CTBL-WATCH
AFRICA
ISSUE 18 | JUNE 2015
CMA CGM / DELMAS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING QUALITY
CMA CGM / DELMAS COMMITTED TO
PROVIDING QUALITY REEFER SERVICES
ACROSS LANDLOCKED AFRICAN COUNTRIES
Full Story On Page 5
South Africa: Transnet Receives
US$2 Billion From Chinese Bank
22
Tanzania: Awards US$9 Billion
Rail Projects To Chinese
23
Cameroon: Edea-Kribi-Lolabe
Railway MOU With China
26
CTBL-WATCH
AFRICA
ISSUE 18 | JUNE 2015
Contents
03 /
Corridor Review
09 /
Eastern & Southern Africa
05 /
African Group News
25 /
Western Africa
Top Stories
5
CMA CGM / DELMAS:
Committed To Providing
Quality Reefer Services Across
Landlocked African Countries
22
South Africa: Transnet Receives
US$2 Billion Loan From Chinese
Bank
23
Tanzania: Awards US$9 Billion
Rail Projects To Chinese
26
Cameroon: Edea-Kribi-Lolabe
Railway MOU With China
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: New Law To Resolve Trade Disputes Across Region / TMEA Launch
Annual Report For 2013-2014 / Kigali Stakeholders’ Meeting / Experts Meet Ahead Of
Presidential Summit / Inspection Points For Central Corridor
Botswana/Namibia: Doubts Over Trans-Kalahari
Burundi: Bookings Reopen Under TBL
Ethiopia: Railway Projects A Priority / Djibouti Rail Line To Finish / Foundation Laid For
Addis Ababa-Bedele Rail Project
Kenya: New Weigh Bridges To Ease Trade Flow / Construction, Infrastructure Sector
To Grow 9% / AfDB Finance Bagamoyo-Malindi Highway / New Standard Gauge Line
Extended To Naivasha
Madagascar: EIB €300m Loan For Roads
Mozambique: Maputo Development Corridor A Success Story / Maputo Ring Road
Finished December / Islamic Bank Finances Road
Namibia: Corridor Group Enters Agreement With Regional Body / Marketing Drive For
Botswanan Dry Port
Rwanda: Standards Body Extends Import Inspector’s Contract / World Bank Feeder
Road Upgrades
Tanzania: 3-Ships To Arrive April 2016 For Lakes Cargo / US$2 Billion For Commercial
Capital Roads / Bagamoyo-Malindi Highway Construction To Start 2016 / BagamoyoMsata Highway On Schedule / Construction Of 4-Lane Regional Road In Arusha / Awards
US$9 Billion Rail Projects To Chinese
South Africa: Transnet Receives US$2 Billion Loan From Chinese Bank
Uganda: Free Zones Authority Board Inaugurated / Uganda Offers E-Portal /
Road Mooted From Kampala To Addis
Zambia: Chingola Solwezi Road To Be Rehabilitated / Rail Operator Seeks
US$80 Million Chinese Upgrade / ZRL to Increase Cargo On Chipata-Mchinji Line
Western Africa
Benin: Passenger Service To Launch This Year
Cameroon: Edea-Kribi-Lolabe Railway MOU With China
Togo/Burkina Faso: AfDB Loan To Improve Lomé-Cinkanse-Ouagadougou
Corridor
Nigeria: US$2.4 Billion Lagos Metro Rail Transit
2
CTBL AFRICA
CORRIDOR REVIEW
Eastern & Southern Africa
1
●
Corridor
Current Situation
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
Kenya-Uganda Railways, we are able to offer very competitive and reduced
rates to the ICD Embakasi, Nairobi from Mombasa port, Kenya. However due
to numerous derailments between Mombasa and ICD Embakasi, RVR has
stopped containers with 10% and more imbalance of cargo - can proceed
with a survey and the rebalance of cargo.
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 and DRC
[Goma / Bukavu / Uvira are in good condition.
Bookings to Burundi have reopened following political tensions. We can
offer a road service to Bujumbura via the port of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania in
around 22 days. Please be advised we are monitoring this corridor closely as
parliamentary and presidential elections are expected to be held on June 29th
and July 15th respectively.
3
●
Tanzania-Copper Belt
Roads through Mbeya offer an alternative to the train to Ndola. We are the
only line to have an owned office in Lubumbashi which closely monitors the
local situation. The corridor from Dar Es Salaam to Lusaka, Copper belt &
Lubumbashi is safe and offers 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
CDN Railway has advised trains are now fully operational following heavy rains.
We can accept all bookings.
5
●
Mozambique Beira Corridor
New rail solution in place Beira-Harare. CMA CGM will indemnify client from
further liability should any port storage incur on the units to be railed.
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
Following negotiations with service providers we offer a new routing solution for
export CTBL cargo from Zambia to Namibia. The route along the Trans-Caprivi
Corridor links Zambia with the Port of Walvis Bay via the Katima Mulilo bridge
border crossing. Also 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. We also offer Windhoek!
3
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
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
Rail delays faced as CAMRAIL, the operator, is experiencing congestion in Douala
& N’Gaoundere stations. We suggest cargo is moved via our road TBL service.
7
●
Cameroon-CAR
Douala-Bangui is 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
New CMA CGM / DELMAS TBL Reefer Solutions
CMA CGM / DELMAS is committed to providing its customers with the highest quality reefer services across landlocked African
countries. With decades of experience and a centralized organization dedicated to reefer activity combined with a network of
local African experts we are best placed to be your global reefer partner in refrigerated transport solutions. Here are some of our
new reefer solutions we can now offer:
New: Cote d’Ivoire - Launching Inland Ivorian Reefer Service
The Group is launching a new reefer service by road from Abidjan port to several new inland destinations in Burkina Faso to
include Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso. We are promoting a transit time of just 12 days and are able to offer both 20’ and 40’
reefer containers. Please note this is a one-way service with all equipment and clip-on Genset’s having to be returned to Abidjan.
