CTBL-Watch - Issue 16 - April 2015.indd

CTBL-WATCH
AFRICA
ISSUE 16 | APRIL 2015
CMA CGM / DELMAS
A LEADING OFFER IN INTERIOR
RAIL CONNECTIONS
FUTURE MOMENTUM AS CENTRAL CORRIDOR RAIL PROJECT LAUNCHED
Full Story On Page 5
Tanzania: To Spend US$14
Billion On Railways
21
Uganda: Chinese US$3.2 Billion
Rail Plan
22
Benin/Niger: Bollore Finalises
Terms Of €1 Billion Rail Project
25
CTBL-WATCH
AFRICA
ISSUE 16 | APRIL 2015
Contents
03 /
Corridor Review
09 /
Eastern & Southern Africa
05 /
African Group News
23 /
Western Africa
Top Stories
5
CMA CGM / DELMAS: A Leading
Offer In Interior Rail Connections
21
Tanzania: To Spend US$14 Billion
On Railways
22
Uganda: Chinese US$3.2 Billion
Rail Plan
25
Benin/Niger: Bollore Finalises
Terms Of €1 Billion Rail Project
1
The African Inland Freight Report
Brought to you by CMA CGM / DELMAS Marketing
Website: www.delmas.com
Email: [email protected]
Tweet: @DelmasWeDeliver
Rachel Bennett
Dominic Rawle
CMA CGM Marseille Head Office
4, Quai d’Arenc 13235 Marseille cedex 02 France
Tel : +33 (0)4 88 91 90 00
www.cmacgm.com
Disclaimer of Liability
CMA CGM / DELMAS make every effort to provide
p
and maintain usable,
p
and timely information in this report. No responsibility
is accepted for
the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to
o the user’s purpose, of
the information. Accordingly Delmas denies any liability for any direct,
direct
indirect or consequential loss or damage suffered by any person as a
result of relying on any published information. Conclusions drawn from,
or actions undertaken on the basis of, such data and information are the
sole responsibility of the reader.
News Headlines By Region
Eastern & Southern Africa
Regional: EALA Now Outlaws Non-Tariff Barriers / TMEA Report: Trade Environment
Improved In East Africa / TMEA Funding: Announces US$90 Million for East Africa’s
Infrastructure
Botswana: Dry Port Links Botswana With World / Botswana And Zambia Receive
Financing For Bridge
Kenya: Kenya Seeks US$1.3 Billion To Upgrade Highways / Rift Valley Railways Getting
Back On Track
Mozambique: Mega Beira-Zimbabwe Road Project Starts / US$10.9 Million To Revamp
EN4 Motorway / Mozambique’s 5-Year Road Plan / World Bank Gives US$73.6 Million For
Road Rehabilitation / CFM Seek Funding For Rail Development / CFM Rail Growth At 25%
Namibia: Experts Address Development Corridor Issues / Guide To Walvis Bay Corridor
Launched / Goods Stranded As Railway Washed Away
Rwanda: Importers Demand Own Cargo Area at Mombasa Port / 200 Rwandan
Containers Face Mombasa Auction / Standards Agency Launches Web Portal To Ease
Transactions / Chinese Complete Construction Of MR25
South Africa: N1/N4 Toll Route To See R5 Billion Upgrade / Transnet Completes 95
Electric Locomotives
Tanzania: Central Corridor Roadblocks & Checks Reduced / Country To Spend US$14
Billion On Railways
Uganda: Export Earnings See 6% Growth / Chinese US$3.2 Billion Rail Plan
Zambia: Funds Released For Copperbelt & Lusaka Roads / Upgrade Of Bottom Road
Advances
Zimbabwe: Exports To Grow 3% In 2015 – Zimtrade / Bulawayo Needs US$115 Million
For Road Rehabilitation / Construction Of Wedza And Sadza Road
Western Africa
Angola: Countries To Construct 3-International Bridges / GE Group Supplies
100 Locomotives
Benin: Bollore Finalises Terms Of €1 Billion Rail Project / Railway Project
Formally Launched
Cote d’Ivoire: Mano River Union Transport Program
DRC: Rail ZRL/Firm Ink Deal
Gambia: Gambia Inaugurates Basse-Sabi Road
Ghana: Regional Capitals Road Expansion On Course
Liberia: Red Light-Guinea Road Construction Progressing
Mali: Borderless Alliance Workshop On Professionalizing The Trucking Industry
2
CTBL AFRICA
CORRIDOR REVIEW
Eastern & Southern Africa
3
Corridor
Current Situation
1
●
Kenya-Great Lakes/S. Sudan
The rail line between Kampala and Mombasa is running well with an estimated
transit of 10 days. We offer extensive CTBL services throughout Kenya backed
by a deal negotiated with Rift Valley Railways [RVR], the operator of the KenyaUganda Railways, we are able to offer very competitive and reduced rates to
the ICD Embakasi, Nairobi from Mombasa port, Kenya. Our ASEA KENYA
service, providing direct weekly services from Asia to Mombasa, enhances our
inland solutions to domestic Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, eastern
DRC. We also offer routes to the North Kivu region in eastern DRC and new
connections through Mombasa port to Beni, Butembo and Kisangani, towns
all lying on the main national route N4. A New reefer solution is available from
Nairobi to Mombasa by road.
2
●
Tanzania-Great Lakes
With a new improved ASEA TANZANIA service we offer direct weekly service
from Asia to Dar Es Salaam enhancing inland solutions to the heart of DRC,
Burundi, Rwanda. Roads from Dar Es Salaam to North Rwanda, Burundi and
DRC [Goma / Bukavu / Uvira are in good condition. Burundi transit times are
still impacted due to a deviation to avoid a broken bridge. Trucks are forced to
use another route adding an additional 200-km equating to 1-2 days transit.
Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda are now part of the EAC single custom territory
with Tanzania. The single customs territory is due to start soon but not yet fully
operational via Dar Es Salaam and not enforced by Tanzanian authorities. The
new Custom TOOL in TZDAR is now working normally.
3
●
Tanzania-Copper Belt
Roads through Mbeya offer an alternative to the train to Ndola. The Group
is the only shipping line to have its own office in Lubumbashi which closely
monitors the local situation. The transport corridor from Dar Es Salaam to
Lusaka, Copper belt & Lubumbashi is safe and we can offer competitive
rates and transit times. Our local agent is working with local hauliers to further
improve this. With an improved ASEA TANZANIA service we offer direct weekly
service from Asia to Dar Es Salaam enhancing inland solutions to Malawi and
Zambia.
4
●
Mozambique Nacala Corridor
CMA CGM / DELMAS will accept new bookings on this corridor in spite of
railways not fully operational as yet following the heavy rains. Back-up solutions
are being organised locally and we trust that the situation will get back to
normal shortly.
5
●
Mozambique Beira Corridor
A bond agreement with customs is in place and we have our own broker at our
agency office to shorten clearance time and trucking.
