The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has officially designated the Port of Walvis Bay as a pivotal transshipment hub for Southern Africa with the launch of its Namibia Express route. This strategic initiative is set to enhance trade connections between Africa, Europe, and other global markets, reinforcing Namibia’s role in international logistics.

In a recent announcement, MSC outlined plans to strengthen its regional network through the enhancement of the North West Continent (NWC) to South Africa service, alongside the introduction of two new routes: the Namibia Express and the Mozambique Shuttle. These developments are designed to streamline cargo movement and foster intra-African trade, all while connecting the region to key international markets.

“Walvis Bay will become our new transshipment hub on the Southern Africa West Coast, facilitating the movement of goods from Europe via our NWC to South Africa service. Additionally, MSC strengthens its intra-Africa network in the region,” the company stated.

The enhanced NWC to South Africa service will now include a direct call to Walvis Bay, establishing vital connections between Northern Europe, South Africa, and Namibia. This addition reflects MSC’s commitment to integrating Namibia into its global shipping network, providing businesses with efficient access to European markets.

The Namibia Express will function as a dedicated shuttle route between Cape Town and Walvis Bay, enabling seamless cargo delivery from Europe through transshipment. This dedicated service is expected to simplify logistics for businesses, improving delivery times and reducing complexities associated with long-haul shipping.

Simultaneously, the Mozambique Shuttle will connect Walvis Bay to ports in Maputo, Beira, Mombasa, and Dar es Salaam. This route will strengthen Walvis Bay’s position as a central trade hub for the region, enhancing connectivity across Eastern and Southern Africa and linking these regions to the global shipping network.

The new routes and revised services are scheduled to commence operations in January 2025. The enhanced NWC to South Africa service will debut with the MSC Rosaria voyage NZ504A, departing London Gateway on January 20, 2025. The Namibia Express will commence earlier, with the MSC Himanshi III voyage OA502A departing Cape Town on January 8, 2025. The Mozambique Shuttle will follow on January 14, 2025, with the MSC Imma III voyage JO502A departing from Beira.

These services are meticulously planned to ensure that Walvis Bay’s strategic location is fully leveraged to facilitate efficient cargo movement. By acting as a central hub, the port is poised to play a significant role in enhancing Namibia’s trade potential and supporting regional economic growth.

MSC’s strategic decision to position Walvis Bay as a transshipment hub is expected to deliver substantial benefits for Namibia and Southern Africa. The initiative will not only boost Namibia’s trade potential but also provide businesses across the region with improved access to European and regional markets. Furthermore, it aligns with broader objectives of modernizing Africa’s logistics networks and expanding its global trade footprint.

The improved infrastructure and connectivity will also enhance intra-African trade, enabling smoother and more efficient exchanges of goods within the continent. By positioning itself at the center of this growth, Walvis Bay stands to become a key player in Africa’s evolving trade landscape.

As MSC’s revised routes become operational, the enhanced logistics and trade capabilities will contribute to a more integrated and competitive African market, offering significant opportunities for businesses and economies across the region.

27 January 2025, Johannesburg, South Africa – UD Trucks Southern Africa (UDTSA)’s historic founding dates back in 1962 and this year, marks 90 years of the brand’s existence globally. This significant milestone reflects the brand’s legacy locally as one of the leading brands in the commercial vehicle industry. Renowned for offering cutting-edge products in the Light, Medium, and Heavy segments, produced from its assembly plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria.

As is customary, UDTSA started the year with its Annual Press Conference on 27 January 2025, at Cradle Boutique Hotel near Johannesburg with local media stakeholders in attendance. At this exclusive event, UDTSA announced its annual business results, which highlighted the overall new vehicle market at 10.2% with aggregate industry sales at 32 912 compared to the total sales of 30 807 in 2024. Additionally, UDTSA recorded laudable performance of over 50% in Service Agreements and remains market leader in Euro 5 vehicle sales, attesting to its vision of “Better Life”, bringing more sustainable transport solutions to South Africa.