New: Kenya - Nairobi To Mombasa Reefer Service
Following local investigations and meeting with resident service providers, we are pleased to offer a new inland reefer solution
from Nairobi to Mombasa port. Over the last few months we have been liaising with freight forwarder DAMCO who has
exceptional experience in the Kenyan reefer industry. Our transport rate package will include pick up from Mombasa port, port
clearance, port charges as well as the use of a Genset for 5 days. We can also offer additional monitoring in Mombasa at cost
which will be re invoiced to our customers at a later stage.
Namibia: Competitive Reefer Solutions Via Walvis Bay
In October 2014 we launched our TBL reefer service from Walvis Bay to Lusaka. We offer competitive reefer rates thanks to our
nominated trucker Van Der Walt transport. Depending on the temperature required by our customers we can offer 2-options.
Firstly a containerised options with plugging at various points on the way to final destination [Zambia, Zimbabwe or DRC].
Secondly the unpack / repack option into our transporter’s reefer truck. Operation is handled at our subcontractor’s cold store
with a professional surveyor’s inspection.
South Africa: Extended Reefer Service To Johannesburg
The Group has extended its South African inland reefer service from/to the port of Durban to Johannesburg. Through local
negotiations we have sourced new solutions through our local service providers as part of our new offer. The Johannesburg area
is split into 3-major areas radiating by distance from the suburb of City Deep: 00 to 30km, 30 to 60km and 60 to 90km.
All rates are indicative of distance and include gensets. If a genset is not required we will need a letter of intent [LOI] stating that
no claim can be lodged against the Group in regard to any degradation of cargo upon arrival. For exports from Johannesburg if
the container arrives before the stacks opening, extra charges in Durban will be applicable such as lift, monitoring and storage
costs, etc. Local reefer export cartage solutions [short distance haulage from the cold store to the terminal] are in place for South
Africa. Solutions have been implemented since 2014 so that CMA CGM/DELMAS can organise local export shunting with genset
on prior loading onto vessel. The same solution is available in Durban, Port Elisabeth and Cape Town.
REEFER FACTBOX
- CMA CGM is one of the top 3-players in the global reefer trades
- The group has a reefer container fleet of 170,000 TEU
- We plan to double capacity within the next 10 years
- Currently, CMA CGM invests US$150-200 million annually in reefers
- For more information please visit http://www.cma-cgm.com/products-services/reefer/specialrecommendations
5
Please see the following table for our comprehensive reefer offer
Import Country
City
Via Port
Mode
Container Type
Mali
Bamako
Dakar
Road
20 / 40
Mali
Bamako
Dakar
Rail-Road
20 / 40
Rwanda
Kigali
Mombasa
Road
20 / 40
Mombasa
Road
20 / 40
Kenya
Nairobi
South Africa
Johannesburg
Durban
Road
20 / 40
Uganda
Kampala
Mombasa
Road
20 / 40
Uganda
Jinja
Mombasa
Road
20 / 40
Uganda
Entebbe
Mombasa
Road
20 / 40
Burkina Faso
Ouagadougou
Lome
Road
20 / 40
Burkina Faso
Ouagadougou
Abidjan
Road
20 / 40
Burkina Faso
Bobo Dioulasso
Abidjan
Road
20 / 40
Cote d’Ivoire
Ouagadougou
Abidjan
Road
20 / 40
Cote d’Ivoire
Bobo Dioulasso
Abidjan
Road
20 / 40
Niger
Niamey
Lome
Road
20 / 40
Guinea Bissau
Bissau
Dakar
Road
20 / 40
Namibia
Windhoek
Walvis
Road
20 / 40
DRC
Lubumbashi
Walvis
Road
20 / 40
Export Country
City
Via Port
Mode
Container Type
Rwanda
Kigali
Mombasa
Road
20 / 40
Kenya
Nairobi
Mombasa
Rail-Road
20 / 40
South Africa
Johannesburg
Durban
Road
20 / 40
Uganda
Kampala
Mombasa
Road
20 / 40
Mali
Bamako
Dakar
Road
20 / 40
Mali
Bougouni
Dakar
Road
20 / 40
ADVICE: DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR REEFER CARGO
The documentation required for export TBL are:
- Copy of Bill of Lading [B/L]
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Booking PDF file
For agricultural commodities the below documents are required:
- Tally sheet [pre inspection from shipper’s agent]
- Phytosanitary document
- Certificate of origin
We have a dedicated area covering our African reefer service on our website at: https://www.delmas.com/products-services/ourservices/reefer
CONTACTS
For all rates and bookings please contact your usual local CMA CGM/DELMAS agent.
6
CMA CGM / DELMAS
AFRICAN GROUP NEWS
Chad Group Agency Gets New Manager
We are pleased to announce that Hervé Patrick Njtaga is our new Branch Office Manager at CMA CGM Tchad in N’Djamena. Mr
Njtaga replaces Cheikh Mouhamadou Khaly Ba who has left the company. We can offer services to Ndjamena, Moundou and
Sahr in Chad from the port of Douala, Cameroon, by rail and road with a transit of around 16-days.
Our local agency office is manned with skilled professionals offering expertise to ensure timely and safe delivery of your cargo. We
have gone to great lengths to ensure that the administrative side of shipping is convenient as possible. We are able to arrange
your customs documentation, insurance and the payment of port terminal charges on your behalf. We also make sure that the
documents are prepared and delivered on time. Agents have also built on relationship with 3rd party logistic providers to ensure
the best possible service levels.
Contact
Mobile: + 235 63 73 36 25 / Email: [email protected]
Chad
Ndjamena
Moundou
Cameroon
Douala
7
Sahr
Come And Visit Us!
South Africa: The Cargo Show
Come and visit us at our stand at ‘The Cargo Show’ on 30th June-1st
July. The event is held at the Sandton Convention Center, Johannesburg
South Africa. This shipping conference focuses on efficiencies and strategic
supply chain management for operators, cargo owners and forwarders.
