CTBL-WATCH AFRICA ISSUE 17 | MAY 2015

CMA CGM GROUP’S NEWEST CTBL EXPORT OFFER OPENING THE -WALVIS BAY CORRIDOR Full Story On Page 5

Malawi: US$70m For Border Kenya: Rail Cargo On the Rise West Africa: Borderless Post Construction 13Up 24% 17E-Platform On NTB’s 23 CTBL-WATCH AFRICA ISSUE 17 | MAY 2015

Contents

03 / 07 / Corridor Review Eastern & Southern Africa 05 / 23 / African Group News Western Africa

Top Stories

5

CMA CGM Group : Opening The Zambia-Walvis Bay Corridor

13

Malawi: US$70m For Border Post Construction

17

Kenya: Rail Cargo On the Rise Up 24%

23

West Africa: Borderless E-Platform On NTB’s

1 CMA CGM Marseille Head Offi ce The African Inland Freight Report 4, Quai d’Arenc 13235 Marseille cedex 02 France Brought to you by CMA CGM / DELMAS Marketing Tel : +33 (0)4 88 91 90 00 www.cmacgm.com Website: www.delmas.com Email: [email protected] Disclaimer of Liability Tweet: @DelmasWeDeliver CMA CGM / DELMAS make every effort to providep and maintain usable, and timely information in this report. No responsibilityp is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance too 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 Rachel Bennett Dominic Rawle 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: Traders Worried As NTBs Continue / Regional Customs Transit Guarantee Scheme [RCTG], RCTG CARNET / M-Ship App To Monitor Delays In Transporting Goods Burundi: Bookings Suspended Under TBL Until Further Notice Ethiopia: US$240 Million For Road Projects / BADEA Sign Loan Agreement For Shambu- Bako Road / US$1.7 Billion Awash Woldia/Hara Gebeya Rail Project Kenya: LAPSSET Project - Marsabit-Moyale Road / Rail Cargo On the Rise / Phase II Standard Gauge Railway Project To Start July / Mombasa-Nairobi High-Speed Line Progressing Malawi: US$70m For Border Post Construction / World Bank To Improve National Highway, Border Posts To Facilitate Trade / Liwonde-Mangochi Road / Mzuzu-Nkhatabay Road Mauritius: PME African Infrastructure To Sell Rail Assets Mozambique: Post-Rainy Season Repairs / Maputo, Catembe Bridge To Open 2017 / Navigability Study Of Chire & Rivers Ready August / No Money For Moatize- Macuse Railway : Record Transport Merger / TransNamib Needs More Locomotives Rwanda: Government, China Look to Deepen Ties : Johannesburg Highway To Be Upgraded / A New Rail Era : Mwambani Corridor Pledged US$27 Billion / Tender For Rehabilitation Of Mwanza Region Ferry / Elimination Of NTB’s Boosts Regional Trade / Cargo Firm Plans Dry Port In Kisarawe / Holili Border Post To Start Operations Soon / Tazara Set To Land 1.6 Million Tonnes Haulage Deal Uganda: RVR New Wagons To Tap Into Ugandan Market Zambia: North-South Corridor - - Road Rehabilitation / Contracts Upgrade Of North-Western Province Roads / PPP Opportunity To Develop, Manage Rail Terminal Facilities Zimbabwe: Opens Second EU Business Information Centre, In Bulawayo

Western Africa

Regional: Borderless E-Platform For Reporting And Monitoring Non-Tariff Barriers Nigeria: New Border Post Burkina Faso: CU9 Corridor Lomé-Ouagadougou Cameroon: Edea-Kribi-Lolabe Railway - Feasibility Studies / Sundance Resources Starts Topographical Survey On Mbalam-Kribi Route / Grindrod Locos Delivered To Douala Port Cote d’Ivoire: Awards US$1.76 Million Infrastructure Contract To Louis Berger DRC: CNR Delivers Locomotives To DR Congo Ghana: Studies Light Rail And Inter-City PPPs Nigeria: US$3.5 Billion Intercity Rail Project / Contract For Ogun State Rail

2 CTBL AFRICA CORRIDOR REVIEW

Eastern & Southern Africa

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 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.

Due to political tensions/riots our bookings to Burundi are suspended until further notice. Our Tanzanian transporters will not perform trucking to/from Burundi as the border could close at any time. We do not see the situation improving until post-election. Our team is working on a plan with our transporter for units already discharged and that are currently on board our vessels. 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 , 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 We can accept bookings on this corridor in spite of the railways not being fully operational following heavy rains. CDN Railway has advised a new estimated date of May 25th for the line to be back in order. Back-up solutions are being organised locally and we trust that the situation will get back to normal shortly. 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 Maputo- Hwange. 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 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 1 ● 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.

4 CMA CGM / DELMAS AFRICAN GROUP NEWS

Group’s Newest CTBL Export Offer Opening The Zambia-Walvis Bay Corridor

Following negotiations with service providers we are pleased to 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. The Port is operated by the Namibian Port Authority [Namport] and serves as a gateway linking Southern Africa’s major trading regions to international markets. Through this new service we are able to provide integrated and customized logistics solutions for all your cargo needs. Quick and efficient transit times to Walvis Bay are offered as follows:

City Distance from Walvis Bay Transit time Livingstone 1,565 km 3 days Lusaka 2,050 km 4–5 days Ndola 2,395 km 4–5 days

ADVICE For further details on the customs or transport documents required at each border post along the Trans-Caprivi Corridor, please contact the relevant offices listed below. Or our local agency offices can assist you. It is worth noting weighbridges are situated at Livingstone, Kafue and Lusaka. A mobile ZRA unit operates on the 65-km stretch between Kafue and Lusaka, and conducts random inspections on trucks travelling this route.