Filip Van den Heede – Managing Director
Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director UD Trucks Southern Africa comments on the performance: “2024 was a year marked by both domestic and international unpredictable operating conditions which to a certain degree impacts how we do business. However, I am particularly pleased at the company’s overall performance and the unwavering support we offered our customers throughout the year despite the prevailing industry conditions. This is testament to the right resources we have in place that helps us continue to go the extra mile for our customers to keep their trucks on the road where they belong – a robust nationwide dealer network, excellent OEM support, fit-for-purpose products and aftermarket services, parts availability, and most importantly, improved uptime, ensuring our customers profitability, productivity, and continuing to pave the way for Better Life for South Africa and its people with more sustainable transport solutions.”

Product improvements to meet growing customer business needs

With the brand’s proven success of providing ultimate dependable trucks, that offer high- level of fuel efficiency, reliability, durability, drivability, and uptime. UDTSA continues to challenge itself with product development and future mobility solutions to cater directly to the customer’s business requirements and industry’s demanding safety and environmental standards with modern technology.

With innovation that puts people first, the Quon feature enhancements that set the benchmark on safety and uptime have been introduced and these include features such as traffic eye control cruise with stop and auto go, improved traffic eye brake system with VRU (Vulnerable Road User), improved driver alert system and emergency brake signal.

Rory Schultz, Sales Director, UD Trucks Southern Africa comments: “Our aim is to be our customers’ ultimate business partner to help them move their businesses forward. It is for this reason that as a brand, we constantly review our local product range in line with customer business requirements. Over and above these enhancements, UD Trucks globally continues to innovate in the new NEV spaces through engaging in different partnerships.”

In addition to product innovations, UD Trucks places a strong emphasis on driver training as a core offering to ensure customers derive maximum value from their vehicles. This commitment was exemplified in 2024 when UDTSA participated in the global finals of the Extra Mile Challenge where it received notable recognition for performance excellence. The challenge highlights not just vehicle reliability but also the critical role of skilled drivers in delivering value for customers’ businesses. By focusing on comprehensive solutions that include both advanced products and driver training, UD Trucks truly goes the extra mile for its customers.

Maximizing uptime, maximizing profitability

Maximizing uptime and profitability remains at the core of UDTSA’s offering, ensuring customers avoid unexpected interruptions and costly repairs. These solutions allow vehicles to spend more time on the road driving business success and less time in the workshop.

The uptime services include among others: UD Trust Standard or Ultimate Service Agreements (offering predictable maintenance costs for up to five years with options for service-only). With these comprehensive plans, UDTSA continues its strong trajectory of growth, with penetration rates reaching new heights. In 2023 the brand indicated an increase of over 40%, whilst in 2024, the team took it a notch higher with a further realization of 50% Year to date (YTD). This success underscores UDTSA’s commitment to delivering lifetime value to its customers, guaranteeing uptime, profitability, and increased second-hand value.

Furthermore, one of the biggest impacts on customer uptime is the time lost while waiting for parts and improving customer uptime is when parts are available at the dealership. Through the support from Japan with specific focus on the South African market, implementation of predictive systems, a dedicated team that investigate exceptional demand patterns, as well as the data received from vehicle sales and collaboration with Service Agreements data. UDTSA has been able to strive for a minimum availability of 96%, the best achievement in the last decade. This has ensured that at dealerships parts are available in the morning when they start working on the trucks, resulting in efficiency and productivity in the workshop, demonstrating ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction and uptime.

In addition, UDTSA’s uptime services also include industry-leading UD Connected Services, telematic solutions that enable business owners to monitor driver behavior and vehicle health, ensuring operational efficiency, and safety. Genuine Service is also a key contributor to delivering uptime by providing maintenance schedules customized to individual specification and conditions of the vehicles, keeping them in prime condition to deliver the maximum uptime.

Lastly, complementing these offerings is the UD Road Support Call Centre, available 24/365 days, working hand in hand with the robust nationwide and strategically positioned dealer network which allows customers access to expert assistance whenever they need it.

Sanjay Naipal, Aftermarket Director, UD Trucks Southern Africa emphasizes the importance of these solutions: “As UD Trucks, we understand that for any fleet owner, the biggest pain points are unexpected breakdowns and downtime. With our fully-fledged uptime solutions, we are confident in giving our customers complete peace of mind, reaping the benefits of the preventative measure which result in significantly improved organisation of workshop visits and huge reduction on breakdowns.”

