Mmegi

Afreximbank confirms interest in Mmamabula-Lephalale funding

Aiming high: Botswana Railways is advancing several regional rail linkages, including the Mmamabula-Lephalale line
Aiming high: Botswana Railways is advancing several regional rail linkages, including the Mmamabula-Lephalale line

Afreximbank, the continent's primary trade finance institution, has confirmed its interest in funding the long-awaited Mmamabula-Lephalale railway line, a key bulk commodity link expected to cost $627 million (P8.7 billion) in its first phase.

The link will run for about 120 kilometres from Mmamabula to Lephalale in Limpopo, before linking up with existing lines to run to Richard's Bay port terminal, with a possible future expansion to Mozambique.

The latest available figures indicate that the initial phase would involve developing 7.8 million tonnes per annum capacity with the associated rolling stock leading an estimated cost of $627 million. The second phase would involve an expansion to 18 million tonnes per annum at a cost of $1.13 billion (P15.6 billion).

Editor's Comment
Warm relations must not come at the expense of fair trade

“I believe that free but fair trade isan absolute imperative”– John E. JamesFor two countries bound by geography, history and deep economic ties, periods of diplomatic strain serve neither side well. President Duma Boko’s efforts to restore momentum to relations with Pretoria deserve recognition, particularly at a time when Southern Africa faces shared challenges ranging from sluggish economic growth and unemployment to energy security...

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