Railways Africa

The consortium of Colas Rail, Orascom Construction, and Hitachi Rail has signed a contract with the National Authority for Tunnels to modernise Cairo Metro Line 1. The project aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and capacity of the 44 km line, impacting over 1.5 million daily commuters. Work is set to start in October this year.

https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/consortium-of-colas-rail-orascom-construction-and-hitachi-rail-to-modernize-cairo-metro-line-1

The Development Bank of Southern Africa has approved $200 million in funding for the Lobito Corridor Railway Project, a key initiative to boost regional trade and connectivity between Angola and the DRC.

https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/dbsa-approves-200-million-for-the-lobito-corridor-railway-project

Petredec and Transnet Freight Rail have teamed up to launch South Africa’s first dedicated LPG rail freight solution, with a dedicated LPG rail intermodal hub.

Read more: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/petredec-and-transnet-freight-rail-enter-agreement-to-enhance-lpg-distribution-in-south-africa

Transnet SOC Ltd is taking bold steps to revitalise South Africa’s rail network. At the SAHHA conference, CEO Michelle Phillips shared plans to modernise infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and expand capacity through strategic partnerships and private sector participation.

Read more here: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/transnets-vision-for-a-competitive-future

The African Development Bank Group is playing a pivotal role in transforming Africa’s rail sector through strategic investments and partnerships. From supporting Transnet’s turnaround to funding major projects like Tanzania’s SGR, AfDB is driving regional connectivity and sustainable growth across the continent.

Find out more here: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/the-african-development-banks-role-in-transforming-africas-rail-sector

The African Development Bank Group Transport Forum 2024 is set to drive discussions on accelerating sustainable rail and transport connectivity across Africa. As demand for transport infrastructure grows, this forum will address key challenges and opportunities for the continent’s rail sector.

https://www.afdb.org/en/atf2024?utm_source=railwaysafrica&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=atf2024

Catch our latest Coffee with the Editor interview with Ms Nompumelelo Ekeke, Chairperson of the Railway Safety Regulator, from the SARA Rail Conference! Discover insights on the upcoming Rail Safety Awards, the role of women in rail, and how the RSR is leading the charge on safety and standards across the SADC region.

🎬 https://youtu.be/s32kdL8Ae8U

Article: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/railway-safety-regulator-chairperson-on-rail-milestones-upcoming-awards-and-industry-challenges

During the North Corridor coal line shutdown in August, voestalpine VAE SA delivered turnout sets to Transnet Freight Rail. This work is part of ongoing maintenance to enhance rail efficiency and support coal exports in South Africa.

Read more: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/voestalpine-vae-sa-enhances-rail-efficiency-with-turnout-set-deliveries-for-transnet-freight-rails-key-coal-export-corridors



Mirai Rail

Zambia Railways Limited is advancing plans for a public-private partnership on the Chipata-Mchinji Railway, with a focus on enhancing regional connectivity through a new dry port and extending the rail line to Serenje. This strategic move aims to link Zambia to , , and , bolstering trade and transport in the region.

Read more: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/zambia-railways-confident-on-ppp-for-chipata-mchinji-railway

Maphefo Anno-Frempong, CEO of Transport Education Training Authority, is leading the charge for gender equality in South Africa’s transport sector. Through pioneering initiatives and a commitment to inclusivity, she’s empowering women to take on leadership roles and drive industry innovation.

Read More: https://www.railways.africa/empowering-women-in-transport-maphefo-anno-frempongs-trailblazing-leadership/

Exciting progress for Cross River State! Governor Bassey Otu has inaugurated the 365km Calabar-Obudu Railway Line, connecting the south and north of the state. This transformative project, led by Reinhoke LLC, aims to boost economic growth, enhance trade, and create jobs.

Read more: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/nigeria-calabar-obudu-railway-line-construction

The National Railways of Zimbabwe - NRZ is set to boost its rail infrastructure with a US$115 million facility from African Export Import Bank - Afreximbank. The funds, guaranteed by the Zimbabwean government, will be used directly for the supply of locomotives and wagons from RITES Limited of India, supporting the revitalisation of Zimbabwe’s rail sector.