Reaffirming commitment in Southern Africa

2024 unfolded as a triumphant year for UDTSA, as the company was once again recognized by naamsa, The Automotive Business Council amongst the best-performing brands in the entire automotive value chain, across various segments and categories. At naamsa’s 2024 Accelerator Awards, UDTSA scooped three awards for its distinguished efforts of driving transformation and empowerment in the medium-heavy commercial vehicle (MHCV) sector, namely: Job Creator – MHCV Employment Award, Youth Empowering MHCV Award, and Women Empowering MHCV Award. This recognition not only concedes UDTSA’s ongoing efforts in driving meaning change in the industry and societies but further strengthens the company’s dedication and commitment in making Better Life for people – particularly in the areas of job creation, youth development, and gender inclusivity.

In another noteworthy industry recognition, UDTSA was bestowed with a gold award in the commercial vehicle sector by National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) DSI Awards – a coveted recognition that speaks to the company’s relentless commitment to going the extra mile and the confidence and faith dealers have in the brand. The awards follow a stringent survey of the local dealer network, which measures areas such as dealer standards, communication, relationships, training and overall aftermarket support.

Better Life – making life better for people and societies

Furthermore, UDTSA expanded its partnership with Commercial Transport Academy (CTA), following the launch of CTA’s first-ever Bus Driver Development Program in 2024. There are approximately 30 female trainees that will benefit directly from this initiative, off which, UDTSA sponsored a new Croner Bus PKE 280 65-Seater to CTA to intensify the training efforts. As a company that is guided by its purpose of “Better Life”, it is this very purpose that spurs UDTSA to join forces with companies such CTA through the shared vision of making life better for people and the societies we operate in.

In another industry transforming initiative which further cemented UDTSA’s efforts to making Better Life for people and societies. The company took part in the inaugural Truck Driver Safety and Wellness Symposium, hosted by the National Department of Transport, in collaboration with SaferStops Association. The initiative was curated with the key objective to recognize truck drivers for their invaluable contribution to the economic success of South Africa – in addition to giving prominence to the important issues such as health, safety, and wellness faced by truck drivers. A key symbol of meaningful collaboration that aims at keeping the wheels turning for the industry.

Additionally, to mark Mandela Day UDTSA and SaferStops Association joined forces to donate winter hampers to approximately 350 truck drivers at Vaal Truck-Inn Truck Stop – situated next to the N3. The hampers included essential winter items aiming to provide comfort and warmth during the colder months. This initiative underscored UDTSA’s unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its dedication to the well-being of those at the heart of the logistics industry.

90 years of providing products and services that the world needs today

2025 is a special year for UD Trucks globally, celebrating 90 years of innovation since its establishment in 1935 and over the years, the brand has continued providing products and services that the world needs today.

With the brand promise of “Going the Extra Mile”, UD Trucks offers products with a high level of fuel efficiency, uptime, reliability, durability, drivability, while meeting future mobility solutions. Always providing the best solutions to transportation challenges, UD Trucks will continue to support the development of the logistics industry and contribute to the economic growth in all the markets it operates in for the next 90 years.

“As we gear up to the remarkable future, we remain dedicated to the success of the Southern Africa region and going the extra mile to provide our customers with ultimate dependability for the next 90 years,” concludes Van den Heede

The Maputo port in Mozambique has taken a big step toward becoming a major regional shipping hub by starting the first phase of its ambitious $2 billion development project. The port’s ability to handle containers will be greatly increased by the $164 million first phase, which started on January 27. After the first phase is finished in the next two years, the current terminal, which can process 255,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year, will more than double its capacity to 530,000 TEUs. It is anticipated that this development will increase the port’s capacity to manage growing trade volumes, particularly as exporters in neighboring South Africa seek for alternate logistics channels because of port congestion at home.

The project is being led by the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), a consortium of key players that includes the global logistics giant DP World, South Africa’s Grindrod, and Mozambique’s state-owned rail operator Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique. The first phase of infrastructure repairs will focus on a 400-meter extension of the existing dock, making the port 650 meters long overall, and deepening the berth draft to 16 meters to accommodate larger ships, which is expected to improve the port’s operational efficiency and attract more domestic and international trade, said MPDC CEO Osorio Lucas.

Maputo port’s strategic location makes it a vital gateway for trade in southern Africa. Its proximity to major regional markets, coupled with improved infrastructure, positions it as a strong alternative for commodity exporters facing challenges in South Africa. The recent bottlenecks in South African logistics networks have created opportunities for neighboring ports, and Maputo is seizing this moment to establish itself as a reliable and efficient shipping hub. With the planned upgrades, the port will be better equipped to handle bulk goods, container shipments, and larger vessels, thereby catering to the growing demand for reliable trade routes in the region.