6
●
Mozambique Maputo Corridor
New competitive solutions are available to Zimbabwe by rail from MaputoHwange. Please note there are no port storage invoiced if shortage of wagons
in Maputo.
7
●
S. Africa Durban
New competitive rates are available to Lusaka & Copperbelt [Zambia],
Lubumbashi [DRC] and Gaborone [Botswana]. We have extended our South
African inland reefer service from/to the port of Durban to Johannesburg.
Extension of all other over border trucking rates.
8
●
Namibia Walvis Bay
New CTBL export solutions are available from DRC and Zambia to Walvis
Bay for dry and reefer equipment. The corridor to Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola &
Lubumbashi in south DRC are running well. Our 1st breakbulk load was
successfully trucked from Walvis Bay to Lubumbashi as was our first reefer trial
shipment by road. We can also offer Windhoek!
Western Africa
Corridor
Current Situation
Senegal-Mali
Both road and rail options are running smoothly with good transits available.
2
●
●
Senegal-Guinea Bissau
The corridor remains open but due to the Ebola crisis the border process and
status will be checked on a case by case basis before booking.
3
●
Cote d’Ivoire-Burkina/Mali
Due to the Presidential elections in 2015 volumes are stable. Therefore the
rail service from Abidjan is running well offering excellent transit times and no
congestion. We also recommend the road option. Furthermore the Group is to
launch a new reefer service from Abidjan to many new inland destinations.
4
●
Ghana-Burkina
Tema-Ouagadougou service is now available as an additional option. The Tema
corridor to Burkina is now the most competitive pricewise, with excellent transit
time from Asia with AFEX service. Our expert TBL team is now in place and fully
involved for all your booking requests.
5
●
Togo-Burkina/Niger
Service is running well. Thanks to good volumes and on-going negotiations with
suppliers we have decreased our Ouagadougou rates from Lome. We can also
offer excellent solutions from Asia on our AFEX service. Please note that the port of
Lome is strict on enforcing weight regulations for trucks.
6
●
Cameroon-Chad
There are currently delays by rail as the operator CAMRAIL is experiencing
congestion in both Douala & N’Gaoundere stations. We therefore suggest cargo is
moved via our road TBL service.
7
●
Cameroon-CAR
Douala-Bangui is now open. This corridor is offered on a case by case with
agreement from our local Douala Agency. Political security is not 100% on this
corridor.
8
●
Gabon Corridor
From Libreville, CMA CGM serves domestic destinations by road to Franceville,
Lambarene, Mouila, Bitam, Moanda, Mitzicand Makokou.
9
●
Congo Corridor
Pointe Noire-Brazzaville corridor is REOPENED on a request basis. We are
undertaking some trial shipments as a test case.
10
●
DRC Corridor
Matadi-Kinshasa service running slowly due to congestion and delays at Pointe
Noire port.
1
4
CMA CGM / DELMAS
AFRICAN GROUP NEWS
CMA CGM / DELMAS
A Leading Offer In Interior Rail Connections
Future Momentum As Central Corridor Rail Project Launched
As East African leaders meet this month in a historic summit to witness the launching of the construction of
the Central Corridor Railway that will link land locked countries of the region to the Port of Dar-es-Salaam we
interview Benjamin Coston our Regional Intermodal Manager about our current East Africa rail corridor services
and what the impact of the Central Corridor Railway will be to our future services!
Q: CMA CGM / DELMAS offer several East Africa rail corridors. Can you expand on these services?
We offer several rail services throughout the East Africa region.
In Mozambique we offer 2-rail corridors. The ‘Mozambique Maputo Corridor’ is available to Zimbabwe by rail from Maputo to Harare
and Maputo to Hwange [Zimbabwe]. And the ‘Mozambique Nacala Corridor’ offers rail routings to Nacala-Blantyre and NacalaLilongwe using the Corredor de Desenvolvimento do Norte [CDN - Nacala railway].
From the Kenyan port of Mombasa we offer extensive rail CTBL services throughout Kenya. Following a new deal negotiated with Rift
Valley Railways [RVR], the operator of the Kenya-Uganda Railways, we are able to offer very competitive and reduced rates to the ICD
Embakasi, Nairobi from Mombasa port.
Q: What potential new services are you reviewing?
In Kenya we are looking into a new deal from Mombasa to Kampala in addition to the block trains we already offer on a weekly basis
from Mombasa to Nairobi [Embakasi]. We are also busy negotiating with providers and Mozambican railway entity to re-open BeiraHarare corridor by rail in the coming weeks.
Q: What specialist rail services do CMA CGM / DELMAS offer?
It is important for us that we protect our customers’ interests. The difficulty is not providing a rail offer as securing rates from rail
companies is easily achieved. The challenge comes in providing a service with no hidden costs prior to the consignees receiving their
goods at destination. This is why we ensure before opening any new rail offer that we minimise all unseen charges. For example CMA
CGM will always indemnify its customers from port storage liability should the railway company delay the supply of wagons for any
reason. For us this commitment is the only way to move forward in promoting rail services in Southern and Eastern Africa.
Q: What is the Central Corridor Railway Project?
The Central Corridor Railroad [CCR] is a project to modernize the most important regional railroad in Central East Africa in order to
provide efficient market access to western Tanzania and landlocked nations, unlocking the region’s economic potential. The 100
year-old railroad that extends from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, toward Rwanda, Burundi, Eastern DRC and Uganda, is the backbone of
Tanzania’s transport infrastructure and the most efficient transportation route from the coast into Central East Africa. It will have spur
lines to Kigali, Bujumbura and Masaka.
The Central Corridor Railway construction is scheduled to start on June 30th this year to ease the movement of cargo throughout
the East Africa region from Dar Es Salaam port to Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and DRC throughout the construction of 2,561 km of
standard gauge railway. The launch was hosted by President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, the
Burundi leader, Pierre Nkurunziza and the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC], Joseph Kabila also attended. Kenyan
President Uhuru Kenyatta also attended as an observer. This US$14.2 billion project is scheduled to be completed within 5 years.
Q: How will the Central Corridor Railway project impact Group services?
Returns from a modern railroad will offer the Group less expensive and an improved physical access unlocking the potential for regional
trade and increased market access. Regional benefits include uniting of trade across Tanzania, DRC, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.
Providing alternatives to the road services has always been a priority for CMA CGM in Southern and Eastern Africa. Our growth in the
region keep us the biggest potential customer for all railways entities in East Africa.
Q: What is the impact of the EAC single window on services?
The 5-member states have introduced a single window at the 2-ports of Mombasa, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the main
entrances to the region and countries have also introduced an electronic cargo tracking system. All documentation and transactions
regarding the movement of goods are now done at one point in order to reduce business costs and time spent. By implementing the
single customs protocol, roadblocks and other non-tariff barriers have been removed or reduced within the entire EAC region.
5
Central Corridor Railroad [CCR] FACTBOX
• The CCR project will modernize 1,627km of Tanzania’s existing colonial railroad
infrastructure from the port of Dar es Salaam to the inland lake ports of Kigoma and
Mwanza.