Katima Mulilo Border Post Zambia Revenue Authority [ZRA] Zambia Roads Development Agency Tel.: +264 66 253222 Customs & Excise Axle Load Control Project Fax: +264 66 253222 Tel: +260 1 229214 / 228414 / 229407 / 235251 Tel.: +260 1 253088 / 253002 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +260 1 226139 Fax: +260 1 253404 E-mail: [email protected]

5 FlexCost Through Bill of Lading [FlexTBL] Its nearly a year ago since CMA CGM/DELMAS launched its new Bill of Lading product. The “FlexCost TBL” is a classic TBL giving more flexibility in terms of splitting the cost. Under the same contract [Carrier Bill of Lading - BL] it allows for suppliers and consignees to split transport costs, being pre-paid or collect, import or export. For example the shipper can pay up to Port Of Discharge and consignee to Final Place of Delivery. Meanwhile the carrier still guarantees a complete and integrated service, avoiding complications and risks of on carriage in Africa.

Gilles Duffaut, Group Director for Intermodal Africa, comments about the success of this package: As a market leader we always look to improve both our products and services to remain ahead of the competition. By launching innovative “ products like the FlexTBL we answered our Asian customers need to keep CIF terms with their African customers – allowing them to guarantee a single negotiable document up to final place of delivery. Our focus is always on service to customers, not only in Asia but in the Americas and Europe where quality of service is key to development. ADVANTAGES ” - Single, blank negotiable document - Transport of containers to and from numerous landlocked African destinations with controlled transit times - No demurrage at port of discharge until final delivery to consignee - Optimization of on carriage [road, rail] to meet local constraints - Efficient tracking system and dedicated customer service - Secured and integrated logistic network up to delivery at final destination - All inclusive rates available at initial inquiry - Priority “Hot Box” status for all transhipments

Enquiries For details about the ‘FlexCost TBL’ service, booking and all-in rate enquiries please contact your usual CMA CGM / DELMAS agent.

6 EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA CORRIDOR NEWS

East Africa Central Corridor Traders Worried As NTBs Continue

A month after Rwanda and Tanzania held bilateral talks on how to increase efficiency on the central corridor, business community members say little is being done by the Tanzanian authorities to improve the situation. Traders were speaking during the 3rd breakfast meeting between the private sector and Ministry of East African Community affairs, in Kigali, on April 23rd. Traders noted:

- The regional customs transit guarantee issued by Rwanda is not activated in Tanzania Revenue Authority system which is a challenge to Rwandan clearing firms. - Rwandan freight forwarders are not registered on Tanzania TRANCIS limiting handling of EAC transit cargo. - Issues of double payments [exit fees] charged to freight forwarders at both the port and inland container depots for same container. - Weighbridge issues as many Tanzanian stations, including Vigwaza, Mikese, Kihonda/Morogoro, Dodoma/Nala, Singida/ Njuki, Kahama/Mwenda Kulima and Nyakahura, still remain along the corridor. Authorities here are still weighing empty trucks causing unnecessary delays. - Limited parking spaces at Dar es Salaam port.

It is not all bad news as since August 2014 when Rwanda deployed its customs officials at Dar es Salaam port, transit time has been reduced from 10 to 6 days from Dar-es-Salaam to Kigali while weighbridges have been reduced from 8 to 7. The road toll, which had been imposed on Rwandan trucks, has since been reduced from US$500 to US$152 per truck per trip. Police roadblocks have been also reduced to 8 in 2014, from 53 roadblocks in 2010.

During the Heads of State meeting in Tanzania last month it was agreed that Tanzania removes the requirement of cash bonds for transportation of sugar to Rwanda and takes a lead in the harmonisation of axle load limit at 56 tonnes. It was also agreed that movements of Cargo trucks between Isaka-Rusumo happens 24 hours and that trucks use electronic cargo tracking system to eliminate the unnecessary road blocks. It is, however, yet to be seen how fast these recommendations are implemented. [New Times 24/04/15]

7 East Africa Northern Corridor Regional Customs Transit Guarantee Scheme [RCTG] / RCTG CARNET

The 8th Meeting of Management Committee of the Regional Customs Transit Guarantee [RCTG] Scheme was held over 2-days in Kigali this month. Organized by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa [COMESA] and the Rwanda Revenue Authority the event discussed ways of making the RCTG programme more successful for businesses by speeding up the movement of goods.

The COMESA Customs Bond Guarantee Scheme is a customs transit regime designed to facilitate the movement of goods under Customs seals in the COMESA region and to provide the required customs security and guarantee to the transit countries. It is popularly known as the RCTG CARNET or COMESA CARNET.

The RCTG scheme was rolled out in the Northern Corridor countries in December 2011 and has achieved the significant progress. More than 13,000 RCTG general bonds worth over US$250 million have been instituted and put to use in the movement and clearance of transit goods in the Northern corridor - a significant amount. Following the rollout of the EAC single customs territory a larger number of SME clearing and forwarding agents have joined the RCTG scheme and are using the regional bond. However, the RCTG Scheme still faces some challenges particularly in the application of RCTG MIS [Management Information System] and the interface with the national customs system, the contribution of the various stakeholders plus the challenge of some states not being part of this programme. [EA Business Week 03/05/15]

RCTG CARNET FACTBOX - The bonds scheme is designed to fast-track movement of goods under Customs seals in the COMESA region. - A Customs transit guarantee scheme is a system that ensures that Customs in a transit country receive proper payment for dues and duties for any goods in transit. - Rwanda, which has already converted all local transit bonds into RCTG, is the stand-out performer - Uganda has also embarked on a similar process, accommodating both small operators and big businesses. - For further information please view: RCTG MIS: http://rctg-new.comesa.int/ World Trade organisation [WTO]: https://www. wto.org/english/tratop_e/tradfa_e/wks_tradfajune14_e/giday.pdf

8 EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA CORRIDOR NEWS

East Africa M-Ship App To Monitor Delays In Transporting Goods

A new US$100,000 mobile application, M-ship, is set to monitor delays in moving goods within sub-Saharan Africa region, helping cut transport costs. M-ship was developed by the International Standing Committee on Shipping [ISCOS], an initiative of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. The app will help detect areas where delays occur during clearance and transportation of goods, cutting non-tariff barriers. *290# The system will assist in identifying areas that need improvement by collecting data and sending it to the relevant authorities. Anyone wishing to report an incident will be required to dial *290# using the Safaricom network after which they will be guided through steps on how to file a complaint or report malpractices.

