Angolan railways 'key for trade in Africa'

Date: 6/3/2012

Railways in Angola need to be redeveloped in order to boost the economy and encourage trade in Africa, it has been stated.

Zambian Foreign Minister Given Lubinda said last week that boosting this transport infrastructure would be beneficial to nations in the southern sub-region of the continent, such as Zambia, Angola Press reports.

Speaking at a meeting with Angolan Transport Minister Augusto da Silva Tomas, Mr Lubinda also discussed the modernisation of the Benguela railway, the construction of the Catumbela airport and expanding Lobito Port.

Mr Tomas noted that unless the transportation network is rejuvenated, trade relations between different nations cannot integrate and evolve.

The two ministers also attended a Southern Africa Development Community Council of Ministers to discuss infrastructure budgets for 2012, the news provider stated.

Last month, it was revealed a $4.7 billion (£2.9 billion) rail network is to be built in eastern Africa, which it is hoped will improve trade links with South Sudan, the East African reported.

Posted by Nick Anderson