The expansion aligns with Mozambique’s broader economic goals of boosting trade and strengthening its role in regional logistics. The project is expected to not only enhance the port’s capacity but also create new opportunities for economic growth, employment, and regional connectivity. By increasing the port’s ability to handle larger volumes of goods, Mozambique aims to attract international investors and solidify its position in the global supply chain.

The consortium managing the project brings extensive experience in port operations and logistics. DP World, a key player in the global logistics industry, is known for its expertise in managing major ports worldwide. South Africa’s Grindrod and Mozambique’s national rail operator also contribute valuable local insights and capabilities, ensuring that the project is tailored to meet regional needs effectively. The combined efforts of these stakeholders underscore the importance of Maputo port’s expansion as a collaborative regional initiative.

The Maputo Port Development Company is hopeful about how these improvements would affect Mozambique’s commercial and economic environment as the first phase moves forward. The port is positioned to play a crucial role in promoting regional prosperity and solidifying Mozambique’s status as a major participant in southern African trade by doubling its container capacity and upgrading its infrastructure. If this project is completed successfully, it may open the door to other stages, enhancing Maputo’s standing as a significant logistics center.

Throughout 2024, the demand for Emirates SkyCargo’s specialist product portfolio, extensive global network and all-widebody fleet continued to grow exponentially, with no signs of slowing down. To meet the burgeoning global demand, the airline has wet-leased two additional Boeing 747 freighters, starting 2025 with a 15% increase in critical main deck cargo capacity, compared to January 2024.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo said: “Throughout 2024, we made significant investments in new and leased freighter aircraft to address the evolving supply chain and air cargo demands around the world to ensure we had a stable supply of capacity to best serve our global customers. This remains a key priority for Emirates SkyCargo, as we set our sights on the next era of growth.

“We anticipate that demand will continue to boom, reflecting Dubai’s prominence as a global logistics hub. Enhancing our cargo capabilities is essential to support Dubai’s Economic Agenda, enabling us to reach new destinations, bolster our current operations and elevate our specialist product portfolio.”

The multi-year lease for the Boeing 747s was signed with the Compass Group, one of Emirates SkyCargo’s longstanding and most reliable partners. This investment in additional Boeing 747F capacity enables the airline to unlock immediate capacity to cater to customer demand, while the partners discuss avenues for further expansion of the collaboration.

Emirates SkyCargo’s leasing strategy complements its owned fleet, which continues to grow. In 2024, the airline received two of its new Boeing 777Fs, which immediately entered service, with a focus on the increasing demand of eCommerce shipments from Asian markets. The additional aircraft also enabled Emirates SkyCargo to expand its network of destinations served by freighters to 38, with the deployment of a weekly freighter to Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Emirates SkyCargo active operating fleet now consists of 10 Boeing 777Fs and six wet-leased Boeing 747s, bringing the aircraft count to 16. The airline also has 13 Boeing 777Fs on order, with expected delivery between 2025 and 2026. This substantial orderbook will support the airline through its next phase of growth, while it explores all options for the future fleet, including the Boeing 777-8F and Airbus A350-1000F.

Facilitating the swift, reliable and efficient movement of goods, Emirates SkyCargo harnesses the widebody fleet and multi-frequency schedules of Emirates’ passenger operations. The recently increased passenger flights to key cities including Madagascar via the Seychelles, Uganda and Ethiopia, followed by Johannesburg, South Africa and Melbourne, Australia before the end of the financial year, will further bolster the freight division’s capacity to transport goods worldwide. Finally, the arrival of the first A350, which entered service this month, will further boost bellyhold capacity, offering 12 tonnes on every flight.

The Mining industry is a pressured industry with strict adherence to safety standards and high levels of productivity output. By partnering with Eazi Access, mines can mitigate risks, reduce safety incidences, enhance their safety standards and focus on their core business.

Gerhard Kloppers, Eazi Access Business Development Manager: Mining
Gerhard Kloppers, Eazi Access Business Development Manager: Mining, highlights some advantages of having Eazi Access equipment on your job site, namely versatility and efficiency. Our machines can complete a wide range of tasks quickly and efficiently. For example, while traditional scaffolding may require several days to erect, complete the work, and disassemble, Eazi Access machines can accomplish the same tasks in a fraction of the time, saving valuable resources and accelerate project timelines.