• Project will develop 460km of new railroad infrastructure from Isaka, Tanzania, into
Kigali, Rwanda.
• The project will be phased to establish successful railroad operations prior to
expansion into Rwanda and Burundi.
• The first phase of the CCR project will upgrade and standard gauge 977km from Dar
es Salaam to Isaka in Tanzania. This route is designed to capture the majority of the
existing long-haul traffic across Tanzania, and allow the trucking industry to operate
more efficient routes off of the main railway line.
• UNITY has formed a consortium of industry leading strategic and financial partners to
both develop and operate the Central Corridor Railroad on behalf of the Government
of Tanzania, including Bechtel [Construction Manager], HDR Inc. [Engineering
Manager], GE Transportation [Equipment Provider], and BNSF [Operations Advisor].
6
CMA CGM / DELMAS
AFRICAN GROUP NEWS
Serving Gabon’s Inland Destinations
CMA CGM Opens A New Road Corridor Via Libreville
CMA CGM / DELMAS continuously strives to develop new inland services. As such we have set up a new intermodal hub in
Libreville, Gabon. From here we will serve the domestic Gabonese destinations of Franceville, Franceville, Mouila, Bitam, Moanda,
Mitzic and Makokou by road.
From
FRANCEVILLE
NKOK
NTOUM
LAMBARENE
MOUILA
BITAM
KANGO
MOANDA
MITZIC
MAKOKOU
DOUALA
YAOUNDE
NJENOU
Transit Times
LIBREVILLE
16h
2h
3h
4h
8h
8h
3h
12h
5h
9h
24h
16h
16h
Road /
Rail
Road
Road
Road
Road
Road
Road
Road
Road
Road
Barge
Road
Road
Our service targets large mining and agricultural companies located in the north of Gabon such as Makokou, Lambaréné and
Franceville. We handle mainly spare parts and machinery destined for factories or public works driven by the wood industry or the
Gabonese Government as well as agricultural raw materials.
ADVICE: BIETC
It is worth remembering that the BIETC tracking note is compulsory for customs clearance for cargo entering Gabon and it
is mandatory to indicate the BIETC number both on the bill of lading and on the manifest before loading. The shipper or his
forwarding agent need to provide a draft of the cargo tracking note [BIETC]. The final document is required according to the
following time limit: Africa zone: 5 days after vessel’s departure / Europe zone: 10 days after vessel’s departure / America,
Asia, Oceania, Middle East zone: 15 days after vessel’s departure.
For bookings, rates and information please contact your local agent for further information.
7
Targeting The Ugandan Market
CMA CGM Opens A New Rail Corridor Via Mombasa
CMA CGM / DELMAS have recently opened a new export route by rail between Kampala and Mombasa. We are able to offer
competitive rates with an estimated transit of just 10 days. Our service targets the soft commodity trades such as cocoa,
sesame, tobacco and teak logs. For all bookings, rates and details on this service please contact your local agent for further
information.
ADVICE: PVoC
As of 03/12/12, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards [UNBS] resumed its Pre Export Verification of Conformity to
Standards [PVoC] program. According to the program, first introduced in 2010, all goods subject to it, will have to be
accompanied by Certificate of Conformity [CoC]. UNBS officers at border points will verify certificates for integrity. UNBS has
contracted 3-international companies - SGS, Intertek and Bureau Veritas to carry out this exercise.
RAIL LINKS - THE FUTURE!
The new US$1.35 billion Mombasa-Kigali line is
to be built by the China Communications and
Construction Company and will run from Mombasa
port to Malaba, Kampala and then on to Kigali
[2,935km]. It is expected to be finished by 2018-20
and have a huge impact on trade in the corridor.
8
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
CORRIDOR NEWS
East Africa
EALA Now Outlaws Non-Tariff Barriers
The East African Legislative Assembly [EALA] has passed the EAC Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers Bill, outlawing the remaining
15% of Non-Tariff Barriers [NTBs] in the region. Initiated by the Council of Ministers, the legislation enforces Article 13 of the
Protocol on the Establishment of the EAC Customs Union in which partner states agreed to remove, with immediate effect, all
existing NTBs.
The Bill sailed through its 3rd reading and now awaits assent by EAC Heads of State. The draft law provides a legal mechanism
for the elimination of identified NTBs in partner states and for identifying and monitoring the removal of NTBs within partner
states. Under the new law, traders affected by NTBs would be free to seek legal redress in the East Africa Court of Justice
[EACJ].
The EAC now prepares quarterly reports on the status of the elimination of NTBs to boost efforts by the National Monitoring
Committees and the EAC Regional Forum on NTBs. [New Times 26/03/15]
TMEA Report: Trade Environment Improved In East Africa
A study published by TradeMark East Africa [TMEA], a
donor-funded organization formed to help regional states
speed up integration, noted the harmonization of product
standards has expanded the East African Community [EAC]
trade basket.
Encouraging results achieved over the past year, including
investments in key ports have resulted in reduced cargo
transit times on East Africa’s main transport corridors, and
accelerated implementation of the EAC’s Single Customs
Territory.
• Reduction of average time to clear goods at Kenya’s Mombasa port and transport them to Kampala, Uganda to 4-days
has buoyed the investments in the EAC region.
• Reduction in the number of customs declarations by 90% leading to an increase in trade volumes
Mombasa port serves Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, eastern DR Congo and Southern Sudan. Poor infrastructure, delays in cargo
clearance and customs procedures at the port contribute to the high cost of doing business along the transport corridor. As
such traders from the landlocked states had threatened to dump the northern corridor for an alternative route through Tanzania,
citing port inefficiency and corruption on Kenyan roads. The ongoing infrastructure upgrades at the port would ensure increased
capacity to handle growing volumes and associated demand for port services.
The report details TMEA’s vision of enhancing interconnectedness in the region through trade by highlighting some of the
successful projects they have supported. Notable among these is the recent signing of the Mombasa Port Community Charter,
witnessed by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, 25 government and private sector agencies who committed to support initiatives
that will increase efficiency at the Mombasa port and the Northern Corridor.
[Shanghai Daily 26/03/15]
TMEA Funding: Announces US$90 Million for East Africa’s Infrastructure
TradeMark East Africa [TMEA] is to inject US$90 million [Shs 261bn] to promote infrastructural development projects in the
region. The announcement came after data showed that regional trade had picked up partly as a result of the ease with which
cargo is cleared throughout the different corridors, an initiative that TMEA was active in facilitating.
TMEA has partnered EAC since 2011. The 5-partner states of EAC are currently involved in activities related to standards
harmonisation for products traded with the region. TMEA supports regional harmonisation of standards which has seen 108
standards harmonized to date, 41 of which were adopted as EAC standards as of December 2013, and an additional 42 to be
considered soon. This brings the total number of adopted East African Standards to 83, representing 7 of the 20 most traded
intra-EAC goods, which accounts for more than US$1bn of the annual trade basket in the region.