The mobile app will initially be free, but later users will pay. At the moment, the only charges the system attracts are the normal SMS rates. Users of other networks would also start using the app soon. [Business Daily 17/04/15]

Burundi Bookings Suspended Under TBL Until Further Notice

Following election tensions and riots, our Tanzanian transporters will not perform trucking to/from Burundi. The Burundi border could close temporally at any time. We do not see the situation improving until post-election. Our team is working on a plan with our transporter for units already discharged and that are currently on board our vessels. [Local Agent 29/04/15]

9 Mozambique Post-Rainy Season Repairs

The government of Mozambique is trying to raise US$297 million from its cooperation partners to rebuild the infrastructure destroyed by the rains this year. For railway repairs US$30 million would be provided by private entities and the remaining US$75 million would come from the state budget. It is anticipated that by the end of the year about 2,300 km of roads will undergo routine maintenance and repairs due to damage done in the rainy season. Some of the tenders for selection of contractors who will carry out the work are already underway and estimates point to a final cost of 400 million meticais [US$11.2 million]. [Macauhub/MZ 16/04/15]

Maputo/Catembe Bridge To Open 2017

The President announced that building work on the Maputo-Catembe bridge which connects the two shores of the Bay of Maputo, will be concluded by the end of 2017. The Export-Import Bank of China provided US$315 funds for the project which was officially launched together with the 74km Maputo ring road which is in its final phase of construction. Both projects are being implemented by the China Road and Bridge Corporation. The bridge is part of the project to build the 209km Maputo/ Ponta do Ouro road, a project split into 3-parts: Maputo/Catembe section [35km], Catembe/Ponta de Ouro [109km] which includes the repair/construction of roads between Catembe/Bela Vista and Bela Vista/South Africa and finally the Bela Vista/ Boane road [63 km]. The project has an estimated cost of US$700 million. [Macauhub/MZ 27/04/15] Navigability Study Of Chire & Zambezi Rivers Ready August

The navigability study of the Chire and Zambezi rivers should be completed by August according to the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The study was conducted at the request of neighbouring Malawi, which wants to use the 2-rivers to import and export its goods, with the prospect of lowering transport costs by about 60%. Preliminary studies have already advised against trade and international navigation due to environmental, social and economic impacts particularly as the Zambezi sites the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric dam. The Chire has depths up to 8m, so there would be no need to dredge the river for commercial shipping but it has a large amount of aquatic plants - an obstacle to navigation. [Macauhub/MZ 07/05/15]

10 EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA CORRIDOR NEWS

Rwanda Government, China Look to Deepen Ties

The Government and the People’s Republic of China are looking to further deepen bilateral ties following a special visit to China by a Rwandan delegation led by Foreign Affairs minister, Louise Mushikiwabo. Parties discussed bilateral cooperation issues and agreed to scale up the frequency of bilateral political consultations. Each signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with SINOHYDRO, a Chinese engineering and construction company to implement the hydro power station projects of Nyabugogo II and Mutobo Project station. In 2013 bilateral trade value between China and Rwanda reached US$243,000,000, composed of US$134,000,000 in exports from China and US$109,000,000 in export from Rwanda. As a measure to help Rwanda increase its exports to China it extended duty-free treatment to 95% of Rwandan products in the Chinese market. China also facilitates the participation of Rwandan companies in various Chinese Import and Export Fairs, so that they can directly promote their products. [New Times 01/05/15] Tanzania Mwambani Corridor Pledged US$27 Billion

Brookwoods Capital, a privately held equity firm is to invest US$27 billion in the construction of Tanzania’s Mwambani Port and Railway Corridor [Mwaporc] project in Tanga, which is set to be one of the region’s largest development corridors. Mwaporc development corridor will see exporters and importers reduce the cost of logistics via direct shipping of goods from international ports. The project includes construction of a free port adjacent to the new one, a deep sea port and a standard gauge railway that will connect Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC]. The Mwaporc free port will house logistics, manufacturing and service industries. The port is expected to cost a total of $32bn with construction commencing as soon as the agreement is signed. Tanzania is also undertaking a major expansion of Mtwara port. [CR 29/04/15]

Tender For Rehabilitation Of Mwanza Region Ferry

The Ministry of Works through TEMESA has invited eligible companies to rehabilitate the Mv Nyerere ferry plying between Bugorola and Ukara Ukerewe in Mwanza region. The Government of has set aside funds during the financial year 2014/2015. A tender has been issued. [UK TI 10/04/15]

11 Elimination Of NTB’s Boosts Regional Trade

East Africa is witnessing a flourishing trade, thanks to heavy investments in trade infrastructure and dismantling of bureaucratic and procedural barriers to economic integration, according to TradeMark East Africa [TMEA]. During the launch of their 2013/14 annual report in Dar es Salaam TMEA noted investments in trade infrastructure as well as the dismantling of bureaucratic and procedural barriers to economic integration were positioning the EAC region as the destination of choice for doing business. Encouraging results achieved over the past year, including investments at 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. Harmonisation of product standards had also expanded the East African Community trade basket. The Annual Report details TMEA’s vision of enhancing integration in the region through trade and highlighted successful projects which include: [Daily News 05/05/15]