Every mine site has a responsibility to ensure, that they maintain zero to minimal safety incidences. As a result, mines prefer having smaller working teams focused on any particular job on-site. Eazi Access machines, require one or two people inside the machine at a time, depending on the task on hand and the type of machine needed. This product range flexibility makes Eazi Access’s solutions a safer choice, as we are able to support our mine site customers with the right machine for the given task.

Eazi Access caters for the mining industry by providing fit for purpose solutions, to meet the mines unique needs and requirements. Being a specialist in Work-at-Height and Material Handling Solutions offering rental, sales, servicing, and training for the mining industry, has given Eazi Access the opportunity to have worked with and develop a credible track record with most of the mines within South Africa. Maintaining the highest standards of safety for our equipment and operators is the most important focus area of our business and we dedicate staff, time, and resources to participating in and contributing to the institutions that guide our industry.

“In some cases, mines have their own machinery; however, for those that don’t, they have the option to either rent or purchase equipment from Eazi Access,” Kloppers explained. “We also extend our services to contractors operating on mine sites. Our supply chain accommodates the needs of mines directly or through sub-contractors, all of whom are valued customers of Eazi Access. Our offering is further extended to servicing and refurbishing our customers machines.”

One of the guiding institutions for Eazi Access is the IWH (Institute for Work at Height). The MEWP Chamber of the IWH represents member companies as well as individual practitioners/users involved with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) in South Africa. Furthermore, we belong to The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), which has several benefits. One of which is safety. IPAF training teaches safe work practices, including how to use platforms, harnesses, and protective equipment, and how to recognize and respond to hazards.

Furthermore, Eazi Access has partnered with trusted OEM’s, such as JLG, Manitou, Dingli and Linde Material Handling to provide safe, reliable, and efficient equipment, and provides the required training through our sister company, Uplift Quality Solutions (UQS) where we offer MEWP training aligned to SETA standards.

“We cater for all our customers, who do not have trained machine operators, to work on site. We have an extensive footprint across the country and a growing presence throughout sub-Saharan Africa. We have the largest, most diverse fleet of equipment, which is backed by an expansive and experienced network of skilled technicians and spare parts and our commitment to providing 24/7 support to our customers in the mining industry,’’ stated Kloppers.

Botswana’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah S.L.M. Salakae, recently visited the Kazungula Bridge and the One Stop Border Post as part of a familiarization tour of the Kazungula Bridge Project Office (KBPO). The visit, which took place on Friday, was an opportunity for the minister to gain firsthand insight into the progress and significance of the project. Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Transport and key stakeholders, Salakae toured the facilities, underscoring the importance of the Kazungula Bridge as a symbol of the strong, longstanding partnership between Botswana and Zambia, two neighboring countries with decades of cooperation.

The Kazungula Bridge is an iconic infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity between Botswana and Zambia. It is part of a broader initiative to enhance regional trade, transport, and security, with significant implications for both nations and the wider Southern African region. The Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA), established by Botswana and Zambia, plays a central role in overseeing the management and operations of the bridge and the border post. The authority was founded in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two countries in July 2008, signaling a collaborative effort to develop and manage this critical infrastructure.

During his visit, Minister Salakae took the opportunity to learn more about the work done by the two governments in establishing the Kazungula Bridge Authority, which is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the bridge and the One Stop Border Post. This collaborative framework reflects the shared commitment of both countries to fostering closer economic and political ties. The Kazungula Bridge project is expected to significantly ease the flow of goods and people between Zambia and Botswana, contributing to economic growth in both nations and enhancing regional integration.

In his brief address at the site, Minister Salakae praised the work that had been accomplished so far and highlighted the importance of the bridge in strengthening Botswana’s transport and infrastructure capabilities. He emphasized that the new Botswana government is committed to delivering large-scale infrastructure projects that will benefit the people of Botswana, known as Batswana. The Minister also noted that the successful completion of the Kazungula Bridge project would serve as a milestone in the country’s development, marking a key achievement in the government’s infrastructure agenda.