[Observer 01/04/15]
9
Namibia/Zambia/DRC
Experts Address Development Corridor Issues
The 8th Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor Tripartite Technical Committee meeting was held in Zambia in
March. Public and private sector senior officials from Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] attended.
Technical experts identified possible solutions to increase the efficiencies of the corridor to ensure the smooth movement of
goods along the corridor, and as such increase cargo volumes.
The corridor provides the shortest trade route between Walvis Bay and the vital transport hubs of Livingstone, Lusaka and Ndola
in Zambia, Lubumbashi and Harare in Zimbabwe. The corridor allows 3-4 days in transit to and from Lusaka, Harare and five to
seven days into Lubumbashi. Amongst the issues discussed at the meeting were high transit charges among member states,
congestion at border posts, customs bond and the issuing of 12 month visas to commercial drivers at border posts.
Experts have agreed to ensure a confirmed commitment to address and reduce bottlenecks along the entire corridor by 50% by
June 2017. They have also agreed to establish a permanent secretariat of the corridor as well as initiate the spatial development
initiative along the corridor by June 2016. In addition, the meeting agreed to establish working groups at Wenela/Katima Mulilo
border post between Zambia and Namibia and Kasumbalesa border post between Zambia and DRC.
The DRC is currently the only country that has ratified the tripartite agreement on the corridor. Both the Namibian and Zambian
governments have been urged to ratify the agreement before August this year.
[Namibian 25/03/15]
Namibia
Guide To Walvis Bay Corridor Launched
The Walvis Bay Corridor Group has launched ‘A Guide To The Walvis Bay Corridor.”
The guide highlights the key elements that make up the Walvis Bay Corridor and serves as an important
overview and introductory document to potential and existing corridor users.
In addition, the publication provides stakeholders with general information of the corridor, members of the
group, the Public Private Partnership set-up of the WBCG, as well as other relevant information for users
of the Walvis Bay corridor such as customs documentation and paperwork; transport, port and railway
information as well as shipping lines and routes which assist in ensuring efficient transport of cargo along
the corridor.
[Namibian 01/04/15]
10
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
CORRIDOR NEWS
Rwanda
Importers Demand Own Cargo Area at Mombasa Port
Despite the endeavour by EAC heads of
state to advocate for the removal of all trade
barriers on the so-called Northern Corridor,
Rwandan importers are still crying over what
they consider as trade barrier at Mombasa
port.
Traders say goods clearance at the port
is still a big problem and requires urgent
interventions if the free movement of goods
on Northern corridor is to become a reality.
The Rwanda Private Sector Federation
observed that Rwandan cargo spends
unnecessarily long periods awaiting to
be verified by the port authority and
noted the need for a separate space for
goods to undergo verification. Despite the
implementation of Single Customs Territory
at the port where Rwandan clearing agents
and customs are based, according to traders,
there still challenges.
According to statistics 40% of Rwandan
import and exports pass through the Kenyan
port. Part of the problem could be a result
of growing volumes of goods. The Port of
Mombasa recorded a total cargo throughput
of 24,875 million in 2014 compared with
22,307 million tons handled in 2013 up
11.5%. In 2014, the port handled 1,012,002
TEUs against 894,000 TEUs in 2013 up
13.2%. The port recorded a total transit traffic
of 7,199,140 tons in 2014 against 6,709,236
tons in 2013 up 7.3%. This was as a result
of increased handling of Ugandan cargo by
609,830 tons or 12.4%.
The Rwanda Shippers Council said Rwandan
traders need help from KPA noting a lack of
access to the Automated Customs Systems,
inadequate security instruments, and multiple
customs authorities administering the single
customs territory. Rwanda destined cargo
handled at the Mombasa port declined last
year as a result of traders diverting to Dar port
in Tanzania. Up to 60% of Rwanda’s cargo
now goes through Tanzania.
Mombasa port handled a total of 235,912 tons in 2014 against 240,099 tons in 2013, posting a marginal decrease of 4,187 tons
or 1.7%. This performance represents 3.3% market share of the transit traffic. Whereas Uganda’s traffic increased by 609,803
tons [12.4%] up from 4,912,316 tons in 2013 to 5,522,119 tons in 2014.
The Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Gichiri Ndua promised the necessary support to provide the permanent solution
to all the existing challenges hindering Rwandan traders at the port. He concurred with traders that there are still barriers and
pledged immediate interventions to ensure free movement of regional cargos.
[Independent 29/03/15]
11
200 Rwandan Containers Face Mombasa Auction
Rwandan importers who are yet to collect what Kenyan authorities describe as long-stayed cargo from the port of Mombasa risk
having their merchandise auctioned off after an April 15 deadline. The announcement was made on March 18 by Gichiri Ndua,
the Managing Director of Kenya Port Authority [KPA]. The port handled over a million containers last year and is in dire need of
the prime yard space.
“
In the spirit of supporting business growth in East Africa, the government of
Kenya has given a full waiver for collection of specific long-stay containers
at the Port until the stipulated deadline of 15th April 2015. Cargo on transit
is normally given 9-days upon arrival at the port during which no charges are
incurred to allow their owners to make the necessary clearances through the
port.
”
Gichiri Ndua
Kenya first announced the 100% waiver which is meant to encourage cargo owners to collect their goods, during the 8th
Northern Corridor Integration Projects summit that took place in Nairobi in December last year. The summit directed that cargo
overstayed at the port shall be granted full waiver of customs warehouse rent as well as port demurrage charges to facilitate their
removal within 60 days from date of publication.
[New Times 22/03/15]
Standards Agency Launches Web Portal To Ease Transactions
Individuals and firms seeking services from the Rwanda Standards Board will no longer be required to make multiple trips to the
agency’s offices, following the launch of an information portal that allows the public to access the services online. The portal,
developed over 3-years with the support of Trademark East Africa [TMEA], seeks to reduce time taken to disseminate information
as well as different operations such as standard development processes, application for certification and testing and certification
services, among others. Details available online at www.rsb.gov.rw
[New Times 27/03/15]
Tanzania
Central Corridor Roadblocks
& Checks Reduced
Measures are being taken to reduce road blocks
on the Tanzania side of the Central Corridor. Police
check points have been reduced from 15 points
to 6 and the Tanzania Revenue Authority has
also reduced checks from 3 to zero. The revenue
authority would further reduce the weighbridges from
8 to 3 and to introduce weigh in motion technology.
One such weighbridge is already installed in Vigwaza
with another two on the way to Manyoni and
Nyakahura. With the current improvements alone, for
a container to move from the port of Dar es Salaam
to Kigali takes 3-days from the previous 8-days.
It takes 3.5-days to Bujumbura from the previous
8-days.
