Africa

US, China propose to fund 2 railway projects in Zambia

Published

2 months ago

February 23, 2024

US, China propose to fund 2 railway projects in Zambia

Zambia is at the forefront of an infrastructural showdown, with two significant railway developments emerging, one backed by the United States and another by China, as Bloomberg reports.

This competitive scenario is unfolding in a region renowned for its vast mineral wealth, setting the stage for an intense rivalry.

The United States is investing heavily in the Lobito corridor initiative, allocating $2.3 billion not only to refurbish an existing railway that extends from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Atlantic’s Lobito port but also to extend this network by an additional 800 kilometers (approximately 500 miles) of new railway lines deep into Zambian territory.

The United States is coordinating a diverse coalition of companies and government agencies to bring the Lobito project to fruition.

However, construction on the new link in Zambia may not commence until 2026, contingent upon securing the necessary funding from a variety of sources.

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Conversely, China is vigorously advancing its strategy, committing more than $1 billion to the rejuvenation of the Tazara railway.

This historic route, leading to Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port, is crucial for exporting the region’s copper and cobalt.

Both initiatives represent a strategic effort to establish faster, more efficient export routes for the mineral wealth of Zambia and Congo, marking a crucial juncture in the region’s economic and infrastructural progress.

More insight

The Lobito Atlantic Railway is a network spanning 2,600 kilometers connecting Congo and Zambia to Angola’s coast.
In a swift move, China has accelerated its efforts. Merely weeks after deploying a team of engineers to evaluate the condition of the railway line financed and constructed by Mao Zedong in the 1970s, the Chinese government presented its proposal to Zambia for the revival of the Tazara railway.
This project will be managed by a state-owned Chinese enterprise under a commercial concession, with the expectation that financing will predominantly be sourced from Chinese financial institutions.
The competition extends beyond railway development. Both the United States and China are keen on assisting Zambia in establishing battery manufacturing sectors.

US, China propose to fund 2 railway projects in Zambia

Africa

Electricity crisis forces Energy minister to resign

Published

10 hours ago

April 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Electricity crisis forces Energy minister to resign

Following weeks of disruption, electricity supply has been finally restored in most cities across Sierra Leone after a part payment was made for the $48m (£38m) utility bill it owed to a Turkish company, Karpowership.

The payment of the sum of $18m comes as the country’s energy minister, Kanja Sesay announced his exit from government, saying he took full responsibility for the crisis.

Most electricity supplies to the capital, Freetown, is generated from a Turkish ship floating off the country’s coast.

Last week, Karpowership said it had severely cut supplies to the city, from 60 megawatts to 6 megawatt, citing backlog of unpaid bills.

Residents of the country’s main cities have been going for days on end without any power and hospitals have also been affected.

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At least one infant has died because of a lack of power, while medics have been using mobile phones to provide light as they carry out procedures, Reuters news agency quotes a doctor as saying.

“How do you iron your clothes, how do you make your food, how do you go to sleep? We pay our electricity bills so I don’t see why we should be forced to live like this,” BBC quoted a second-year engineering student in Freetown, Fatmata Gassim as saying.

Following the resignation of Sesay, the office of President Julius Maada Bio said the energy ministry would now fall under the direct supervision of the president.

Karpowership previously cut supplies to Sierra Leone in September over unpaid bills.

It is one of the world’s biggest floating power plant operators, with several African states relying on it for electricity.

In October, it briefly cut power to Guinea-Bissau, saying it had no option “following a protracted period of non-payment”.

Electricity crisis forces Energy minister to resign

Africa

Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead

Published

5 days ago

April 23, 2024

Trends Admin

Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead

Ten people have died after two navy helicopters collided in mid-air during a military rehearsal for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade.

One of the choppers clipped the rotor of the other before the two crashed into the ground, footage published on local media show.

The incident took place at 09:30 local time (02:30 BST) in the Malaysian town of Lumut, which is home to a navy base.

There are no known survivors.

“All victims were confirmed dead on site and the remains were sent to the [Lumut] Military Hospital for identification,” said the Royal Malaysian Navy.

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It added that it will form a committee to investigate the cause of the incident.

One of the helicopters, a HOM M503-3 with seven people on board, is believed to have crashed onto a running track.

The other, a Fennec M502-6 carrying the other three victims, crashed into a swimming pool nearby.

The state’s fire and rescue department said it was alerted to the incident at 09:50 local time (01:50 GMT).

In March, a Malaysian coast guard helicopter crashed into the sea off Malaysia’s Angsa Island during a training flight.

The pilot, co-pilot and two passengers on board were found and rescued by fishermen.

Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead

BBC

Africa

League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye

Published

4 weeks ago

March 30, 2024

Trends Admin

Bassirou Faye

League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye

The League of African Ambassadors, a coalition of African diplomats, extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his historic election as the President-elect of the Republic of Senegal.

In a statement released today and signed by the President of the group, Amb. Nwannebuike Eze Ominyi, the League heralded Faye’s triumph as a significant milestone for democracy not only in West Africa but across the entire continent.

Faye’s victory underscores the resilience of democratic values and processes in Senegal.

Ominyi emphasized the transformative nature of Faye’s ascent to power, characterizing it as a generational shift in Senegal’s political landscape. He urged Faye to swiftly address the pressing social and economic challenges confronting the nation, underscoring the importance of prioritizing the well-being of Senegal’s citizens.

Faye’s remarkable victory comes a mere 10 days after his release from prison, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to democratic principles. Despite facing formidable obstacles, Faye’s courage, determination, and unwavering dedication to the democratic cause propelled him to triumph.

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The League lauded Faye’s tireless efforts to deepen democracy in Senegal and his ability to unite diverse segments of society. His extensive political experience and commitment to national development have garnered widespread support, particularly among the country’s youth.

“Faye’s years of political activism and democratic advocacy have earned him the trust and admiration of the Senegalese people,” Ominyi remarked. “His leadership will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inspiration for other African leaders, guiding them towards inclusive governance and sustainable development.”

As Senegal charts a course towards economic recovery and political stability, Faye’s leadership promises to set a precedent for excellence and progress. The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners stands ready to support President-elect Bassirou Faye in his efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive Senegal.

About the League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners:

The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners is a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting democracy, peace, and development across the African continent. Comprising distinguished diplomats and leaders, the League advocates for inclusive governance and socioeconomic progress in Africa.