Business to Business meetings will also be held. For more information view:
http://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/the-carg-show-africa/index.stm
Mozambique: FACIM 2015
Come and visit us at our stand at the 51th edition of FACIM from August
31st to September 6th 2015 at the SOGEX Showground, Maputo,
Mozambique. FACIM, Feira Internacional de Maputo, is a multi-sectorial
trade fair held in Mozambique organized by the Institute for the Promotion
of Exports [IPEX]. The event is the largest trade show in the country
and seeks to facilitate contact with international exhibitors and stimulate
consumption and economic integration across the Mozambique economy.
8
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
CORRIDOR NEWS
General
New Law To Resolve Trade Disputes Across Region
Cross-border trade across East Africa could be set for growth following the enactment of an innovative new law that aims to aid
resolution of trade disputes caused by Non-Tariff Barriers [NTBs]. The East African Community [EAC] Elimination of Non-Tariff
Barriers [NTBs] Act, 2015 will remove obstacles to intra-EAC trade as it provides for the first time, an alternative to the lengthy
and costly court processes required to settle NTBs related disputes.
While the core objective of the EAC Common Market is for easier intra-regional trade, NTBs have hindered trade and limited the
region’s ability to benefit from greater integration. The impressive growth of intra-EAC trade, the best among Africa’s trade blocs,
could have been even better if issues like import bans, product quotas, complex and discriminatory rules of origin, unjustified
sanitary and phytosanitary conditions, export subsidies, inadequate infrastructure, ‘buy national’ policies, corruption and lengthy
customs procedures were addressed in a quicker and legally binding manner.
The NTBs Act has been passed by the EAC Legislative Assembly and is now awaiting assent by the Heads of State and
ratification by the national parliaments of each of the partner states to become operational. The Act will work by establishing a
framework for resolution of NTBs in the EAC, introduce alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and involve the EAC Council of
Ministers as a last resort without the need to go to national courts.
[Mediamax 11/06/15]
TMEA Launch Annual Report For 2013/2014
TradeMark East Africa [TMEA] launched their annual report for 2013/2014. The partnership between TMEA and East African
governments has been described as vital in achieving the progress in delivering the 7-key One Stop Border Posts [OSBP]
across East Africa this year. This has helped increase physical access to markets for both formal and informal traders. The report
revealed among others details of TMEA’s vision of enhancing interconnectedness in the region through trade by highlighting some
of the successful projects they have supported. TMEA hope to see a 10% increase in the total value of exports from the EAC
and a 25% increase in intra-regional trade exports when compared to total exports in the region by 2016. The report however
highlights the challenges TMEA faced. Many were of an external nature such as increased threats of violence and terrorism.
[TMEA 18/05/15]
RESOURCES
The 2013/2014 annual report is available at www.trademarkea.com/download/6836/
9
Central Corridor
Kigali Stakeholders’ Meeting
A Central Corridor stakeholders meeting was held in
Kigali, Rwanda. The 8th meeting brought together
over 50 participants from the public and private
sectors of Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania
and Uganda to improve transport infrastructure and
services and reduce transport costs. So far there has
been a lot of commitment at a presidential level.
There is commitment to the construction of a
standard gauge railway which has not been seen
before. And other initiatives such as reducing
non-tariff barriers, reducing weighbridges, are all
positive developments. Ideally the 5-member states’
governments should become one and plan in unison.
However each country has its individual development
plans. To succeed there must be some serious
degree of central planning and implementation.
Burundi noted the Central Corridor is a route of
importance, particularly as it is where 75% of its
imports and exports pass and will do everything
possible to see that the route functions efficiently.
Uganda’s East African Business Council [EABC]
sees the Corridor as an alternative route for Uganda.
A viable route as long as there are incentives and
improvements as far as the business networks and
road and rail infrastructure are concerned. Uganda
wants incentives that will accommodate the extra
distance and congestion that is a major impediment
to the usage of the Corridor as it is 500km longer
than the Northern Corridor.
Meanwhile Tanzania’s intention is to have 1-block
train for each country, per week. With newly acquired
wagons reliability and efficiency of the central railway
network has been improved. After the presidential
round-table in Dar es Salaam, in March, Tanzania
has commenced block trains from Dar es Salaam to
Isaka, Mwanza and Kigoma, with cargo destined to
Uganda, DR Congo, Rwanda and Burundi.
[Spy Ghana 13/05/15]
Northern Corridor
Experts Meet Ahead Of Presidential Summit
Senior officials from the East African Community [EAC], met in Kampala, Uganda, for the 10th Northern Corridor Integration
Projects [NCIP] Summit this month. The event was attended by 4-heads of state from Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and the
host Uganda. Its aim was to assess the implementation status of projects launched under the NCIP framework. The event
included a private sector meeting, a ministerial session and a Heads of State Summit. The latter focused on how to actively
involve the private sector in the integration projects. The Northern Corridor brings together countries that are mainly served by
Mombasa port in Kenya.
[New Times 04/06/15]
10
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
CORRIDOR NEWS
Burundi
Bookings Reopen Under TBL
Bookings to Burundi have reopened following political tensions. We can offer a road service to Bujumbura via the port of Dar Es
Salaam, Tanzania in around 22 days. Please be advised we are monitoring this corridor closely as parliamentary and presidential
elections are expected to be held on June 29th and July 15th respectively. The African Union [AU] will dispatch a 50-member
observer mission to Burundi in late June to help oversee the elections to ensure that they are free and fair. Mr. Nkurunziza’s
decision to run for another term has enraged opponents who contend that it violates the Constitution that helped end a
devastating civil war. The dispute has led to street protests, a coup attempt and dozens of deaths.