[EA Business Week 22/03/15]
12
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
CORRIDOR NEWS
Uganda
Export Earnings See 6% Growth
Uganda earned more money from its exports during Q4 2014 compared to Q3 2014. Bank of Uganda [BOU] figures show
US$662.94m earnings up from the US$622.13 up 6%. Improved performance was attributed to growth in earnings of tea,
fish, tobacco, hides and skins, and oil re-exports. Tobacco exports shot up to US$36.6m in Q4 up from US$5.6m the previous
3-months up 500%. Fish exports increased by 38% in the same period. Meanwhile central bank figures show coffee, one of the
country’s biggest exports, performed poorly dropping 7% to US$89.94m earned in Q4 2014, down from $97m earned in Q3
2014. Earnings from flowers fell by a 21% in the same period.
The slight increase in earnings could have partly been supported by the weakening shilling. A weak local currency supports
exports as the products are sold in dollars. The Uganda shilling has depreciated against the dollar faster than the other regional
currencies such as the Rwanda franc. Last year alone, the shilling lost 14% of its value against the dollar. The local currency
has already traded above Shs 3,000 to the dollar, its weakest point in years. The BOU noted problems in regional markets had
widened the current account deficit.
One of Uganda’s biggest export markets remains South Sudan, but the skirmishes that hit the country for the most part of 2014
led to a dip in exports. South Sudan, however, remains one of Uganda’s main export market, bringing in US$69m in Q4 up from
$52m during the same period in 2013. Kenya still leads the pack as Uganda’s main export market. Rwanda and DR Congo
follow closely. DR Congo tops as the destination for Uganda’s informal exports.
[Observer 30/03/15]
FACTBOX: Uganda Cargo Boosts Mombasa, Kenya Trade Volumes
Mombasa Volumes
•
•
Total cargo throughput 24.875 million up from 22.307 million tons previously. Increased: 11.5%
2014 total transit traffic was 7.2 million tonnes against 6.7 million tonnes in 2013. Increased: 7.3%
Uganda Transit Via
Mombasa
•
•
Ugandan consignments rose 610,000 tonnes from 4.9 million tonnes to 5.52 million tons in 2014
Uganda is leader in transit cargo via Mombasa: 74% market share
Zimbabwe
Exports To Grow 3% In 2015 – Zimtrade
Zimbabwe’s exports for 2015 are expected to recover by 3.2%, after declining by nearly 13% in 2013. Yet output of primary
commodities is likely to remain weak with the manufacturing sector underperforming, according to a report jointly compiled by
Zimtrade and leading think tank Zimbabwe Economic Policy Analysis Research Unit [Zeparu]. Exports generated US$3.1 billion
against imports of US$6.4 billion last year. Recovery is led by agriculture and mining despite poor prices.
Last year, exports were mainly driven by tobacco [excluding cigarettes] [26.4% of total exports]. Unwrought and semi-processed
gold [17.4%] and diamonds [7.6%] were also significant exports. Other minerals which were exported as ore and concentrates,
nickel, copper, lead, zinc, tin, chromium, tungsten, antimony among others, constituted 11.9% of the foreign sales. Of the
imports, fuel and lubricants constituted 23.2%, vehicles and accessories 8.1% while fertiliser and maize imports constituted 4.2%
and 2.1%.
[New Zimbabwe 26/03/15]
13
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
DRY PORTS & OSBP
Botswana
Dry Port Links Botswana With World
Botswana’s dry port in Walvis Bay, Namibia, has increased accessibility for Botswana nationals linking
them to international markets, according to the Ministry of Transport. Botswana has witnessed a
steady increase in imports and exports including vehicles and general cargo as the corridor develops
promoting regional economic growth. The Walvis Bay Corridors efficiency continues to increase
because of the unique Public Private Partnership [PPP] existing between Botswana, Namibia
and South Africa, which have been instrumental to identify and resolve hurdles to trade along the
corridors.
Furthermore Botswana Railways [BR] through Sea Rail Botswana, a subsidiary company in Namibia,
aims to consolidate maritime goods into intermodal and long distance transport flows and also
improve cargo processing through coordinated operations to facilitate collection and distribution of
local, regional and international transport. The Botswana Dry Port is integrating Botswana and the
SADC region with Walvis Bay Port and strengthens multi-modal solutions and create opportunities for
new services and also reduce total transport and logistics costs as well as journey time.
[Daily News 26/03/14]
14
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
ROAD
Botswana/Zambia
Botswana And Zambia Receive Financing For Bridge
The Botswana and Zambia Governments have received financing from the African Development Bank [AfDB] and Japan
International Cooperation Agency [JICA] toward the cost of the construction of the Kazungula Bridge Project, and intends to
apply part of the agreed amount for Financial Audit and Technical Audit Services to include:
•
•
•
Kazungula bridge and approach ramps
Botswana One Stop Border [OSBP] facilities
Zambia One Stop Border [OSBP] facilities.
[AfDB 30/03/15]
Kenya
Kenya Seeks US$1.3 Billion To Upgrade Highways
Kenya plans on upgrading the Mombasa-Nairobi [A109] and Nairobi-Nakuru [A104] highway sections to a dual-carriage road,
and is planning to market the project to raise the US$1.3bn needed for the projects from foreign financiers and commercial
banks through a public private partnership [PPP] model. The packaging and marketing of the project has been delegated to
transaction advisors who have been tasked to work on the tendering processes, undertaking feasibility studies and also assisting
the government in procurement work. They will market the road projects to potential concessionaires in the international markets.
The Nairobi-Nakuru highway transaction advisors are Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats [ICT] Ltd from India and
PricewaterhouseCoopers[PwC] will handle the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
[Construction Review 30/03/15]
15
Mozambique
Mega Beira-Zimbabwe Road Project Starts
The mega road project involving upgrading of Mozambique’s Beira-Zimbabwe road has kicked off with the start of construction
of a second 250m bridge over River Pungue. Construction of the bridge will help form a link between the districts of Dondo and
Nhamatanda in central Sofala province, Mozambique.
The bridge construction was awarded to Chinese contractor Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Corporation [AFECC]. The
bridge will have 2-lanes. The contractor will also see through the rehabilitation and upgrading of a 288 km road between Beira
port and Machipanda border town with neighbouring Zimbabwe. The Machipanda -Inhamizua link road is designed to have
2-lanes while the Inhamizua-Beira 4-lanes.
[Construction Review Online 08/04/15]
US$10.9 Million To Revamp EN4 Motorway
South Africa’s Trans-African Concessions [TRAC] is to invest US$10.9 million in rehabilitating 7km of the motorway in the
municipality of Matola in Mozambique. TRAC operates the EN4 motorway from Maputo port to the South African industrial town
of Witbank on a 30-year lease contract. This stretch of the 570km toll motorway is in very poor condition.
TRAC blames the problem on overloaded trucks which continue to disrespect weight limits. The highway is one of the busiest
routes in Southern Africa and has played a pivotal role in improving cross-border co-operation between South Africa and
Mozambique. The route is one of the main access roads into Maputo. Every day around 48,000 vehicles pass through the toll
gate at the Maputo end.