Dar es Salaam Port TMEA partners with the World Bank and UK’s Department for International Development [DFID] to support a US$596 million project to modernise and expand the port with a view to improve operational efficiency. The project, titled Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project, will improve the physical capacity of infrastructure and operational efficiency at the port by demolishing sheds 2 and 3 which began last month. In addition, roads leading to the port would be upgraded and gates to introduce a single way traffic flow system would also be installed. Dredging and modernising of berths to allow handling of bigger vessels will also be executed. Mombasa Port TMEA collaborated with the Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] to implement the proposed Mombasa Port Development Programme with the aim of improving productivity and optimising supply chain for the different cargo trades. The Mombasa Port Corridor Charter and Performance Dashbord launched by President Kenyatta in June 2014 marked an important milestone for the project and cemented commitment from participating stakeholders to double the efficiency of the port and the Northern Corridor. One Stop Border TMEA’s partnership with East African Governments has resulted in delivering 7-key OSBP’s across Posts [OSBP] the region this year to increase physical access to markets for both formal and informal traders. Pilot operations at the Kobero/ Kabanga between Tanzania and Burundi borders already indicate a 2-day reduction in transit times at Kabanga for cargo trucks, as well as reduction in tedious formalities for traders which have had adverse impact on time and costs of business in the past. Non-Tariff Barriers TMEA registered notable results in elimination of non-tariff barriers as it resolved more than 40% of issues registered in an online and SMS reporting system last year in Tanzania. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and TCCIA support the online and SMS NTBs reporting system. The project was extended throughout the country to ensure reporting of the NTBs was effective. Each complaint is followed up by NTB National Monitoring Committee [NMC] which updates the business community on the progress of elimination. The committee meets monthly to discuss the new reported NTBs as well as those pending. Zimbabwe Opens Second EU Business Information Centre, In Bulawayo

Exporters are to have better access to market information about the European Union with the inauguration of the Zimbabwe-European business information centre in Bulawayo. The inauguration of the centre on 15th April is the second of its kind in the country, following the opening of a centre in Harare in August 2014.

Located in the national trade promotion organization ZimTrade’s regional office the office will target companies in the Matabeleland and Midlands Region. The facility will provide information covering European Union market intelligence, trade fairs, the Eastern and Southern African-European Union interim Economic Partnership Agreement, Generalized System of Preferences, tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and coaching availability from European Union Member States as well as experienced Zimbabwean entrepreneurs. [ITC 16/04/15]

12 EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA DRY PORTS & OSBP

Malawi US$70m For Border Post Construction

Malawi have been granted a loan of US$70m for a border post between Malawi and Zambia - between the town of Mwame Zambia and Mchinji - in a bid to improve its trade with Southern Africa Developing Countries [SADC] and reduce wastage of time on borders. The loan, which was granted by the African Development Fund [ADF] will see the post’s construction kick off immediately. Zimbabwe has also announced an intention to reconstruct the Beitbridge border post to international standards, since delays and inefficiencies were being experienced. [CR 24/04/15] Tanzania Cargo Firm Plans Dry Port In Kisarawe

DSM Corridor Group Limited, a private cargo handling and logistics company, plans to open its dry port in Kisarawe District, Coast Region later this year. The move will avoid congestion in Dar es Salaam port. By taking cargo to Kisarawe dry port and then through Kibaha by truck the facility will aim to reduce time and costs compared to the current route. DSM handled over 1.6 million tonnes of cargo last year, which is over 10% of the 14 million tonnes handled by Dar es Salaam port.

DSM Corridor Group is in talks with Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority [Tazara] to get a deal that will enable cargo from Kisarawe to be shipped to DR Congo, Malawi and Zambia to reduce freight charges. Tazara which has capacity of transporting some 5-million tonnes of cargo p.a., currently handles less than 400,000 tonnes due to poor infrastructure and mismanagement. The DSM Corridor deal will enable the cash strapped international railway company improve its books of accounts. DSM used Tazara to ship copper from Zambia to Dar es Salaam port which went smoothly. [Daily News 16/04/15] Holili Border Post To Start Operations Soon

The One Stop Border Post [OSBP] at Holili on Tanzania border with Kenya in Rombo, District, Kilimanjaro Region is to begin operations on May 18th to drastically cut on delays in transit cargo clearance at the border.

The US$5.7 million state of-the-art structure has been set up by Trademark East Africa [TMEA] at Holili on the Tanzania’s side of the border with Kenya to facilitate implementation of the integrated border management systems at Holili and Taveta border posts.

TMEA has constructed another US$ 6.7 million infrastructure at the Taveta border post on the Kenyan side for the purpose. Under the project activities of both countries’ border organisations and agencies are combined at either a single common location or at a single location in either direction without increasing risk to public safety or revenue collection. [Daily News 04/05/15]

13 EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA ROAD

Ethiopia US$240 Million For Road Projects

Ethiopia is to spend US$240m on 3-new road projects which will fully be funded by the Government. Such development will enhance the trade between Ethiopia and its neighbouring countries and further linking it with the Tadjourah Port. [CR 15/04/15]

China Railway Company is to undertake construction works over 42 Sodo Tercha Asphalt Road [83.4km] months. Ethiopia is under the process of selecting the project’s consultant company. Located in the Northern Ethiopia region, the road project will cost Gash and Lalibela-Sekota Asphalt Road US$102m over 39 months. Chinese company, Highway Engineering [99km] Company is undertaking its construction. Located in Beleho in the North East. Defense Construction Enterprise, a Dichito-Gaielfi Roundabout Road [80.5km] local construction company manage construction over 39 months. BADEA Sign Loan Agreement For Shambu-Bako Road

A US$13 million loan agreement for the upgrading of Shambu-Bako Road was signed between the government of Ethiopia and the Arab Bank for African Economic Development (BADEA) on 5th May. The project is co-financed with BADEA, OPEC and the government of Ethiopia. [Herald 06/05/15]

Shambu

Bako

Kenya/Ethiopia LAPSSET Project - Marsabit-Moyale Road

The 240km Marsabit-Moyale road which is anticipated to link Kenya to Ethiopia is on way to completion. This was confirmed by an official from the Kenya National Highways Authority [KeNHA]. Construction is funded by the European Union and the Kenyan government. Construction of the 86km Merille-Marsabit road, which is underway, is expected to be complete by mid-2016. The road was supposed to be done by October 2014 but the contractor, Gulsan, a Turkish company asked for more time due to the rough terrain.

