place to start your endeavor because of its advantageous location and well-established trade links. Logidoo intends to extend its services to other West African countries, such as Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Guinea, as the corridor develops. These regions have well-established trade networks with Logidoo, offering a solid foundation for expansion.

The program is a perfect fit with Logidoo’s larger aim, which is to promote both intra-African and international trade. By utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional services, the company is dedicated to being Africa’s top logistics supplier. Afridoo’s cutting-edge Transport Management System (TMS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS) are two of the major improvements incorporated into the corridor. With the use of these technologies, Logidoo will be able to offer effective, high-quality logistics services that meet changing company needs.

“The China-West Africa corridor is more than just a trade route; it’s a bridge connecting continents and cultures,” Ousmane added. He expressed excitement about the opportunities this new initiative will create for businesses in both China and West Africa, highlighting the corridor’s potential to drive economic development and foster stronger international trade relationships.

With the launch of this corridor, Logidoo is not only creating a faster, more efficient logistics network but also paving the way for greater economic integration between China and West Africa. This new trade route is set to become a vital link in global supply chains, offering businesses in both regions the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly competitive international market.