[Star Africa 21/03/15]
16
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
ROAD
Mozambique’s 5-Year Road Plan
The government of Mozambique plans to pave 2,100km of roads by 2019, according to the 2015-2019 Five-Year Plan which
entails asphalting an annual average of 420km. This is down by 180km compared to last year. The government also plans to
repair 2,800km of roads, an annual average of 560km, double that recorded in 2014. Plans include construction, repair and
maintenance of 57 bridges.
[Macauhub 19/03/15]
Priority Projects
Project
Catembe-Ponta Do Ouro Road
N6 Road
Maputo Ring Road
N13 Niassa Province
Nacala Corridor III
N104
Tica-Buzi-Nova Road
Cost [US$M]
$725.8
$433
$298.84
$261
$150.19
$75.4
$149.72
Details
Construction of the Maputo-Catembe suspension bridge with Chinese
funding
Repairs between Machipanda and Beira, in the provinces of Manica and
Sofala. Funded by China.
Funded by China
Linking the towns of Cuamba, Mandimba and Lichinga. To be financed
by the African Development Bank [AfDB] and the Japan International
Cooperation Agency [JICA].
AfDB/JICA to build the road linking Much, Madimba and Lichinga in northern
Mozambique.
Construction of road along the Nampula-Nametil section with funding from
South Korea.
Rehabilitation of the road linking Tica, Buzi and Nova in the province of
Sofala with India as a financier.
World Bank Gives US$73.6 Million For Road Rehabilitation
The World Bank has announced that it will give US$73.6m for rehabilitation of roads and bridges in Mozambique. The loan will
also fill the financial gap for road rehabilitation related to floods in Southern Gaza Province, after flooding of the Limpopo River
Basin in 2013. Over 2,200 km of roads – 70% of the regions road– were damaged during the 2013 floods.
[Construction Review Online 08/04/15]
CFM Seek Funding For Rail Development
Mozambican port and railway company Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique [CFM] plans to raise US$2.3 billion to
finance the integrated development plan of national rail and port facilities. Studies are underway to prepare the Project for
Rehabilitation, Modernisation and Expansion of the Machipanda line, for drafting the project for modernisation and expansion
of the Sena line, the Vila Nova da Fronteira branch line and the technical feasibility, economic and environmental studies for the
expansion the Oil Terminal at the port of Beira.
[Macauhub 13/04/15]
Namibia
Chinese Complete Construction Of MR25
The Main Road 25 [MR 25] built at a cost of 872 million Namibian dollars [UIS$70 million] by a Chinese company in the northeast
Zambezi region of Namibia was inaugurated on 13th March by President Hifikepunye Pohamba. The project involved the Chinese
company MCC in partnership with the Roads Contractor Company with funding from the Namibian government.
Stretching for 209 km, it is the longest road constructed after Namibia’s independence. The road connects the Wenela border
post between Botswana and Namibia and Ngoma border post between Namibian and Botswana.In addition, the road will
connect the Trans-Zambezi Highway that forms part of the Walvis Bay-Ndola Lubumbashi Corridor. In Namibia, the road links
Liselo-Linyanti-Sangwali-Kongola and Singalamwe.
[Forum On Africa-China Cooperation 15/03/15]
17
South Africa
N1 / N4 Toll Route To See R5 Billion Upgrade
The Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire has announced plans to inject over R5-billion [US$425 million] into the
rehabilitation and upgrade of the N1 and N4 toll road over the next 15 years as it reaches the midway mark of its 30-year
concession with the South African National Roads Agency Limited [Sanral].
Bakwena was tasked by Sanral in 2001 to manage, maintain and upgrade the 385km route. Bakwena, which was responsible
for the upkeep and toll collection, besides others, of a 90km stretch on the N1 from Pretoria to Bela Bela and the 285km N4
route from Pretoria through to the Botswana border, would complete the current R3.68-billion [US$312 million] upgrade and
rehabilitation programme during 2018/19. Traffic on the routes see a steadily climb of 3% p.a. Bakwena will, this year, spend
R110-million [US$9 million] on improvements and upgrades on the N1 and R149-million [US$12 million] on the N4, with the
continuation of rehabilitation work on 20 km of the N4 from Zeerust to Groot Marico, the start of resealing the N4 from Helen
Joseph to the Marikana interchange and from the Brits interchange to Soshanguve.
There were also plans to add an additional carriageway between Bapong and Marikana and rehabilitate the road between
Rustenburg and Swartruggens on the N4. Additional work extended into this year included the upgrade of Sefako Makgatho
Drive, in Zambezi, into a diverging diamond interchange on the N1 to relieve the capacity constraints at the interchange terminals.
The Doornpoort Plaza would also see improvements as Bakwena progresses construction of 4-reversible lanes. This would allow
for 28% more capacity on the N4 route upon completion at the end of May.
Bakwena said it would also complete the R275-million [US$23 million] rehabilitation of the N1 section from Pienaarsrivier to
the Bela Bela interchange by June. In December 2014, the group completed the R130-million [US$11 million] upgrade of
the N1 between the Zambezi interchange to the Pumulani Plaza, with a third lane added and the Zambezi Bridge widened to
accommodate the 3-lanes in both directions. An additional 32 km of the N4 route between Tshwane and Rustenburg was also
widened into a dual carriageway.
The building of a second carriageway with bridges on the N4 between the Brits West Interchange [R512] and the Buffelspoort
Interchange was completed in November at a cost of around R380-million, while the R200-million rehabilitation of the road
between Swartruggens and Rustenburg on the N4 was completed by December 2014.
[Engineering News 18/03/15]
18
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
ROAD
Zambia
Funds Released For Copperbelt & Lusaka Roads
Funds have been released under ‘Lusaka 400’ for road infrastructure development by the National Road Fund Agency [NRFA]
and will be allocated as follows:
Copperbelt
Province [400km]
K487 million
•
•
•
•
•
Lusaka Province
K632 million
•
•
Maintenance of Ndola to Kapiri Mposhi Road and Ndola-Kitwe Dual Carriage Way.
Techno-economic study, detailed engineering design and tender preparation for
the upgrading to Dual Carriageway of the Chingola to Chililabombwe/Kasumbalesa
Road and Chingola to Solwezi/Mutanda Road.
Design/supervision of Mungwi Road to link to the Lusaka-Mongu Road at
Situmbeko.
Rehabilitation of the Great East Road from Arcades to Airport Junction.
Upgrading of the Great East Road at Chongwe District Hospital to Katoba Basic
School.
Upgrading of Leopards Hill Road from Katoba to Chiwa.
Design/supervision for Zambezi Road Extension and loop from Caltex to Great
North Road.
[Times of Zambia 29/03/15]
Upgrade Of Bottom Road Advances
Upgrading of 100km to bituminous standard of the Bottom road stretching between Sinazongwe and Siavonga districts in
Southern Province has advanced. The road is of economic importance as it links towns and settlements in the Lower Zambezi,
starting with Siavonga via Chaanga to Munyumbwe and Gwembe before connecting to Sinazongwe to Livingstone. The
upgrading is under the ambitious Link Zambia 8000 project launched by the late President Sata in 2012.