The Kazungula Bridge will now play a major role in the development of the economies of both countries through more efficient and direct access for trade, tourism, and transportation across their common border. Minister Salakae said officials from Zambia and Botswana should meet soon to conclude any outstanding deliverables related to the bilateral agreement on the bridge. Continued cooperation between the two countries reflects the mutual appreciation of both countries for the bridge as a way of promoting regional trade, strengthening economic integration, and cementing deeper bonds between their people.

The bridge itself is a key part of a broader regional development strategy, with the potential to transform trade routes and supply chains across Southern Africa. Botswana will serve as the host country for the Kazungula Bridge Authority, with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the authority being appointed from Zambia. This arrangement reflects the cooperative nature of the project and the mutual respect between the two nations in managing and overseeing the bridge’s operations.

The Kazungula Bridge represents more than just an infrastructural achievement; it is a testament to the strength of Botswana and Zambia’s bilateral relationship, offering significant benefits for both countries and the region as a whole. With continued collaboration and focus, the bridge is set to become a cornerstone of regional development, enhancing connectivity and promoting shared prosperity for years to come.

Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reached an agreement to allow the clearance of at least 500 trucks per day in an effort to alleviate congestion at the Kasumbalesa border on the Copperbelt. This decision comes in response to the over 3,000 stranded trucks on the Zambian side of the border.

Katanga Governor Jacques Katwe stated that another measure to address the issue will be to extend the working hours for customs officers from 6 hours to 20 hours at the Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakanya border posts.

During a meeting held in Chililabombwe, Governor Katwe praised the strong working relationship between Zambia and the DRC. Additionally, Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga noted that the two countries had a productive discussion aimed at reducing congestion on the Zambian side. He expressed gratitude for the Congolese government’s willingness to improve the border situation.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo expressed satisfaction that truck drivers will now be able to cross into the DRC without any issues.

With the ambitious Lobito Corridor Investment Project, the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) has forecast substantial economic gains for Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The corridor is predicted to significantly change the dynamics of regional trade by increasing trade and investment in important industries including manufacturing, mining, and agriculture by 20% by simplifying trade routes to international markets.

ZACCI Chief Executive Officer Elvin Nasilele has highlighted the corridor’s potential to enhance export opportunities for Zambian goods, thereby expanding the country’s economic footprint in the region. Speaking on Wednesday, Nasilele emphasized how the Lobito Corridor would enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to integrate into regional and global value chains, particularly in agriculture and mining. “This will enhance their competitiveness and resilience, driving sustainable growth,” he stated.

Zambia, strategically located in Southern Africa, stands to gain immensely from the corridor’s development. According to Nasilele, the shorter transit route to the Atlantic Ocean will significantly reduce shipping costs, making Zambian exports more competitive in global markets. The logistical advantages are expected to benefit both importers and exporters, fostering increased trade volumes and economic growth. By leveraging its central position, Zambia has the potential to become a regional logistics hub, improving transit times and trade profitability for businesses operating in the region.

The Lobito Corridor’s potential to promote industrial expansion through value addition in mining and agriculture is one of its main features. Nasilele noted that Zambia’s economy might become more diversified if processing firms were established close to transit hubs. Jobs in industries like construction, logistics, and warehousing are anticipated to be created by this move toward industrialization. This could therefore support the growth of skills and economic empowerment, especially for local communities.

Moreover, the improved infrastructure brought about by the Lobito Corridor is anticipated to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI). Key sectors like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing are expected to draw international investors, boosting Zambia’s economic growth and positioning the country as a critical player in regional trade.

The development of the Lobito Corridor has also been supported by proactive leadership from President Hakainde Hichilema. Nasilele praised the president’s commitment to advancing Zambia’s trade and economic agenda, noting his active participation in the Lobito Corridor Summit in Angola. The summit, attended by other leaders such as U.S. President Joe Biden, Angola’s President João Lourenço, and DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi, underscores the corridor’s significance in fostering regional and international partnerships.

“The Lobito Corridor represents a unique opportunity for Zambia to unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen regional integration, and enhance its role in global trade,” Nasilele said. He expressed optimism about the corridor’s potential to drive sustainable growth across Southern Africa, creating a ripple effect of economic transformation for the participating countries.

The Lobito Corridor Investment Project stands as a beacon of hope for Zambia, Angola, and the DRC. By reducing costs, increasing trade, and driving industrial growth, the project promises to redefine regional trade and economic integration, positioning Zambia as a leader in the Southern African economic landscape.