Africa PORTS & SHIPS maritime news 17 August 2026 - Africa Ports

TRIM says a new Request for Information (RFI) for South Africa’s B-Network is a key step in freight-rail reform, aiming to design future procurement programmes around real market demand and national policy goals. The move follows Rail Access Agreements (RAAs) with 11 new Train Operating Companies that received slots after Network Statement Version 3 in 2024, enabling third-party operators to use Transnet’s rail infrastructure alongside the state freight business. The B-Network RFI looks at branch-line infrastructure often seen as commercially marginal, without awarding operating rights. Responses close 30 September 2026 at 10h00 via etenders.gov.za and Transnet’s portal.