[Daily Mail 24/03/15]
Zimbabwe
Bulawayo Needs US$115 Million For
Road Rehabilitation
Bulawayo requires at least US$115 million for the rehabilitation
and upgrading of the roads neglected for many years in the
city. About 354 km of roads require immediate attention. The
Zimbabwe National Roads Administration [ZINARA] has already
disbursed US$200,000 to the local authority towards the road
construction initiatives.
[Construction Review 30/03/15]
Construction Of Wedza And Sadza
Road
Acting President Mphoko has commissioned construction of a
40km road project in Wedza District as part of Zim Asset, the
nation’s economic blue print. The project will cost US$22m
and includes the building of Save River bridge to help establish
a link between Wedza and Sadza. The project is part of the
Government’s initiative to construct and renovate 1,100km of
main roads over the next 3-years.
[Construction Review 30/03/15]
19
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
RAIL
Kenya/Uganda
Rift Valley Railways Getting Back On Track
Four years after the restructuring of the Kenya-Uganda Railway
concession, Rift Valley Railways [RVR] announced in March that
it had achieved all 3-Key Performance Indicators agreed with the
2-governments when the current shareholders took over.
The first 2-targets involved clearing the outstanding concession
fees and ensuring that future fees were paid on a timely basis, and
investing US$40m in infrastructure and rolling stock over the first
5-years. In fact, the spending target was achieved within 9-months,
and RVR says its total investment ‘now stands at over US$150m.
The most challenging target has been to boost the volume of
freight traffic using the 1,000mm gauge railway. In Q1 2014, the
governments gave RVR 9-months to achieve 1,737 million net
tonne-km in Kenya and 250 million in Uganda, which has now been
reached. By achieving the milestone proves the railway is tangibly
turning around. When the current shareholders took over the
concession 4-years ago no significant investments had been made
in the railway in almost 25 years. Since then, RVR has replaced
over 140 km of track and acquired 34 locomotives to increase
haulage capacity.
With improved train speeds the average transit time between Mombasa and Kampala has been cut from 12 days to 4 and if
bureaucratic processes are reduced this could be further reduced to just 2-days. The improved reliability and performance ‘have
brought renewed confidence in the Kenya-Uganda Railway as a viable means of transport. RVR has signed contracts with several
multinational companies who are now moving a significant amount of heavy freight by rail, helping to reduce pressure on East
Africa’s overburdened roads.
[Railway Gazette 28/03/15]
Mozambique
CFM Rail Growth At 25%
Mozambican state port and rail management company Caminhos de Ferro de Mocambique [CFM] in the last 6-months has
experienced average growth of 25% in the rail sector and 22% in the port sector. Operating result in 2014 totalled US$75 million
up 41% compared to 2013. CFM noted that cargo handling in the terminals under the company’s management – fuel, grains and
aluminium – last year reached 5.8 million tons, an annual growth of 3%.
The government has expressed a desire for CFM to the begin railway operations linking Moatize to Nacala-a-Velha, through
Malawi, and for repair to the Cuamba/Lichinga section of railway to be completed. Meanwhile, CFM is completing repair work
and increasing the capacity of the Sena and Machipanda lines, which is expected to boost the local economy and increase
trade between Mozambique and neighbouring Zimbabwe. The government is also waiting for implementation of the project for
Rehabilitation, Modernisation and Expansion of the Ressano Garcia Line and Maputo and Matola ports.
[Macauhub 09/04/15]
Namibia
Goods Stranded As Railway Washed Away
TransNamib Holdings confirmed that part of its rail network north of Mariental, between Hardap and Salzbrunn stations, was
washed away due to the recent heavy rains leaving goods stranded. As a result, train movements have been adversely affected.
[New Era 07/04/15]
20
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
RAIL
Tanzania
Country To Spend US$14 Billion On Railways
Tanzania plans to spend US$14.2 billion to construct a new rail network in the
next 5-years financed with commercial loans, the transport minister said, as the
country aims to become a regional transport hub. Oil discoveries in Kenya and
Uganda and gas finds in Tanzania have turned east Africa into an exploration
hotspot for oil firms but transport infrastructure in those countries has suffered
from decades of under-investment. The railway network would meet the huge
demand for the transportation of cargo to land-locked neighbouring countries,
including the Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC], Rwanda, Burundi and
Uganda as well as domestic needs.
The projects include constructing a 2,561km standard gauge railway connecting
the port at the commercial capital of Dar es Salaam to Tanzania’s land-locked
neighbours, Rwanda and Burundi at a cost of US$7.6 billion. Two additional
lines, to cost US$6.6 billion, would connect Dar es Salaam to the coal, iron
ore and soda ash mining areas in the south and northern parts of the country.
The projects would be financed by commercial loans from a consortium of
banks under a 20-year repayment period, though he did not name the banks.
The government has named Rothschild as financial advisor to help secure the
financing.
However, Kenya is already building a multi-billion-dollar standard gauge rail line,
backed by China, to run from Mombasa to the border with Uganda, aimed at
cutting the hefty costs of trade in the region.
[Reuters 30/03/15]
21
South Africa
Transnet Completes 95 Electric Locomotives
Transnet has completed assembling 95 electrical locomotives in collaboration with partners CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotives
Company. The R2.7 billion [US$230 million] contract is part of its long-term fleet renewal programme. President Jacob Zuma
attended the unveiling of the 95th electric locomotive which was assembled at Transnet’s engineering Koedoespoort Plant in
Tshwane. The launch set a platform for Transnet to deliver on the acquisition of 1,064 locomotives, which it announced last year
to advance government’s objective of shifting the transportation of goods from road to rail. In May, Transnet received approval to
begin the manganese expansion project which would provide the necessary rail and port infrastructure for the programme. Up to
25% of the volumes required were reserved for emerging and junior miners.
[Times Live 19/03/15]
Uganda
Chinese US$3.2 Billion Rail Plan
China has agreed to finance a US$3.2 billion railway project for a 476km line connecting Kampala via Malaba to Nimule in South
Sudan. The Engineering Procurement Construction contract for the Eastern and Northern Standard Gauge Railway Network
project is being handled by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited. Construction of a Standard Gauge Railway was
agreed upon by Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan as an essential infrastructure project for the Northern Corridor. On
completion, the new line will connect Mombasa to Malaba then onward to Kampala, Kigali and Juba. Works have already started
from Mombasa for the Kenya portion also with Chinese financing.
[East African Business Week 05/04/15]
22
WESTERN AFRICA
CORRIDOR NEWS
Angola/Namibia
Countries To Construct 3-International Bridges
Angola and Namibia will build 3-bridges over the River Cubango to facilitate the movement of people and goods between the two
countries and strengthen bilateral trade relations. The bridges will link the Angolan cities of Cala, Dirico and Cuangar to Rundu,
Namibia Nyangana and Nkurenkuru in the Okavango region of Namibia.
