Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 46:2023

Changes Coming for  Benguela Railway

A World Bank delegation recently undertook a working visit to the facilities of the Benguela Railway, as part of the Lobito Corridor Concession initiative.

During the visit, insights were shared about the evolving role of the Benguela Railway. With the involvement of a new consortium, CFB-EP’s focus is set to shift primarily to the transport of passengers, small loads, and mail, while the consortium will drive the transport of larger loads. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing the operational dynamism of the Lobito Corridor, furthering regional integration, and contributing to infrastructure improvements.

In-Depth with Hector Danisa:  Gibela's Future Beyond PRASA Trains

In this engaging episode of “Coffee with the Editor,” recorded at the International Railway Safety Council’s Conference 2023 in Cape Town, we sit down with Hector DANISA , CEO of Gibela Rail Transport Consortium. The focus is on exploring what lies ahead for Gibela after delivering 600 trains for PRASA Group.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion that highlights the future of rail transport in Africa and the critical role Gibela plays in shaping it.

Investing in Cameroon's Railways

An Exclusive Interview with Camrail’s Director of Transport

In this ‘Coffee with the Editor’, filmed during the International Railway Safety Council’s Conference in October, we sat down with Jean Ntah, Director of Transport at Camrail, to discuss the evolution and future projects of Cameroon’s railway system.

Twelve Companies Show Interest In Developing Trans-Kalahari Railway

Twelve companies, including China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and NGE Contracting of France, have expressed their interest in financing the feasibility study and development of the proposed Trans-Kalahari Railway Line between Botswana and Namibia. [Read Article]

Official Launch Of Phase 2 Of The MPS Terminal 3 Expansion Project In Ghana

On 15 November 2023, the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Akufo Addo, together with Philippe Labonne, AGL Chairman, officially launched phase 2 of the Tema port expansion project including the commissioning of 3 STS gantries and 12 e-RTG gantries. [Read Article]

Siemens Mobility Spotlights ETCS Solutions to Boost Regional Integration, Operational Efficiency, and Overcome Challenges in Southern Africa's Railways

At the recent Southern African Railways Association (SARA Rail) conference and exhibition, Thomas Mashishi, Sales and Business Development at Siemens Mobility South Africa, outlined how railway technology solutions provided by Siemens Mobility could significantly enhance railway capacity, operational efficiency, and regional integration. This was particularly fitting for this year’s SARA event, which carried the theme “Enhancing railway capacity & quality of services through new operating models & partnerships for seamless regional integration and trade.” [Read Article]

Systra To Supervise The Construction Of Two New High Speed Lines In Egypt

SYSTRA has been entrusted with the oversight of construction as the Employer’s Representative (General Consultant) for the National Authority for Tunnels (NAT). The project, known as the Electric Express Train (EET), will upon completion feature three main lines — Blue, Red, and Green — spanning over 2,000 kilometres, designed to serve both passenger and freight transit needs. [Read Article]

Progress On Hydrogen-Powered Locomotives In Namibia

The advancement of Africa’s inaugural dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel locomotives is currently in the feasibility and conceptualisation phase, according to Konrad Boshoff, the CEO of Hyphen Technical.

The consortium spearheading this initiative, led by the hydrogen application development company Hyphen Technical, includes TRANSNAMIB LIMITED, the University of Namibia, CMB.TECH, and Traxtion .

[Read Article]

Zambia Railways Resumes Mulobezi Train Service

Zambia Railways Limited has recommenced its train operations between Livingstone in the Southern Province and Mulobezi in the Western Province. The service, suspended in May due to the unsafe condition of Bombwe Bridge, resumed on November 14 following successful repairs funded by the government.[Read Article]

Bombela Operating Company Equipped for Gautrain’s Next Chapter and Southern Africa’s Urban Transit Revolution

As the South African “branch” of RATPgroup , Bombela Operating Company (PTY) LTD. (BOC) draws on its parent company’s considerable global expertise. The RATP Group, which is a shareholder in BOC, not only operates the rail and bus network in Paris but is also a worldwide leader in public transport, running services in more than 100 cities across 15 countries. BOC’s additional shareholding includes Strategic Partners Group (SPG), a South African firm with a significant local business presence. From a contractual perspective the Gautrain falls under the Gautrain Management Agency, who holds the contract with the Bombela Concession Company (BCC), who is responsible for the entire train system. The BOC under the concession company is responsible for operating and maintaining the system. [Read Article]

Morocco Launches Competitive Bid For 168 New Trains To Expand Intercity, Rapid Shuttle, And High-Speed Rail Services

The @National Office of Railways ( Groupe ONCF) is continuing to implement its development plan and has launched a call for competition for the acquisition of new trains.