[Xinhua 16/06/15]
Kenya
New Weigh Bridges To Ease Trade Flow
The government is successfully implementing high speed measurement systems at Kenya’s weigh bridges aimed at reducing
congestion and improving transit cargo movement. Contractor, SGS Kenya has installed High Speed Weighing in Motion systems
which remove human discretion from weigh bridge operations. With underground censors imbedded in the road, it automatically
detects trucks that weigh more than the legal limit and selects them for static weighing [about 20%]. The system became fully
operational in December 2014 at the Mariakani weighbridge and has been extended to other sections on the route at Athi River,
Gilgil, and Webuye.
[EA Business Week 10/05/15]
Mozambique
Maputo Development Corridor A Success Story
The Maputo Development Corridor [MDC], in southern Mozambique, has been
highlighted in an African Development Bank report as the most successful regional
interconnection initiative in sub-Saharan Africa. The report released as part of
the “African Economic Outlook – 2015,” the African Development Bank [AfDB]
analyses the MDC, as well as other corridors of Mozambique, focusing on regional
development and integration. Economic activity is mainly focused on existing
transport infrastructure from the colonial era. In the period that followed the Civil
War [1976-1992] authorities sought to transform traditional corridors into Spatial
Development Initiatives [SDI]. The MDC, as one of the first initiatives of this kind in sub-Saharan Africa, is referred to as the most
successful based on a rail and road link between Maputo and the provinces of Mpumalanga and Gauteng in South Africa, and
providing Swaziland with an alternative to the port of Durban [South Africa]. The main anchor of this project is the US$1 billion
Mozal aluminium smelter near Maputo.
The MDC has received US$2.8 billion investment accounting for 42% of all the country’s entire export revenue, with companies
from various sectors installed around it. For the development of its road, railway, port and more recently gas transport [pipeline]
facilities, the MDC involved several public-private partnerships [PPP], driven by the Maputo Corridor Logistic Initiative, which
brings together several institutional partners from Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland.
In the central region of Mozambique the Beira corridor is also an example of a well-executed SDI. It started out by linking
Zimbabwe to Beira port via a road and a railway line, which was later extended to the coal province of Tete. Its road links have
since been extended to Malawi, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC]. The other outstanding projects are in
Nacala, which is developing links from Libombo with the Maputo corridor connecting it to the coastal areas of South Africa,
Limpopo, linking Maputo to Zimbabwe via a rail network, and Mueda/Lichinga, in the north, connecting Lake Niassa to the port
of Pemba and Tanzania. The corridors of Maputo, Beira and Limpopo are supported by Regional Spatial Development Initiatives
[RSDIP], within the legal framework of the Southern African Development Community [SADC], making Mozambique the subSaharan African country with most RSDIPs. Since the middle of the last decade, Mozambique has spent about 10% of its Gross
Domestic Product [GDP] each year on investments in infrastructure, which is still insufficient to meet the country’s needs.
[Macauhub/MZ 05/06/15]
11
Namibia
Corridor Group Enters Agreement With Regional Body
The Walvis Bay Corridor Group [WBCG] has signed a membership agreement with the Southern
Africa Shippers Transport and Logistics Council [SASTALC], based in South Africa. The move
will facilitate and promote transport and trade and better positions WBCG to connect with
stakeholders from transport, logistics and shipping industries at events hosted by SASTALC.
Namibia is positioning itself to become a major transport hub in southern Africa and the port at
Walvis Bay is currently under expansion with a new container terminal being constructed by the
Namibian Ports Authority at a cost of N$3 billion.
Namibia has already allocated dry port facilities to landlocked Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
The Walvis Bay corridor serves as a real alternative to link the 3-countries to Europe, North
America as well as South America.
Namibia’s ports and corridors are strategically positioned to give the country a competitive
positioning as a transport hub for all regional and international trade between the Southern African Development Community
[SADC] countries, Europe, the Americas, and the rest of the world. Namibia’s transport hubs include the Port of Walvis Bay, the
Trans Kalahari Corridor [TKC], the Trans-Caprivi Corridor, the Trans-Cunene Corridor and the Trans-Oranje Corridor.
As part of its expansion plans, the corridor group recently attended the 21st Intermodal South America, which is the second
biggest logistics Expo in the world in Brazil. Walvis Bay provides the shortest link to connect the massive Brazilian economy to
the Southern African market. Some of the products currently moving on this trade route via Walvis Bay from Brazil to Southern
Africa include chicken, meat, furniture, consumables and construction materials.
[Namibian 29/05/15]
SASTALC
- Members are cargo owners and logistics
service providers
- Represents the interests of its members
and the industry in all transport and
supply chain matters
- Collaborates with governments and other
related associations to promote and
support a globally competitive logistics
climate throughout Southern Africa
- Aims to establish an innovative,
collaborative, all-inclusive public-private
partnership [PPP] for all players across
Southern African supply chains, into
global markets, with strategic focus on
transport and logistics for shippers
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Namibia
Botswana
12
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
CORRIDOR NEWS
Rwanda
Standards Body Extends Import Inspector’s Contract
The Rwanda Standards Board [RSB] has extended Société Générale de Surveillance’s [SGS] contract by 4- months to give the
body more time to select new firms for the pre-shipment inspection [PSI] scheme. The firm’s contract expired in March. SGS is
currently the only firm handling PSI of imports destined for Rwanda on behalf of RSB. This is done under the Imports Products
Conformity Assessment to Standards [IPCA] scheme to ensure only imports that meet strict standards are shipped into the
country to guard against dumping of fake and substandard goods.
[New Times 28/05/15]
Uganda
Free Zones Authority Board Inaugurated
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija has tasked the newly-formed Uganda Free Zones Authority [UFZA] to create a friendly environment
for investors in a bid to increase exports. Formed under the Free Zones Act 2014, UFZA, a 6-man team is mandated to help
both foreign and local investors to set up industries and enterprises in the Special Economic Zones [SEZ] such as those created
in the districts of Rakai, Luweero and Nakaseke. UFZA will work closely with the Uganda Revenue Authority [URA] and Uganda
Investment Authority. The scheme is part of Vision 2040, which targets to increase and diversify the country’s exports.