[Macauhub/AO 30/03/15]
Cote d’Ivoire/Guinea/Liberia
Mano River Union Transport Program
A general procurement notice has been issued for the multinational Cote d’Ivoire/Guinea/Liberia road development and transport
facilitation programme within the Mano River Union [MRU/RDTFP] after securing loans from the African Development Bank [AfDB]
– namely the African Development Fund [ADF] and Transition Support Facility [TSF].
[AfDB 30/03/15]
Cote d’Ivoire
•
•
•
Guinea
•
•
•
Paving Lola-Côte d’Ivoire border road [39.75 km]
Development of 3 km of urban roads in Lola
Construction of Joint Border Post [JBP] at the Cote d’Ivoire / Guinea border.
Liberia
•
•
Paving of Karloken-Fish Town road [80 km] and Harper Junction-Cavalla [16 km];
Construction of a Joint Border Post [JBP] on Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia Border on Tabou- Harper road
corridor.
Construction of the Cavalla Bridge.
•
23
Paving of Danane-Guinea Border roads [47.6 km], Bloléquin-Toulépleu-Liberia border [65 km] and
Tabou- Cavalla Bridge/Liberia border [28 km]
Construction of Joint Border Post [JBP] on the border of Guinea / Cote d’Ivoire
Construction of the Cavalla Bridge which the straddles the Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia border on the TabouHarper highway.
WESTERN AFRICA
ROAD
Gambia
Gambia Inaugurates Basse-Sabi Road
Gambia has launched the Basse Bypass-Sabi road rehabilitation and construction project, which is funded by European Union
[EU] in support of the National Gambia Transport Plan. Total cost is US$83m to cover the construction and rehabilitation of
273km including the Basse Bypass-Sabi road amongst others - this constitute 50% of national paved roads. The Basse BypassSabi road affords easy access to Velingara, Senegal.
[Construction Review 08/04/15]
National Transport Plan Project
• Rehabilitation, upgrading and maintenance of 5 main trunk roads: Barra-Amdallai, Soma-Basse and Basse-Vellingara
[with the portion of road between Sabi-Vellingara in Senega], Mandinaba-Seleti, and the Trans-Gambia road
• Technical Assistance to the National Road Authority [NRA] for the setting-up of a Road Fund for network preservation
and maintenance.
• Enhances regional integration and trade.
Ghana
Regional Capitals Road Expansion On Course
President John Dramani Mahama noted the Government’s Regional Road Upgrading Programme is progressing to facilitate
socio-economic activities. Under the programme the Government is sponsoring the upgrading of all roads in the regional capitals,
after which it would be extended to Municipal and district capital roads. Roads are a panacea to socio-economic development
and his Administration would continue to invest in the sector.
[Ghana Web 29/03/15]
Liberia
Red Light-Guinea Road Construction Progressing
Construction works on the US$250m Red Light-Gbarnga-Guinea border highway in Liberia is progressing well and will boost
economy once complete. Work is being undertaken by China International Corporation [CICO] and the China Henan International
Corporation Group [CHICO]. The country also announced it would soon start off rehabilitation of the Somalia Drive [Gardnersville
Road].
[Construction Review 31/03/15]
Mali
Borderless Alliance Workshop On Professionalizing The Trucking Industry
The Borderless Alliance has conducted a workshop on
professionalizing the trucking industry in Bamako, Mali. The
main objective of this workshop was to share best practices
and identify the needs in terms of building the capacities of
transporters. Forty nine participants attended the workshop
including Government representatives, transporters and
partners including USAID Mali. Key topics discussed at the
1-day workshop included best practices in trucking industry;
legal framework of road transport sector in Mali; opportunities
with USAID West Africa Trade Hub and capacity building and
financing needs for the trucking industry.
[Borderless Alliance 24/03/15]
24
WESTERN AFRICA
RAIL
Angola
GE Group Supplies 100 Locomotives
GE Transportation, of US group General Electric, announced on March 26 that it will provide 100 C30ACi locomotives to Angola
under a contract signed with the Angolan National Railway Institute [INCFA] to increase Angola’s rail capacity. The 6-axle
locomotives with 12-cylinder diesel and 3000 horsepower engines will be built at the company’s facility in Erie, Pennsylvania,
USA, with delivery expected to take place over 3-years from 2016. [Macauhub 310/3/15]
Benin/Niger
Bollore Finalises Terms Of €1 Billion Rail Project
Niger and Benin have signed a deal to finalise the terms of the construction and operation of a railway linking Niamey, Niger, with
the port of Cotonou, Benin. The line is expected to be finished in the middle of 2016. French firm Bollore will cover the entire
€1.07 billion cost of building the rail link. Bollore will own a 40% stake in the operator BENI rail, in which the 2-countries will each
own 10%. The remaining stake will be owned by private investors from Niger and Benin.
Work began in April 2014 on a 574 km railway to join Niamey to the eastern Benin town of Parakou, which has an existing rail link
to Cotonou. The line is expected to carry mostly freight, with passengers accounting for 20% of its activity.
Bollore could also be awarded a concession in the coming weeks to build a rail link from Niger to the capital of neighbouring
Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou. The link would form part of a planned 2,800 km network joining up Ivory Coast, Benin, Burkina
Faso, and Niger.
[Reuters 07/04/15]
Railway Project Formally Launched
Benin President Boni Yayi and his Nigerien counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou formally launched the upgrading of the 437km
Cotonou-Parakou railway in a ceremony at Cotonou Central station on March 19, marking the start of work on a US$1.6 billion
project. The second phase of the project will extend the metre-gauge line 137km north from the railhead at Parakou to the
border at Gaya. The line will later be extended a further 426km to reach Niger’s capital Niamey, where a station has already
been constructed. The project is being implemented by Bolloré Africa Logistics, a subsidiary of French logistics company Bolloré
Group.
Bolloré already operates public service concessions in Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso through its subsidiary, the Société
Internationale de Transport Africain par Rail [SITARAIL]. Ultimately it is planned to link the line to the proposed West Africa Railway,
which will connect Niamey with Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and Abidjan in Ivory Coast. Construction was due to begin on this
project last year, but lack of financing has delayed the start of work.
[International Railway Journal 20/03/15]
25
DRC/Zambia
Rail ZRL/Firm Ink Deal
Zambia Railways Limited [ZRL] and the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo [SNCC]
have entered into a business agreement to increase cargo movement between the 2-countries. The
agreement shares the amount of cargo that will be moving from DRC, through Zambia to South Africa.
Currently ZRL only manages to move 3,000 tonnes of cargo per month which is not enough cargo
considering the amount of cargo that moves by road between the 2-nations. It aims to increase this to
15,000 tonnes. Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa met on April 1 to discuss possible ways in which
DRC can provide more cargo for transportation via railway, to the region. Société Nationale des Chemins
de Fer du Congo noted its commitment to improving services and has embarked on rehabilitation of the
railway line in Lubumbashi and Sakanya towns and also to settle the debt it owes ZRL.
[Zambia Times 25/03/15]
26