The projected Isiolo-Merille-Marsabit-Moyale road is part of the US$11m Lamu-Port-South Sudan Ethiopia Transport [LAPSSET] corridor project. The entire road project is expected to cost US$517m and is being funded by Kenya Government, the African Development Bank and the European Union. Several advantages will be seen on completion: trade between Ethiopia and other countries will increase as well as revenue that will be generated from economic activities that are anticipated to begin. [CR 13/04/15]

14 EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA ROAD

Malawi World Bank To Improve National Highway, Border Posts To Facilitate Trade

The World Bank Group approved a US$69 million credit to improve Malawi’s road and border post infrastructure connecting the country to regional trade corridors in southern Africa.

The funds have been provided to Malawi by the International Development Association [IDA] under Phase 2 of the Southern Africa Trade and Transport Facilitation Program which aims to ease the movement of goods along the North-South Corridor [NSC] and at the key border crossings in Malawi. The NSC runs for 3,900 km from the port city of Dar- es-Salaam in Tanzania to Durban in South Africa.

The program will focus on the which is the backbone of Malawi’s road network. The priority routes will be in the northern part of Malawi namely the Karonga-Songwe [46 km], Kacheche-Chiweta [70 km] and Mzimba Turn Off - Mzuzu - Kacheche [147km].

The Karonga-Songwe portion of the road carries 22% of Malawi’s foreign trade to Songwe, the border point with Tanzania. It is also important for Zambia as it provides the shortest route to Dar-es-Salaam. All these priority routes are in agriculturally productive areas thus will benefit the local communities to transport their produce.

Beyond roads, the program will also upgrade and modernize border post facilities to improve trade facilitation at Songwe on the Tanzania border, and Dedza, Mwanza, and Muloza border crossings on the Mozambique Border.

Among other improvements will be structured sharing of information across borders, ICT connectivity, interagency co-operation, and equipment for physical inspections. [World Bank 29/04/15] Liwonde-Mangochi Road

The Government has received a loan from the African Development Bank [AfDB] towards the rehabilitation of the Liwonde- Mangochi Road, and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to payments under the contract #RA/DEV/14/10. The Roads Authority intends to prequalify contractors and expects that Invitations for Bid [IFB] will be made in July 2015. [AfDB 20/04/15] Mzuzu-Nkhatabay Road

The Government has received a loan from the African Development Bank [AfDB] for rehabilitation of Mzuzu-Nkhatabay Road contract #RA/DEV/14/09. It is expected that Invitations for Bid [IFB] will be made on 25th June 2015. [AfDB 20/04/15]

15 Namibia Record Transport Merger

The Namibian Competition Commission [NaCC] has approved one of the largest mergers of transportation companies in Namibian history between FP du Toit Transport, a long haul operator throughout SADC counties, who bought Wesbank Transport a specialist in haulage for the mining industry. Westbank are the largest harbour carrier and container handling and storage facility operator in Walvis Bay and own the largest abnormal loads division in Namibia as well as a crane hire business with the largest cranes in the country of up to 220 tonnes capacity. [New Era 23/04/15] South Africa Johannesburg Highway To Be Upgraded

Key sections of the Johannesburg highway system are to be upgraded. A capacity assessment will be undertaken on the M1 and M2 network, as well as the Soweto Highway. This will indicate the extent of the upgrades required as well as potential innovative solutions that can be introduced to address congestion challenges. Repairs on the Double Decker section of the M1 and the Oxford and Federation bridges will start in Q1 2016. [SA Government 07/05/15]

Zambia North-South Corridor - Chinsali-Nakonde Road Rehabilitation

The Government has applied for an African Development Bank [AfDB] loan to finance the Chinsali-Nakonde Road Rehabilitation Project to improve road transport infrastructure and services in the COMESA/EAC/SADC region through development of the priority road corridor. The move will reduce transport costs between northern Zambia and southern Tanzania. The project includes reconstruction of 210 km of road between Chinsali and Nakonde under 2-separate lots and rehabilitation of 50 km of feeder roads. [AfDB 15/04/15] Contracts Upgrade Of North-Western Province Roads

Mufumbwe 15.7 km Dalong Construction The Government is set to begin US$710m work on the renovation of roads in 5-district. Zambezi 9.6 km Road Pave Company Chavuma 9.5 km Alsphad Engineering Work will begin after the rainy season and is expected to be complete in 18 months. The funds will go towards Link Zambia Kasempa 9.27 km Alsphad Engineering 8000 project, Pave 2000, Lusaka 400 and other road work Solwezi 20.5 km China Geo Company plans across the provinces. [Construction Review Online 06/05/15]

16 EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA RAIL

Ethiopia US$1.7 Billion Awash Woldia/Hara Gebeya Rail Project

Ethiopian Railway Corporation [ERC] is investing US$1.7 billion in a new rail line that will connect northern and central regions to be completed by December 2015. The project is part of a 5-year growth and transformation plan [GTP] to enhance the transportation network by connecting to adjacent countries and ports. ERC has recognised 8-rail routes as significant for development to cover 5,060km. [Geeska 04/05/15]

Phase I 5 projects: Addis Ababa – Djibouti Railway, Mekele – Woldia/Hara Gebeya – Semera-Tadjourah Port Railway, Addis Ababa – Ijaji-Jimma-Dima including Jimma – Bedele Railway, Awash-Kombolcha-Hara Gebeya Railway and Mojo- Shashemene-Arbaminich-Weyto Railway. Phase II 6-projects: Jimma-Guraferda-Dima directed to Boma , Ijaji-Nekemet-Assosa-Kumuruk, Mekele-Shire, Fenoteselam- Bahirdar-Wereta-Woldia, Wereta Azazo-Metema and Adama-Indeto-Gassera-Ginir. Kenya Rail Cargo On the Rise

Kenya’s rail freight traffic recorded an improved performance last year with cargo increasing by 24.3%. According to the Economic Survey 2015, total freight traffic via rail expanded from 1.2 million tonnes in 2013, to 1.5 million in 2014 with cargo earnings growing by 13%, from Sh4.6 billion in 2013 to Sh5.2 billion last year.

