Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 02:2025
Railways Africa Magazine
Railways Africa? is the Authoritative Magazine for the rail industry in Africa
The Reality of Open Access for Private Rail Operators Takes Shape in South Africa
In this?Coffee with the Editor, our editor, Phillippa Dean, discusses open access to South Africa’s rail network by third-party operators with Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) Acting CE, Moshe Motlohi . This follows the publication on 20 December of the Network Statement, Rail Access Agreements and Annexures, which officially initiate open access as of 20 December 2024. Aspiring operating companies can now begin the application process.
At a high level, the journey starts with the RAILWAY SAFETY REGULATOR (RSR), followed by engaging with TRIM, which conducts its internal checks before granting access. This process includes a non-refundable application fee of approximately ZAR 125,000. TRIM’s aim is not to act as a gatekeeper but to ensure equal access to available slots and that these slots are utilised effectively.
Our conversation covers several key topics, including the backlog of infrastructure maintenance, which impacts the number of slots available. While TRIM has indicated specific corridors and products that are ready for slot allocation, provision has been made for those interested in slots not yet itemised. TRIM has expressed an open-minded and collaborative approach to engaging with potential operators.
It is important to note that access is not limited to South African operators. Neighbouring railways are also invited to access the network, provided they meet all necessary certifications and approvals.
In addition, we discuss the measures being taken to address theft and vandalism on the network, including the use of sophisticated technology such as drones. Predictive maintenance is also highlighted as a critical component of ensuring safe operations, alongside a focus on signalling systems, train planning and scheduling.
The conversation underscores the firm belief that open access will have a positive economic impact on South Africa.
Video Interview: https://youtu.be/7jbe0Jmqltk
Zambia Railways Limited Appoints New Managing Director
The Board of Directors of Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) have announced the appointment of Mr Cuthbert Malindi as Managing Director of Zambia Railways Limited, effective 2 January 2025.
Upgrading of the Maputo–Ressano Garcia Railway Line
The deadline is fast approaching for the two tenders issued late last year by Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM) for the upgrade and duplication of the Movene–Ressano Garcia section. This includes the extension of the Ressano Garcia yard and the upgrading of the signalling system along the Maputo–Ressano Garcia line.?
Morocco to Launch Train Manufacturing Facility and Expand Rail Network
Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, has announced plans to establish a train manufacturing facility to support the Moroccan National Railways Office (ONCF) and export trains to other African nations.
The project is part of a broader State-ONCF programme backed by a budget of MAD 87 billion, focusing on developing high-speed rail services and upgrading existing railway infrastructure. Kayouh highlighted that rail transport saw nearly 53 million passengers in 2023, a figure expected to rise to 55 million by the end of this year.
As part of Morocco’s high-speed rail initiatives, a new line connecting Kenitra and Marrakech will reduce travel times to just three hours. Looking further ahead, ONCF’s 2040 plan outlines an ambitious goal to create 1,300 km of high-speed lines and 3,800 km of conventional tracks, increasing connectivity from 23 cities to 43 and expanding rail access to 87% of the national population.
Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Transport Acknowledges Infrastructure Challenges at TAZARA
The Deputy Minister of Transport acknowledged infrastructure challenges at TAZARA and called for patience during ongoing negotiations for revitalisation plans.
The Deputy Minister of Transport (Tanzania), Hon. David Kihenzile, has acknowledged the challenges posed by worn-out infrastructure along the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority TAZARA line, following an inspection trip on 9 January 2024, from Dar es Salaam to Mwakanga Station and an earlier visit to Tunduma and Mbeya.
Algeria's Mega Railway Project Set to Transform Africa's Infrastructure Landscape
In a bold leap towards infrastructure modernisation, Algeria is constructing a monumental 950-kilometre railway linking Béchar, Tindouf, and the mineral-rich Gara Djebilet.
This ambitious project, hailed as one of Africa's largest infrastructure undertakings, symbolises Algeria's bold vision for regional integration and economic advancement.
Nigeria's Kano-Kaduna Railway Project
中国国家开发银行 (CDB) has provided a loan of €245 million ($254.76 million) to support the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria. The 203-kilometre standard-gauge railway will connect Kano, a key northern city, to Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Beyond improving mobility, the railway is expected to boost industrial development along its route and create significant job opportunities during its construction and operation. The project is part of the practical cooperation initiatives under the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation , the project is progressing well. The CDB has committed to continued collaboration with Nigeria to ensure smooth loan disbursement and effective project management in the coming phases.
NGE Secure Its First Railway Contract in Morocco for Office National des Chemins de Fer
In December 2024, the NGE Group announced that it had secured its first railway contract in Morocco with an ambitious project: Lot 3 of the railway line extension between Kenitra and Marrakech, along with the development of Casablanca hubs, in connection with the future High-Speed Rail (HSR) Line. ?
