en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) of South Africa and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have signed a national partnership programme valued at R259 billion, which will provide financing for transport and logistics infrastructure to enhance export capacity and strengthen regional trade corridors.

This financing framework aims to address infrastructure bottlenecks that hinder intra-African trade, supporting the deeper implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area by improving the flow of goods between production centres and export gateways.

Afreximbank President George Elombi stated that the programme will mobilise long-term financing for transport, logistics, and other trade-facilitating infrastructure, helping to enhance Africa's overall export competitiveness.

South Africa's Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, noted that this partnership will support the country's industrial development goals while advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and will break down cross-border constraints on the free movement of goods, services, and capital by building stronger regional value chains.

In addition to transport and logistics, the programme will also cover key industrial projects in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, mining, special economic zones, and industrial parks.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition believes that the programme is expected to consolidate South Africa's position as a regional logistics hub and improve the efficiency of trade flows across the African continent.