The improvement on freight traffic has been attributed to 3-new locomotive engines acquired by Rift Valley Railways [RVR] last year, coupled with rehabilitation of existing fleet.

Qalaa Holdings of Egypt is the principal investor in the RVR, concessionaire of the Mombasa-Kampala railway, holding 85% with the remaining 15% held by Uganda’s Bomi Holdings. [Star 05/05/15]

17 Phase II Standard Gauge Railway Project To Start July

Kenya is from this July 2015 set to start off its Phase 2 of the US$4bn Standard Gauge Railway project where a line will be constructed from Nairobi to Lake Victoria port, Kisumu. The development will enhance transportation of goods between Kenya and Uganda. The new route is now being favoured from the previously planned Nairobi- Malaba route since it provides shortest route to East African countries. Construction will begin in the 2015- 2016 financial year under a design and build framework.

The project involves construction of a 398km line that will link Nairobi to the shores of Lake Victoria in Kisumu and further to Uganda. The line will also be hooked to Rwanda, Sudan and Burundi according to East Africa’s master plan for a Standard Gauge railway line. It is expected to aid in the decongestion of goods from the Mombasa port.

Construction has finally begun in Kenya for the Mombasa-Nairobi route, a project being undertaken by China Communication Company. The link from Mombasa to Nairobi is 609km. Uganda has also entered deal with the China Harbour Engineering Company Limited [CHEC] this month to see construction of US$ 3.2bn railway line between Kampala through Malaba to Nimule in South Sudan. [CR 20/04/15] Mombasa-Nairobi High-Speed Line Progressing

Construction work on a standard gauge railway line in Kenya is on target, the Chinese contractor for the project noted 4-months after it kicked off. China Road and Bridge Corporation [CRBC] has cleared 385km of the 472km-long line. The project that links Mombasa with Nairobi is expected to be completed within 42 months. The line aims at providing efficient and cost effective rail transport for both freight and passengers - a project that is to build Kenya into a competitive business hub in East Africa and beyond. [Xinhua 30/04/15] Mauritius PME African Infrastructure To Sell Rail Assets

PME African Infrastructure Opportunities PLC has entered into a deal to sell the majority of its rail assets for US$11.5 million and has signed an option agreement to dispose of the remaining rail assets.

PME, which invests in infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa, reached a deal to sell its PME RSACO [Mauritius] Ltd subsidiary, which holds a 50% stake in Sheltam Holdings Pty Ltd, and 7-C30 locomotives currently owned by PME Locomotives [Mauritius] Ltd. It is selling the assets to PCF Investments Ltd, a subsidiary of Principle Capital Investments and an affiliate of PUG Investments Ltd, which holds an 11% stake in PME. [Alliance News 17/05/14]

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Mozambique No Money For Moatize-Macuse Railway

According to local newspaper “Noticias” the project to build a railway from the Moatize coal basin in western Tete province to a new deep water port at Macuse, on the coast of Zambezia province, is unable to secure funding. The problem stems from the collapse in the world market price of coal meaning that coal logistics projects are not as attractive as they were a couple of years ago.

Building a new port and a 500 km new railway seemed an excellent option when it was predicted that Nacala Mozambican coal exports might reach 100 million tonnes a year, and that the existing Sena line, from Moatize Moatize to the port of Beira could not cope with more than 12 million tonnes a year.

The Zambezia Integrated Development Corridor Tete [CODIZA], the company proposing the project noted Macuse US$4 billion are needed. As such no-one will provide large sums without cast-iron guarantees that the railway and port will be viable. Beira One suggestion is to involve Indian consortium, ICVL [International Coal Ventures Limited] who last year purchased the Mozambican coal assets of the Anglo- Australian company Rio Tinto for just US$50 million. The main asset is the Benga open cast coal mine in Moatize.

Exporting Benga coal to India is not dependent on international coal prices since ICVL was set up by the Indian government exclusively for the purpose of acquiring coal mines and other coal assets abroad to meet India’s own coal requirements. ICVL currently imports more than 450 million tonnes of coal a year and levels are expected to rise to 650 million tonnes a year. Much of this could come from Moatize, and would be more than enough to justify the new railway and port. [AIM 17/04/15] Namibia TransNamib Needs More Locomotives

Namibia’s rail operator TransNamib is operating with 16 mainline locomotives instead of the required 70 needed to effectively carry out its mandate. The company currently has no shunting locomotives which has led to delays and is looking to lease units. In September 2014 TransNamib announced a 180-day 3-year turnaround project to revive its 12 GE locomotives and to address operational shortfalls.

The government made available US$33 million to enable the railway operator to embark on the plan. After its conclusion TransNamib announced it would embark on a 12-month phase 2 plan that will involve upgrading of the railway lines to SADC standards so that bigger trains can move faster. The third phase will be a 36-month stretch where TransNamib will refurbish its old and redundant technology, some of which is 50 to 60 years old. [Spy Ghana 18/04/15]

19 South Africa A New Rail Era

South Africa’s railway system is set to flourish under a boost of record investment aimed at turning the country into a key player in the global freight industry. The development was first announced in 2012, when Transnet, South Africa’s state-owned ports and rail company, launched the Market Development Strategy, a 7-year R300bn ($33.82bn) investment scheme with a clear strategy to rejuvenate the country’s ports, rail and pipelines infrastructure.