[Observer 13/05/15]
Uganda Offers E-Portal
Traders wishing to clear their goods with the
Uganda National Bureau of Standards [UNBS]
will not have to wait for weeks for feedback as
a new ePortal online system has been launched
this month and piloted with the clearing agents.
The ePortal known as the import inspection and
clearance information management system is
a joint initiative by UNBS and TradeMark East
Africa [TMEA].
The partnership is geared towards enhancing
efficiency in capacity of the bureau in serving
the trade community in areas of inspection
and quality assurance of goods coming into
and leaving the country. The system will enable
importers to access UNBS services regardless of
location through online services as opposed to
visiting UNBS offices to perform transactions.
Previously an agent would need 1-hr to clear
papers but now only needs 10 minutes.
Importers will be able to apply for import
clearance certification, receive timely notifications
and email through electronic means and also
be able to make appeal applications and get
approval in real time in case their goods are
being held by the officials.
The system will be embedded within the already
installed electronic systems being used by the
URA like ASYCUDA World and single electronic
system and all these will be facilitated by the One
Stop Border Posts [OSBP] on Uganda borders.
[EA Business Week 17/05/15]
13
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
DRY PORTS & OSBP
Central Corridor
Inspection Points For Central Corridor
After conducting improvements on infrastructure at border posts, Trademark East Africa [TMEA] has mooted one stop inspection
stations [OSIS] along the central corridor. A feasibility study has been completed and procurement is being instituted for design
and supervision work. Three-sites have been selected: Nyakanazi in Kigoma region, Vigwaza in Tabora region and Manyoni in
Singida region where upon completion of these stops this will reduce the time it takes to inspect goods being transported along
the central corridor.
[Guardian 16/05/15]
Namibia
Marketing Drive For Botswanan Dry Port
The Botswana High Commissioner to Namibia, Tshenolo Modise, promoted Botswana’s dry port in Walvis Bay at a business
forum organised by the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre underway in Windhoek. Botswana completed the construction
of the dry facility, started in mid-2014, but it has been unutilised since its launch. Many landlocked countries in Southern Africa
including Zambia and Zimbabwe have acquired land at Walvis Bay in Namibia to set up dry ports to cater for their imports and
exports needs. Namibia has also agreed to look into the request from the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] to set a dry port
at the harbour town.
[APA 27/05/15]
14
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
LAKES
Tanzania
3-Ships To Arrive April 2016 For Lakes Cargo
Three ships promised by President Jakaya Kikwete during the 2010-2015 presidential campaigns for operations in Lakes
Victoria, Tanganyika and Nyasa will arrive in April 2016. The vessels are currently undergoing final touches in Sweden [two
for lakes Tanganyika and Victoria] and South Korea [one for Lake Nyasa] and will arrive in pieces ready for local assembly.
Furthermore regarding the Mv Victoria’s [200T] rehabilitation should see spare parts arriving in September 2015 and will join the
only operating ship Mv Serengeti [400T].
[Daily News 11/06/15]
15
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
ROAD
Kenya
Construction/Infrastructure Sector To Grow 9%
The construction and infrastructure sector is anticipating a growth of 9% y-o-y in 2015 according to Kenya Infrastructure Report
Q3 2015 released this month by Business Monitor International [BMI]. Growth is expected to remain over a 10-year forecast
period to 2024, driven by successful issuance of Eurobond which will boost the government’s ability to finance infrastructure
developments. Kenya has, from last year, rolled out a massive road annuity infrastructure program that would together see
construction and/or rehabilitation of 10,000km of roads. The project has already started and, although there were challenges
being reported by local contractors in regard to prequalification requirements and local banks funding, the government
is expecting to have roads constructed by local firms who would be paid after completion of the contracts. Kenya is also
undertaking the LAPSSET project, where a railway network and port of Lamu are anticipated.
[Construction Review Online 15/05/15]
AfDB Finance Bagamoyo-Malindi Highway
The African Development Bank [AfDB] will finance the construction of a highway linking Bagamoyo in Tanzania and Malindi in
Kenya. Detailed designs for the road which will run along the coastline road are being finalized. The implementation of the ArushaHolili-Voi road upgrading is already underway on the Kenyan side. The project has apparently been delayed by the reported
failure by the Tanzanian government to pay compensation for families affected by the 42 km by-pass around Arusha. The EAC
has signed a grant agreement with the AfDB for financing feasibility studies and detailed designs of 2-important links for Burundi
and Rwanda to the central corridor. Construction of the One Stop Border Posts [OSBPs] at the common borders of the 5-EAC
member countries of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi is ongoing with a completion rate of over 80%.
[Coastweek 18/05/15]
Madagascar
EIB €300m Loan For Roads
The European Investment Bank [EIB] has given Madagascar a US$333 million loan to rehabilitate roads, power and energy
infrastructure and also help in emergency repair work resulting from cyclone damage. President Hery Rajaonarimampianina
took office in January 2014 ending a political crisis after a coup in 2009 that prompted international donors to cut ties. Donors,
including the International Monetary Fund [IMF] and World Bank resumed lending to Madagascar. Madagascar’s economy has
shown early signs of recovery in 2014 with growth estimated at 3%, which could rise to 5% in 2015, but political instability, weak
institutions and weak governance are hurting prospects.
[Reuters 20/05/15]
16
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
ROAD
Mozambique
Maputo Ring Road Finished December
The Maputo ring road, awarded to the China Road and Bridge Corporation [CRBC], will be delayed several months. It expected
to be ready in December 2015. The project, costing US$315 million, includes construction of a 74-km road that will create a new
North/South axis between Miramar Beach and the village of Marracuene, and will also involve building 6-bridges and 3-junctions
that will allow traffic flow on National Highway #1 on the Zimpeto-Marracuene section. The work was awarded to CBRC by the
Empresa de Desenvolvimento de Maputo [Maputo Development Company], a public company that manages the construction of
the Maputo Ring Road, the bridge to Catembe and the Catembe-Bela Vista road.