Five years after the commencement of operations of the first Moroccan and African high-speed line, Al Boraq continues to confirm that its success is only the prelude to new adventures, aiming to better connect territories and offer citizens innovative, more efficient, faster, and smarter mobility options. [Read Article]

Leveraging Momentum For Africa’s Infrastructure Development And Regional Integration To Build Sustainable And Inclusive Growth On The Continent

Infrastructure development is an essential driver for progress on the African continent and has the potential to be an enabler of sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The economy needs reliable infrastructure to connect supply chains and efficiently move goods and services across borders. [Read Article]

Zambia Railways Limited Charts a Course for Future Growth at Southern African Railways Conference

At the recent Southern African Railways (SARA Rail) conference and exhibition, Engineer Fred Mwila, Acting Managing Director of Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL), shared a comprehensive vision for the future of Zambian rail transport. Speaking as a panellist during the CEO Think Tank session sponsored by the PRASA Group, Mwila offered a candid assessment of the current state and future prospects of ZRL. [Read Article]

South Africa's DoT Sets Sights On Enhancing Freight Corridors

In a strategic move to bolster its economy and enhance global competitiveness, the South African Department of Transport (DoT) is focusing on strengthening its freight transport infrastructure. Recognising the pivotal role of efficient freight corridors in national economic growth and international trade, the DoT is embarking on an ambitious project to optimise these vital transport networks. [Read Article]

Beitbridge Bulawayo Railways Embarks on Expansive Regional Collaborations

At the recent Southern African Railways Association (SARA) conference and exhibition, during the CEO Think Tank panel discussion session sponsored by the PRASA Group, Raymond Shoniwa, General Manager of Beitbridge Bulawayo Railways (BBR), a division of Grindrod, provided insightful updates on the company’s strategic expansion and investment plans.

Shoniwa highlighted BBR’s shift in focus from traditional operations within Zimbabwe to broader regional collaborations. He underscored the company’s evolution from merely leasing locomotives to a more comprehensive operating model, extending beyond their current concessions. This change, according to Shoniwa, is a response to the dynamic needs of the African rail transport sector. [Read Article]

Namibia To Spend N$230m On Transnamib Operations

Namibia has allocated N$230 million for the operations of TRANSNAMIB LIMITED, the state-owned railway operator, in the upcoming 2023/2024 financial year. According to budget documents from the Ministry of Finance’s Mid-year Budget Review for the same year, TransNamib is set to receive this funding as part of the N$1.2 billion allocated for subsidies and other transfers to government organizations. [Read Article]

Transnet Addressing Delays At Ports To Boost South African Economy

Transnet SOC Ltd says it is actively addressing the backlogs at Durban Port and easing congestion at Richards Bay to mitigate impacts on South Africa’s economy. These delays, influenced by adverse weather and equipment shortages, have prompted swift action from Transnet’s leadership. [Read Article]

Reconfiguration Of Bayvue Rail Yard At The Port Of Richards Bay

Transnet SOC Ltd has officially issued a tender for the reconfiguration of the Bayvue Rail Yard at the Port of Richards Bay, marking a significant step in enhancing South Africa’s freight transport capabilities. The project’s primary goal is to expand the rail yard to support larger train formations, starting with 75 wagon trains and eventually scaling up to accommodate 150 wagon trains. This ambitious expansion includes extensions and upgrades to various yard components such as signalling systems, departure yards, and the Moba Loop. [Read Article]

Zambia Could Access $184 Million in Financing

The Zambian authorities and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the second review of the 38-month Extended Credit Facility-supported program (ECF). Once the review is approved by IMF Management and completed by the Executive Board, Zambia will have access to about $184 million in financing (SDR 139.9 million);

Despite a challenging environment, the economy is showing resilience, with real GDP growth now projected at 4.3% in 2023 and 4.7% in 2024. External and domestic conditions have put pressure on the external balance and the exchange rate, raising inflation; Economic policies will continue to focus on restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, while protecting health, education, and social spending, safeguarding financial stability, and stepping up structural and governance reforms to unlock Zambia’s growth.

National Railways of Zimbabwe Outlines Ambitious Plans at SARA Conference

Ms. Respina Zinyanduko, General Manager of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), shared a strategic overview of NRZ’s future at the recent Southern African Railways (SARA Rail) conference and exhibition, during her participation as a panellist in the CEO Think Tank session, sponsored by PRASA Group. [Read Article]

Exploring RailBlazer with Trilogical Technologies CEO

Join us in this episode of ‘Coffee with the Editor’ as we welcome Eyal Trichter, CEO of Trilogical Technologies Ltd. Discover how RailBlazer addresses the growing demands in rail freight, enhancing operations and maintenance efficiency.