A big portion of this investment is dedicated to rail. In March 2014, Transnet announced a R50bn ($4.26bn) contract with 4-manufacturers to build a 1,064-strong locomotive suite. The move marked the start of the biggest rail recapitalisation programme in the country’s history. China’s rolling stock manufacturers China North and South Rail won the lion’s share of the contract, followed by Bombardier Transportation and General Electric as key tenders. Much more than just a development scheme, the project is an initiator of growth: by boosting the national freight volumes to unprecedented levels, with a particular focus on the country’s key industries of iron ore and coal, MDS is trusted to fuel a strong economy in South Africa.

Currently in its third year, the outlook of the plan is positive. The most recent development saw Transnet secure R13bn (US$1.1bn) in funding to build its locomotive fleet. The financial backing announced on 2 March comes from a range of funders and financial institutions, including Barclays Africa, Investec, Standard Bank, Old Mutual and Export Development Canada. The money is funding locomotives from Bombardier and General Electric. Most importantly, the deal marks the first tangible step towards South Africa’s ambition to accommodate the 5th-largest railway system in the world by 2019.

From Road To Rail In 2013, about 734 million tons of freight was moved in South Africa out of which nearly 71% was moved by road. Over the next 4-years, South Africa will shift its freight from road to rail, cutting both enormous logistical costs and carbon emissions in the process. Rail volumes are projected to increase from approximately 200 million tons to 350 million tons. Given this predicted growth the government has also launched the National Infrastructure Plan (NIP), a wide-ranging scheme planning to put R4.3 trillion (US$407bn) towards new infrastructure and upgrading the existent networks across a vast array of sectors. In particular, the second of its 18 Strategic Integrated Projects looks at improving the rail corridor between Durban and Gauteng, South Africa’s main industrial centres.

Operating in conjunction with the National Transport Master Plan [NIP] R751.74bn (US$71.2bn) will be invested in infrastructure projects until 2050 with 43% to be dedicated to the rail segment to lower the costs and increase efficiency. The funds will provide an additional 128 million tons of rail volume by running 200 wagon trains instead of 100. With the introduction of a further 1,300 locomotives by 2019, the general freight business is expected to expand and strengthen. By the end of the 7-year plan 344 million tons of commodities are likely to be transported. [Railway Technology 11/05/15]

20 EASTERN & SOUTHERN AFRICA RAIL

Tanzania Tazara Set To Land 1.6 Million Tonnes Haulage Deal

Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority [TAZARA] may soon sign a lucrative concession agreement to ship over 1.6 million tonnes of cargo between Dar es Salaam and New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia starting this year. TAZARA is studying an offer from DSM Corridor Group and was likely to welcome the deal which may help revive its cargo business. DSM is constructing a dry port at Kisarawe to escape from the traffic congested Dar es Salaam port. By taking cargo to Kisarawe dry port and then through Kibaha by trucks will reduce time and costs compared to the current route.

TAZARA has capacity of transporting 5-million MT of cargo per annum, but currently only handles less than 400,000 MT due to poor infrastructure and competition from trucks. [Daily News 30/04/15]

21 Uganda RVR New Wagons To Tap Into Ugandan Market

Rift Valley Railways [RVR], is to utilize much of its recent Shs80 billion capital injection to bring additional wagons and capture Uganda’s import and export market. The money, sourced as loan from the Standard Bank of South Africa, is to purchase at least 100 wagons for cargo on the Mombasa-Kampala route. Officials of the network made the announcement at a news conference in Kampala ahead of a meeting with local exporters. [NTV 14/04/15]

Zambia PPP Opportunity To Develop / Manage Rail Terminal Facilities

Qualifying providers have been invited to submit expressions of interest for participation in a public private partnership [PPP] opportunity to develop and manage rail terminal facilities in different parts of Zambia. The parastatal is interested to lease land to private operators for the development and management of terminal handling facilities in 8-locations across Zambia. Eligible companies/consortiums are invited to submit expressions of interest. [UK TI 13/04/15]

22 WESTERN AFRICA CORRIDOR NEWS

FOCUS: West Africa Borderless E-Platform For Reporting And Monitoring Non-Tariff Barriers

The Borderless Alliance has been implementing an elaborate program to identify and resolve Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) hindering the free flow of goods and services across West Africa. NTB identification and reporting has traditionally been done through the Alliance’s trade facilitation infrastructure and networking among its various offices within the ECOWAS region. This infrastructure includes Borderless Alliance National Committees, Border Information Centres (BICs) and a vibrant Secretariat based in Accra.

With support from the UK-AID under the Support to West African Regional Integration Program (SWARIP), which is being implemented through SAANA Consulting, and built on the experience of a similar successful platform operational in Southern Africa, Borderless Alliance now has in place a web based platform for reporting and monitoring Non-Tariff Barriers in the region, at www.tradebarrierswa.org. The e-platform is an advocacy tool, with an ultimate objective, to improve the identification and monitoring of NTBs as well as contribute towards the improvement of the policy environment. It allows continuous collection and collation of constraints encountered by traders and is able to generate statistics on the issues and locations of barriers reported.

The e-platform aims at improving the management and handling of concerns from stakeholders and to provide transparency in the process of resolving each barrier identified, whilst contributing towards streamlining of non-tariff barriers in the West African region in order to promote a better business environment. It will also facilitate trade through information dissemination, awareness creation and improved advocacy roles with policy makers, as well as trade and transport stakeholders; all drawn from supply chains including port authorities, freight forwarders, logistics operators, manufacturers, and traders.

The existing mechanism is currently operating on a pilot basis for countries on the Abidjan-Lagos corridor (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria), with plans to roll out to the rest of the ECOWAS region by 2016.