[Macauhub/MZ/CN 11/05/15]
Islamic Bank Finances Road
The Islamic Development Bank [IDB] will finance the construction of a 176 km paved road connecting the north of Mozambique
to Tanzania. The road connects Mueda to Negomano in the province of Cabo Delgado and then on to Tanzania, via the Ponte
da Unidade [Unity Bridge]. The funding request was addressed to the IDB by the Mozambican minister of economy and finance
during the closing ceremony of the 40th annual meeting of the IDB member countries held this month in Maputo.
[Macauhub/MZ 12/06/15]
Rwanda
World Bank Feeder Road Upgrades
The United States government, through the World Bank, has channelled US$50 million for upgrading Rwanda feeder roads
to promote efficiency of supply chains to market. Funds are disbursed through the World Bank Feeder Roads Development
Project and overseen in Rwanda by the United States Agency for International Development [USAID]. The project is aimed at
rehabilitating and maintaining 350km of rural roads in selected districts such as Nyabihu, Nyanza, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, and
Kayonza.
[EA Business Week 10/05/15]
17
Tanzania
US$2 Billion For Commercial Capital
Roads
Tanzania plans to spend 4.394 trillion shillings [US$2 billion] to
build new roads and a bus rapid transit system to unclog traffic in
its commercial capital. Dar es Salaam, with a population of over 4
million, is one of the fastest-growing cities in sub-Saharan Africa,
but it faces a crippling traffic problem. The move will include the
construction of fly-overs and bridges, using budgetary allocations
during the government’s next fiscal year starting in July.
[Reuters 28/05/15]
Bagamoyo-Malindi Highway
Construction To Start 2016
The Tanzanian government announced that the 412-km BagamoyoMalindi highway will commence early 2016. The project, to be
completed in 36 months with funds from the East Africa Community
[EAC] and the World Bank, is expected to enhance cross-bordertrade between Tanzania and Kenya. This project will also ensure easy
cargo movement from Mombasa and Tanga ports to the landlocked
countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. The
feasibility studies and detailed design for the project have been
undertaken. The EAC is to begin talks with the African Development
Bank [AfDB] over a US$500 million credit for construction of the
project.
[Guardian 23/05/15]
Bagamoyo-Msata Highway On
Schedule
The Tanzanian government noted construction of the 64-km
Bagamoyo-Msata road will be completed in March 2016 on
schedule. The road is being constructed in 2-phases with Phase-1
covering 60-km, which is 98% complete with the only pending work
being the construction of weighbridge at Makofia area. Phase-2
involves construction of the main bridge at lower Ruvu and building
of Kariakoo Bridge in addition to other small bridges along Ruvu
River. [Guardian 23/05/15]
Construction Of 4-Lane Regional Road
In Arusha
Construction of the 4-lane road linking Sakina section of Arusha City
with the Tengeru Township in Meru has started, aimed at easing
congestion along Arusha-Moshi highway. The motorway is part
of the implementation of the proposed multinational Arusha-Holili
highway which is to extend into Kenya and join the Taveta-Voi road
project under the East African Community [EAC]. The road, awarded
to a South Korean-based construction firm, Hanil-Jiangsu JV, and its
consultant engineer, Cheil Engineering Company (Korea) is expected
to be completed in 16 months.
[Daily News 12/06/15]
18
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
ROAD
Uganda
Road Mooted From Kampala To Addis
According to Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, Degefe Bula, a road linking Kampala and Addis Ababa, which is expected
to pass through Yale in Northern Kenya, will start when all work plans are completed. The 2-countries have strengthened
bilateral relationships by signing a number of Memorandums of Understanding [MOUs] specifically the road link and for energy
transportation.
[EA Business Week 02/06/15]
Zambia
Chingola Solwezi Road To Be Rehabilitated
The Road Development Agency of Zambia and Buildcon Investment Limited have signed a US$42.67m contract for the
rehabilitation of 40km of Chingola Solwezi Road in the North Western and Copperbelt Provinces. Work on this project is expected
to be complete in 18 months.
[Daily News 24/05/15]
19
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
RAIL
Botswana/Namibia
Doubts Over Trans-Kalahari
The envisaged US$20 billion
Trans-Kalahari Railway [TKR]
line connecting Botswana to
Namibia’s Atlantic coast hangs
in the balance as legislators
and relevant authorities in
Botswana have questioned and
raised doubt about its viability.
The project is considered
among key development
initiatives to boost integration
in the Southern African
Development Community
[SADC] region.
In 2014, Namibia and
Botswana signed an
agreement to pave way for
the construction of 1,500 km
railway line that would traverse
the Kalahari Desert from
Botswana to Namibia.
The US$20 billion project was
expected to connect Botswana
to Namibia’s port of Walvis
Bay, thus unlocking the value
of coal mining in Botswana and power generation in the SADC region. The line mirrors the existing Trans-Kalahari Highway
corridor, which links Botswana to Walvis Bay port, but stretches 1,900 km from Walvis Bay, through Windhoek, Gaborone in
Botswana and Johannesburg to Pretoria in South Africa. The TKR agreement includes adding a coal terminal and associated
loading facilities to the Namibia-Botswana corridor that would benefit other landlocked SADC countries like Malawi, Zambia and
Zimbabwe by providing alternative transportation routes. The TKR is also expected to be used to transport coal to India and
China.
However the Ministry of Minerals Energy and Water has told the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee [PAC] the project
was not viable in response to Parliament expressing misgivings about the line doubting the costs involved and questioning if the
government could actually afford to finance its construction due to current low price levels of coal.
