Africa Trading Blocs Plan To Launch Major Infrastructure Initiative
Three of Africas main regional economic communities (RECs) backed by donors plan to launch a major new infrastructure initiative aimed at transforming Southern and East African trading opportunities.
The project to be supported by the British governments Department of International Development (DFID) and other international agencies aims to create a reliable and efficient transport network.
The extensive North South Corridor project is being driven by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern African (COMESA), the East Africa Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The Corridor, which is a pilot Aid for Trade program, comprises two priorities: the Dar es Salaam Corridor linking the Dar es Salaam port with the copper belt in Zambia and the DR Congo.
The second priority is the North-South Corridor, which links the copper belt to South Africas ports.
Meanwhile, a plunge in global trade has slashed demand for copper prompting mines to slow and shut, limiting tens of thousands of Zambians access to schooling, health care and regular meals.
Kilde: www.worldbank.org