Read more: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/zimbabwe-preparing-guarantee-for-afreximbank-loan

President Hichilema of Zambia will join leaders from China and Tanzania at the Ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit to witness the signing of an Investment Framework for the revitalisation of Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority - Tazara.

Read More: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/china-tanzania-and-zambia-to-sign-investment-framework-for-tazara

The Railway Safety Regulator is making strides with its first-ever Rail Safety Awards, set to honour safety milestones and achievements across the rail sector. Chairperson Ms Nompumelelo Ekeke shares insights on the SADC region’s rail progress, upcoming events and the ongoing commitment to safety and inclusivity in rail.

Read more: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/railway-safety-regulator-chairperson-on-rail-milestones-upcoming-awards-and-industry-challenges

ALSTOM has appointed Tristan le Masne as the new Managing Director for Southern Africa. With his extensive leadership experience, Tristan will drive Alstom’s vision for smarter, greener rail solutions while leading key projects like Gibela and the maintenance of the Gautrain.

Read more: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/alstom-appoints-new-managing-director-for-southern-africa

The New Development Bank (NDB) has signed a R5 billion loan agreement with Transnet SOC Ltd to modernise South Africa’s freight rail sector.

Read more here: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/ndb-signs-r5-billion-loan-agreement-with-transnet-to-improve-and-modernise-south-africas-freight-and-rail-sector

Curious to know more about how the Luxembourg Rail Protocol will shape the future of rail asset management?

Find out more in our latest interview with Howard Rosen: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/how-the-luxembourg-rail-protocol-is-shaping-the-future-of-rail-asset-management

SMH Rail continues to grow its presence in Africa, with successful locomotive remanufacturing projects in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. Now, they are setting up a new facility in South Africa to support the local rail industry.

Read more in Railways Africa: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/smh-rail-expands-african-presence-insights-from-kenya-tanzania-zambia-and-new-ventures-in-south-africa

The South African Cabinet has endorsed the outcomes of the 13th SARA Conference, focusing on boosting the SADC rail industry. Key priorities include investment, collaboration, and modernisation to improve regional rail and enhance trade opportunities.

https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/south-african-cabinet-endorses-sara-conference-outcomes-amid-regional-rail-focus

SARA Rail Conference and UIC have partnered to enhance rail communication and regional development in Africa. The focus is on adopting the 5G-based FRMCS technology and building capacity across the SADC region to align with global rail advancements.

https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/sara-and-uic-partner-to-advance-rail-communication-system-and-regional-development

Grindrod Limited has announced the return of thirteen locomotives that were shipped from Sierra Leone and arrived at the port of Durban on Thursday, 22nd August. This follows the successful completion of an operation that saw over 18 million tonnes of iron ore transported over three years. The project highlights Grindrod’s expertise in managing heavy-haul train operations.

The Zambian delegation, led by Minister of Transport and Logistics Hon. Frank Tayali, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the SARA Rail Conference. The event brought together key rail industry stakeholders, focusing on enhancing regional rail integration and partnerships.

https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/zambian-delegation-pleased-with-outcomes-of-sara-rail-event

The UK Government commits to funding research and providing technical support to advance rail infrastructure across Southern Africa. Crossrail International and Transport for London will assist in enhancing regional growth and sustainable rail solutions.

Read More: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/uk-announces-new-support-to-southern-african-rail

The first copper shipment from the DRC to the United States has been dispatched through the Port of Lobito by Lobito Atlantic Railway. This milestone highlights the efficiency of the western route via Angola, offering a reliable alternative for minerals and metals from the Congolese Copperbelt.

Read More: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/lobito-atlantic-railway-begins-exporting-copper-from-the-drc-to-the-united-states

Grindrod Limited has announced sustained performance in its interim financial results for 2024, with a focus on rail expansion and partnerships within the SADC and East Africa regions.

Read More: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/grindrod-limited-announces-its-interim-financial-results-for-the-six-months-ended-30-june-2024