Australian consultants, Aurecon, recently handed over a preliminary assessment of the viability and modalities surrounding the
development of the TKR project to the Botswana Government. The report precedes a final assessment that will be presented in
January next year which will determine the commercial viability of Botswana coal mines if they were to use the envisaged TKR
where various development scenarios are considered covering:
- Rail related costs with respect to weighted average cost of capital [WACC]
- Choice of route - optimized route is 124 km less and 10% shorter than the Botswana route. However the longer route is
estimated at US$2/T higher
- Choice of gauge - a move to narrow gauge would increase costs by US$3/T
- Accessing cheaper investor capital would improve the lines viability
- Ramp up is a risk for investors and miners. If unable to ramp up production from 65 to 95 million T/p.a to full production in
7-years costs will increase significantly.
- Access costs and commercial price & quality of coal
Aurecon put capital expenditure at US$14.2 billion, comprising US$8.6 billion for electrified rail, US$1.9 billion for above rail, and
US$3.6 billion for the port. The TKR is one of the 14 transport corridors identified for development. The corridors involving two
and five countries each are when operational expected to deepen regional integration and boost intra-regional trade.
[Southern Times 08/06/15]
20
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
RAIL
Ethiopia
Railway Projects A Priority
Railway expansion and construction projects will continue to be a priority in Ethiopia even in the next growth and transformation
plan [GTP] period which commences in mid-July. The GTP will see different parts of the country connected to increased trade
and enhance economic growth. Already completed projects include the 370km long Awash-Weldia-Hara Gebeya line, which is
part of the system that connect with port of Tadjoura and the 220km Mekele-Woldia-Hara Gebeya-Semera-Tadjourah Port railway
which will be finalized within this plan period. Ethiopian Railway Corporation’s [ERC] 656km Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway project
will also be completed in the next fiscal year. Ethiopia is the first country in Africa to construct a light railway dubbed ‘The Addis
Ababa Light railway system’, and it is projected to commence operation in the coming fiscal year.
[CR 04/06/15]
Djibouti Rail Line To Finish
Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn attended the ceremonial laying
of the last track of a railway linking their capitals on June 11th. The 752 km line, financed and built by China, links the port
capital of Djibouti with Ethiopia’s landlocked capital Addis Ababa. The first scheduled train is expected in October, reducing
transport time between the capitals to less than 10 hours, rather than the 2-days it currently takes for heavy goods vehicles
using a congested mountain road. Around 1,500 trucks use the road every day with this figure expected to rise to 8,000 within
5-years. With a capacity of 3,500 tonnes, 7-times the capacity of the old line at its peak, the new electrified line will mainly be
used for transporting goods to Africa’s second-most populous nation. Ethiopia’s economy is growing fast, with almost 90% of its
imports going through Djibouti. The new line is being constructed by 2-Chinese companies, from Sebeta/Addis Ababa to Miesso
by China Railway Group [CREC], and from Miesso to Djibouti by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation [CCECC].
Meanwhile Djibouti is embarking on large infrastructure projects, building 6-new ports and 2-airports in the hope of becoming the
commercial hub of East Africa.
[AFP 09/06/15]
Foundation Laid For Addis Ababa-Bedele Rail Project
Prime Minister Haile Mariam Desalegn laid down the cornerstone in Ambo for the construction of a 491km rail link from Addis
Ababa to Bedele in Oromoia state. The project, part of a larger 5,060km line, is to be constructed by the Ethiopian Railways
Corporation [ERC]. The Addis Ababa-Ijaji-Jimma-Guraferda-Dima including Jimma-Bedele [direct to Boma with further extension
to South Sudan] will have more than 25 stations and reduce the duration producers reach markets and link the nation with South
Sudan.
[Walta 14/05/15]
21
Kenya
New Standard Gauge Line Extended To Naivasha
The new 471 km Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway [SGR] is set to be extended 120 km to Naivasha. The Chinese
contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation [CRBC], has been given the go ahead to carry out all the construction works
that will see the special industrial zones in Naivasha linked to Nairobi and Mombasa. The extension plans were revealed during a
meeting between President Uhuru Kenyatta, Cabinet members and the officials of China Roads and Bridge Corporation at Voi.
The government wants to attract investors to build industrial complexes in areas surrounding the Olkaria geothermal power plants
that has seen the country generate up to 150MW of electric energy. The preliminary stage of the SGR from Mombasa to Nairobi
is being built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation [CRBC] and is anticipated to be complete by 2017 with 90% financed
by the Chinese Export-Import Bank.
Furthermore Kenya announced on June 11th it will pay 4.4-billion shillings [US$45-million] to acquire land for the line. Kenya’s
National Land Commission is overseeing compensation and noted 1,500 local land owners with land along the railway path
would receive compensation to vacate their properties.
[CR 28/05/15]
South Africa
Transnet Receives US$2 Billion Loan From Chinese Bank
Transnet will pocket a R30 billion [US$2 billion] loan from the China Development Bank to improve its ageing train fleet. CEO
Siyabonga Gama announced the deal on the side-lines of the World Economic Forum for Africa in Cape Town. The proceeds are
to be used to finance 232 diesel and 359 electric locomotives which have been ordered from China National Railway Corporation
Limited [CNR] and China South Railway [CSR]. Transnet plans to draw down the R18bn first tranche of over 4-years, with the
second tranche subject to market conditions and funding requirements. The repayment term is 15 years, with a grace period of
4½ years while the locomotives are being built. R18 billion of the loan has already been transferred to the state utility.
Transnet has now secured 92% of the funding for its R50bn 7-year programme to acquire a total of 1,064 locomotives to support
plans to increase traffic volumes from 210 million tonnes to more than 350 million tonnes.
[Railway Gazette/Reuters 04/06/15]
22
EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA
RAIL
Tanzania
Awards US$9 Billion Rail Projects To Chinese
Tanzania has awarded contracts to build new railway lines worth US$9-billion to Chinese firms. According to transport minister,
Samuel Sitta, a Chinese consortium led by China Railway Materials [CRM] had been awarded a contract to build a 2,561km
standard gauge railway connecting Dar es Salaam port to land-locked neighbours at a cost of US$7.6-billion. The consortium
will provide 10% of the funding for the project while financial adviser Rothschild is finalising procedures for financing of the project
through banks. Construction of the line is expected to start in June.