领英推荐
Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project Pre-bid Meeting to be Held on 16 January 2025
The Government of Kenya (GoK), in partnership with the World Bank, intends to finance the implementation of the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP). The programme objectives are improving urban mobility within the Nairobi metropolitan area and land use planning along the identified commuter corridors.
Loram Poised to Shape the Future of Track Maintenance in African Railways with Innovation and Expertise
As Africa’s railway industry undergoes unprecedented transformation, the demand for advanced solutions to maintain and enhance rail infrastructure has never been greater.
With over 70 years of expertise, Loram stands as a global leader in railway maintenance, renowned for its innovative, efficient, and data-driven approach. Now, Loram is extending its footprint to Africa, collaborating with experienced local partners to deliver its comprehensive range of products and services to the region.
TAZARA Reflects on 2024 Achievements and Outlines Future Prospects
Although 2024 presented its share of challenges, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority TAZARA recorded significant progress and renewed hope. Under the guidance of the Tanzanian and Zambian Heads of State, the revitalisation process initiated earlier in 2024 has continued to gain momentum.
Transnet Lifts Rail Volumes Amid Challenging Conditions
On 31 December 2024, Transnet SOC Ltd released its unaudited interim results for the six months to 30 September 2024.
SEIFSA Comments on ArcelorMittal's Decision on Long Steel’s Future
安赛乐米塔尔集团 (SA) has made a final decision on mothballing its long-steel operations at its Newcastle Works, Vereeniging Works, and the rail and structural subsidiary, AMRAS. The announcement will have a devastating impact on a number of fronts, surrounding communities, suppliers, contractors and the broader metals and engineering sector.
Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) has repeatedly warned of a socio-economic catastrophe should ArcelorMittal shutter its plants. Some of the most alarming estimates over and above the reported 3,500 direct jobs on the line are the medium-term impact of second round effects in the order of 20,000 to 25,000 jobs and in the longer-term multiples of more than this. The effect of this latest development will reverberate throughout the economy and the continent, impacting the auto, motor, construction and mining sub-sector of the economy and all who work in it.
Rail Infrastructure: “The Locomotive Driving Africa's Economic Transformation Over the Next Decade”
In this Coffee with the Editor by Railways Africa, filmed during the 8th Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (#PIDAWeek2024), Ibrah Wahabou , Head of Infrastructure and Transport Unit at AUDA NEPAD , shares critical insights into Africa’s transformative railway projects and their role in driving sustainable development under Agenda 2063.
Our conversation covers progress on key rail initiatives, including the Uvinza-Musongati SGR between Tanzania and Burundi, the transformative LAPSSET Corridor connecting Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, and the Abidjan-Lagos and Dakar-Bamako-Djibouti Corridors in West Africa. Ibrah highlights the importance of integrating ICT, renewable energy, and community impact into rail infrastructure to create holistic, sustainable, inclusive and interconnected transport systems.
He also addresses the low private sector participation in PIDA projects and shares AUDA-NEPAD’s strategies for enhancing bankability and broadening partnerships to accelerate project financing and implementation.
Don’t miss this discussion on how rail infrastructure is set to become the backbone of Africa’s economic transformation and regional integration.
Highlighting Challenges and Opportunities for Addis Ababa’s Light Rail
Join Railways Africa Magazine Editor, Phillippa Dean , in this Coffee with the Editor, as she sits down with Dr. Birhan Abebaw, CEO of the Addis Ababa Light Rail Transport Service Enterprise, for an in-depth discussion about the challenges and future prospects of Ethiopia’s pioneering light rail system.
Key Topics Covered:
Discover how Ethiopia’s first light rail system is navigating operational hurdles, engaging with global partners, and planning for a more efficient and sustainable future.
Don’t miss this insightful interview about the future of urban rail in Ethiopia!
UNTU Suspects Sabotage in Transnet Engineering Cable Theft
The United National Transport Union (UNTU) has called for an urgent investigation into a cable theft incident at Transnet Engineering ’s Uitenhage Plant during the 2024 festive season. The theft, estimated to cost Transnet nearly R1 million in repairs, caused significant financial and operational losses.
UNTU suspects sabotage, citing the precision with which thieves stripped critical heavy-duty cables and smashed computer servers without signs of forced entry. The union believes this may have been an inside job aimed at destabilising Transnet Engineering.
UNTU demands that cable theft at state entities be classified as treason due to its economic impact.
EBRD Announces Settlement With Four Entities of the French Group Egis
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ( EBRD ) has announced a 33-month conditional non-debarment of four consulting companies that are part of the French group Egis, and of two subsidiaries, in connection with fraudulent practices under two EBRD-financed projects.