The RETIREMENT OF THE GOVERNOR OF KATANGA PROVINCE IN DRC, Moïse Katumbi, next year has caused some nervousness over his successor. This governorship is a particularly powerful position with strong implications for business. Governor Katumbi will be pursuing his own business interests in the DRC, Zambia and elsewhere. It is reported that the DRC's central government is considering increasing the number of provinces from the current nine to thirty‑three. Katanga Province could be broken into three including the Kolwezi area which shows most growth promise.
The SUSPENSION OF AID TO RWANDA by the USA, Germany, the Netherlands and other western nations is a setback for the country given its success in achieving international recognition for its investor‑friendly regime. The country has been accused of supporting Tutsi militia in the eastern DRC. President Paul Kagame has a difficult task in ensuring that the volatile factions operating along Rwanda's borders do not disrupt progress in his country.
The EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (ECIC) OF SOUTH AFRICA has stated that its SMALL AND MEDIUM TERM SUPPLIERS CREDIT PRODUCT is now available with the successful processing of a credit to a South African exporter for a mining project in the DRC. The suppliers credit product is for deals in Africa with a value of up to USD 20 million. Consideration is being given to the appointment of brokers throughout South Africa.
There is a particularly strong requirement for ROLLING STOCK IN MALAWI. The land‑locked country is planning to link to the Nacala rail line in Mozambique as well as the Mtwara Corridor in Tanzania.
The welcome news that RIO TINTO/TATA STEEL has completed its first export shipment of 34 000 tons of coking coal via BEIRA, MOZAMBIQUE TO INDIA, should be juxtaposed against the formidable LOGISTICS CHALLENGES that face all the mining operators in the ZAMBEZI VALLEY. A total of some 20 MTPA has to be moved in the short term. Observers differ on estimates of the current capacity of the Sena rail line and these vary between 2 and 6 MTPA. Beacon Hill is currently exporting its production from its Minas Moatize operation by road truck to Beira.
Africa Project Access is a South African company providing specialist consulting services and information regarding projects in Africa. Its contact details are –
Contact person: Paul Runge
Telephone: +27(0)11 465 6770
Fax: +27(0)11 465 9580
Website: www.africaprojectaccess.co.za