23 WESTERN AFRICA DRY PORTS & OSBP

Nigeria/Cameroon New Border Post

The ECOWAS Commission has received a grant from African Development Fund toward the cost of the Transport Facilitation Program for the Bamenda-Mamfe-Ekok/Mfum-Abakaliki-Enugu Nigeria Corridor. It intends to apply part of the proceeds for construction of a Joint Border Post at Mfum Border between Nigeria and Cameroon. The Mfum project will include a truck inspection area, weighbridge & scanner control rooms. Tenders Cameroon close on 1st July 2015. [AfDB 24/04/15]

24 WESTERN AFRICA ROAD

Burkina Faso/Togo CU9 Corridor Lomé-Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso has received funding from the African Development Bank [AfDB] to cover the cost of road rehabilitation on the CU9 Lomé-Ouagadougou corridor and intends to use a portion to finance the contract for the study of development of SMEs in the transport sector. [AfDB 21/04/15]

Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou

Togo

Lome

Cameroon Grindrod Locos Delivered To Douala Port

Railway concessionaire Camrail, owned by Bolloré Africa Logistics, has taken delivery of 2-CC 3300 locomotives at Douala port. Representing an investment of FrCFA3bn each, the locomotives were supplied by South African manufacturer Grindrod as part of an initial batch of 8-diesel heavy freight locos which are due to be accepted by the end of the 2015. The next pair of locos is due to arrive by the end of May. The units will enhance the operator’s ability to run longer freight trains through their haulage capability of up to 1,500 tonnes. The acquisitions are part of the commitments made by Camrail under the terms of its national railway concession agreement, which runs until December 31 2034. This agreement covers railway investment totalling FrCFA230bn between 2009 and 2020, of which FrCFA158bn would be financed by Camrail. [Railway Gazette 01/05/15]

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Edea-Kribi-Lolabe Railway - Feasibility Studies

The project to construct the Edea-Kribi-Lolabe railway, an integrated project of the National Railway Master Plan, is taking shape as the Government and the China Harbour Engineering Company [CHEC] signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] in Yaounde on 6th May. Transport Minister, Robert Nkili, representing Cameroon, and the General Manager of CHEC for Central Africa, Edward Xu affixed signatures to documents bonding the partners with the firm expected to start technical and financial feasibility studies soon. CHEC has not been chosen for construction work. Its task is to carry out feasibility studies on how well the project can be executed and how better Cameroon can source funding for the project.

Work at the Kribi Deep Seaport is complete and the need to link the town by rail is indispensable notably for heavy transportation of minerals. The construction of the line is part of government’s initiative to facilitate the transportation of bauxite from Mini Martap and Ngaoundal in the Adamawa Edea Region and of the Mbalam Iron Ore in the East Region. The project is also expected to ease the transportation and export of agricultural products. Kribi [Cameroon Tribune 07/05/15] Sundance Resources Starts Topographical Survey On Mbalam-Kribi Route

Australian mining company, Sundance Resources, whose subsidiary, Cam Iron, is developing the Mbalam iron mining project in the East region, has announced that it has started topographical surveys and is having on-the-ground consultations to determine the path of the future Mbalam-Kribi railway. The 510 km railway will transport iron produced in Mbalam, East-Cameroon to the Kribi deep water port in the nation’s South region. [Business In Cameroon 08/05/15]

Cote d’Ivoire Awards US$1.76 Million Infrastructure Contract To Louis Berger

The Ivorian Ministry of Economic Infrastructure has awarded a Louis Berger-led consortium a US$1.76 million construction supervision contract. The project is to be financed through the French Agency for Development’s debt relief and development program for Cote d’Ivoire. The consortium will supervise the construction of a 45 km road between Ferkessédougou and Ouangolodougou, a northern town near the country’s border with Burkina Faso. The road also will generate additional regional trade and economic benefits as it links Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Mali. [APA 16/04/15]

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DRC CNR Delivers Locomotives To DR Congo

A batch of 18 CNR diesel-electric locomotives ordered by national railway company SNCC was shipped from the Chinese port of Tianjin on April 8. The new locomotives were procured as part of the Multimodal Transport Project, which was launched in in 2010 with the aim of restoring the financial and operational viability of the 1 067 mm gauge network. They are supply by Beijing February 7 Railway Transport Equipment Co Ltd. The World Bank is providing US$375m in grant funding for the programme. The locomotive contract was signed in Kinshasa on December 5 2013 by representatives from China CNR Corporation Limited [CNR], Bank of Congo and China Shandong Economic & Technical Co-operation Group [SIETC]. [Railway Gazette 14/04/15] Ghana Studies Light Rail And Inter-City PPPs

The minister responsible for public-private partnerships, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, has appointed New York investment bank Chesterfield Faring to devise a request for proposals for PPP contracts to develop a light rail line in Accra and an inter-city link between the capital and Kumasi.

- The elevated light rail line would connect a new trade zone and transit oriented development with the airport. - The main line rail line would link Accra and Kumasi in less than 1½ h, compared to up to 6 h for the 250 km trip by road. - The stations would be at the heart of transit oriented developments include shopping, office and hotel facilities and a total of 80 0000 residential units, along with parks and gardens.

Phase 1 is provisionally estimated at US$12bn, with the total investment growing to US$30bn over a decade. The government envisages attracting finance from South Korea, Japan and elsewhere. [Railway Gazette 15/04/15]

27 Nigeria US$3.5 Billion Intercity Rail Project

China’s “One Road, One Belt” strategy, launched in March, includes plans to build roads, railways, ports, natural gas pipelines and other infrastructure stretching into south and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and through central Asia to Europe to create demand for China’s industrial exports in the face of overcapacity at home. As part of that strategy African units of China Railway Construction Corp announced this month that it will build a US$3.5 billion intercity rail line in Nigeria. The latest deal follows a US$12 billion contract that CRCC reportedly signed for a separate rail line in Nigeria last November. [China Daily 28/04/15] Contract For Ogun State Rail

Ogun State government signed a multi-billion naira rail network contract with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation [CCEEC] in April. The contractors are to construct rail lines across the major cities in the state as part of the government’s efforts to ensure easy transportation of goods and passengers. The project will be the first of its kind in Ogun State and cover cities such as Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Idi-iroko among others. [Guardian 28/04/15]

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