Tanzania has also signed a framework agreement with another Chinese company, China Railway No.2 Engineering Group Co.
Ltd., to build a line linking coal and iron ore mine projects, also under development by a Chinese group, to the southern port of
Mtwara near big offshore natural gas discoveries. The 1,000 km standard gauge line is expected to cost at least US$1.4-billion.
The railway will link the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam to the Rwandan capital, Kigali. The link will be extended to Musongati in
neighbouring Burundi and serve as a trade route for eastern Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] and south-western Uganda.
Congo is Africa’s biggest copper and tin producer and mines half the world’s cobalt, while Uganda is the continent’s largest
coffee exporter.
Tanzania noted in March it planned to spend US$14.2-billion to construct a new rail network in the next 5-years financed with
commercial loans, as it aims to become a regional transport hub. Tanzania, like Kenya, wants to profit from its long coastline and
upgrade existing railways and roads to serve growing economies in the land-locked heart of Africa. 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. Tanzania last year signed an agreement with China Merchant
Holding International [CMHI] to build a new mega port and economic zone at Bagamoyo expected to cost at least US$10-billion.
China is also financing a US$1.2-billion, 532 km natural gas pipeline in Tanzania.
[Engineering News 01/06/15]
23
Zambia
Rail Operator Seeks US$80 Million Chinese Upgrade
The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority [Tazara] is seeking
as much as US$80 million in financing from China to
refurbish the joint own railway. The 1,860km line is an
important export link for copper from Zambia to Tanzania’s
Indian Ocean port in Dar es Salaam. It has suffered from
years of neglect and has been repeatedly hit by work
stoppages. Investment to improve the railway could
increase its capacity to haul copper to at least 2 million
MT over the next 2-years from 600,000 tons. Talks aimed
at securing financing for the upgrade should conclude by
year-end.
[Mail 30/05/15]
ZRL To Increase Cargo On Chipata-Mchinji Line
Zambia Railways Limited [ZRL] is this year expected to increase cargo being transported on Chipata-Mchinji Railway line from
100,000 to 137,000 tonnes. ZRL began operations on the line in May 2014 and has so far transported 100,000 tonnes of cargo
to the Southern African port of Nacala in Mozambique. ZRL hopes to increase its wagons to 71 from the current 46. Meanwhile
ZRL has obtained an extended 2-years license to continue operating the line to 2017 in Malawi and Mozambique after it expired
this year. However ZRL lost about 20,000 tonnes when the line was affected by floods in Mozambique during the last rainy
season.
[Times of Zambia 03/06/15]
24
WESTERN AFRICA
ROAD
Togo/Burkina Faso
AfDB Loan To Improve Lomé-Cinkanse-Ouagadougou Corridor
The Governments of Togo and Burkina Faso, on May 29 in Abidjan, signed a protocol agreement worth 2.34 million Units of
Account [UA] with the African Development Bank [AfDB] to fund the Multinational Togo-Burkina Faso road rehabilitation and
transport facilitation on the Lomé-Cinkanse-Ouagadougou corridor. The zone is the backbone of Togo’s road network and the
only road linking all the regions of the country. The corridor is important for the sub-region’s landlocked countries, particularly
Burkina Faso, Lomé Port being the primary transit port for its trades and that of Niger and Mali.
[AfDB 29/05/15]
25
WESTERN AFRICA
RAIL
Benin
Passenger Service To Launch This Year
President Thomas Boni Yayi joined Vincent Bolloré, CEO
of railway concessionaire Bolloré Group, to officially launch
the rehabilitation of the 25 km metre gauge Cotonou –
Pahou line on June 2. The project includes complete
replacement of the track and the rehabilitation of the
stations at Cadjèhoun Saint-Jean, Godomey, Cococodji
and Pahou.
Bolloré plans to launch a passenger service branded
Blueline by the end of the year, using second hand
coaches which have been acquired from Switzerland’s
Zentralbahn. It will also rehabilitate the station in Sémé,
which would be the starting point for the planned
rehabilitation of the line to the capital Porto-Novo.
Agreements were reached in April for the rehabilitation of
the line running north from Cotonou to Parakou and the
construction of a 574 km extension to Niamey in Niger. The
freight and passenger route is envisaged as part of a 2,700
km loop linking Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin
and Togo. The project is to be developed by the Benirail
joint venture of Bolloré Group [40%], the governments of
Benin [10%] and Niger [10%] and local investors.
[Railway Gazette 10/06/15]
Cameroon
Edea-Kribi-Lolabe Railway MOU With China
The Cameroon Government signed a MOU with Chinese
CHECH on May 6th in Yaounde to conduct a feasibility study
on the Edea-Kribi-Lolabe railway project which will service the
Kribi deep water port which was built by CHEC. After building
the first [container and multipurpose] terminals and other portrelated infrastructure, the largest on the West African coast,
CHEC is now not only poised to land the container terminal
contract but also participated, alongside the Cameroonian
government, in negotiating necessary financing of US$750
million with Eximbank of China to build the second container
terminal at the port of Kribi which is twice the size of the first
port. In the past, CHECH had applied for and landed the
contract to dredge the Douala port’s channel.
[Business in Cameroon 15/05/15]
Nigeria
US$2.4 Billion Lagos Metro Rail Transit
The Transport Minister announced that the Infrastructure Bank [TIB] in Joint Venture [JV] with the Marina Express Train Service Ltd
[METSL] has committed to construct the proposed Lagos Metro Rail Transit [LMRT]. The project will cost US$2.4 billion. A Right
of Way [ROW] handing over event took place in Abuja for the construction of the proposed Iddo-Agbado Corridor rail line.
[CR 28/05/15]
26