Railways Africa

Join us in this exclusive Coffee with the Editor session, where our Editor sits down with Mr. Masanja K. Kadogosa, the Director General of Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC). Discover the groundbreaking developments in Tanzania's railway network. From the near completion of the Dar es Salaam-Morogoro and Morogoro-Dodoma sections to future projects linking Tanzania with neighbouring countries, delve into the ambitious plans that are set to revolutionise railway transportation in East Africa. Hear more about TRC's approach to open access and partnerships with the private sector, as well as their strategic focus on integrated freight services. Mr. Kadogosa also provides insights into the significant investments, greenfield railway projects, maintenance strategies and skill development programmes shaping the future of Tanzania's railways.

Join us in an insightful conversation with Ibrah Wahabou, Senior Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, as we explore the future of Africa's rail infrastructure. Recorded in Addis Ababa, this interview delves deep into the initiatives and challenges of developing a connected, efficient, and sustainable railway network across the continent. Key Highlights: - AU-NEPAD's role in translating policies into developmental projects. - Insights into the African Integrated High-Speed Rail Network and its evolution. - The intersection of PIDA and the rail network development. - Strategies to overcome implementation hurdles and financing challenges. - The potential of rail infrastructure in boosting intra-African trade. Don't Miss: - The importance of an integrated corridor approach in rail development. - Innovative ideas for financing Africa's railway revolution. - Understanding the frustration and aspirations surrounding Africa's rail infrastructure. - Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions and expert insights on Africa's infrastructure development journey.

Join us for a special edition of "Coffee with the Editor" as we sit down with Eric Ntagengerwa from the African Union during the recently held railway technical experts workshop on the Africa Integrated High Speed Railway Network, a flagship project of the AU Agenda 2063, held in Addis Ababa from 12-14th December 2023. Eric provides an in-depth look at the workshop's objectives, including assessing the progress of pilot railway projects, discussing challenges in funding and regulation, and the importance of the Luxembourg Rail Protocol. He also highlights the need for a robust information exchange platform and capacity building in the railway sector. Discover the key takeaways and renewed commitments from railway agencies and member states to collaboratively advance this monumental project. Stay tuned for more updates and progress reports on this transformative project, as we continue to bring you the latest from the heart of African rail transport developments.

Join us for another insightful session of 'Coffee with the Editor' as Phillippa Dean sits down with Mmuso Selaledi, the acting CEO of the Railway Safety Regulator. In this in-depth conversation, they explore a myriad of topics, shedding light on the significant transformations within the railway industry and the pivotal role of the Railway Safety Regulator in fostering safety and innovation. Topics Covered: - International Rail Safety Council event 2023 - Annual State of Safety Report Insights - Challenges & Solutions: Tackling Theft and Vandalism - Amendments to the Railway Safety Bill - Third-Party Open Access: The Role of RSR - RSR Cooperation in Southern Africa

At the recent Ignite SME Summit 2023, Nolufefe Gxakushe-Solani, the Procurement Director at Alstom, took the stage to discuss the company's active involvement in supplier and enterprise development, especially concerning the four joint venture rail projects that Alstom has in South Africa. We caught up with her offstage for an impromptu Coffee with the Editor session. Alstom, globally renowned for its commitment to innovation in transport solutions, has firmly rooted itself in the South African business landscape. Nolufefe elaborated on Alstom's mission, emphasizing their efforts to not only deliver on mandates and contracts but also to uplift suppliers to compete on the international stage. Through their Supplier Development function, they aim to bolster existing capabilities and enhance efficiencies. This comprehensive approach not only includes training and process implementation but also extends to financial support, such as offering favourable payment terms. A significant challenge faced by local suppliers is the need to meet the international standards set by companies like Alstom. Instead of perceiving this as a hindrance, Alstom views it as a growth opportunity. They have played a pivotal role in aiding suppliers to secure the necessary certifications, even when they initially lacked them. Using the specific welding requirements as an example, Nolufefe illustrated how Alstom ensures that suppliers undergo the required training, which in turn leads to the establishment of sustainable processes compliant with global standards. Alstom's ambition stretches beyond just local projects. They are committed to ensuring that suppliers are trained to meet international rail standards, preparing them not just for local initiatives like the PRASA program, executed by Gibela, but also for global undertakings. "We are qualifying them to produce and supply components that are crafted in South Africa, using South African materials and powered by skilled South Africans, to meet the demands of companies abroad," Nolufefe stated. Nolufefe also underscored the impressive investment figures denoting their commitment. Over the past decade, with a particular focus on the Gibela Programme, Alstom has channelled 96 million Rand, into training, an additional 66 million towards localization, and a further 83 million for supplier development. These numbers are a testament to Alstom's unwavering dedication to fostering a sustainable and empowered local business ecosystem. As our conversation concluded, Nolufefe's fervour for Alstom's vision and the potential of South African suppliers shone brightly. Through her words and deeds, she embodies the relentless drive to ensure today's investments pave the way for a sustainable future. Ps: Thank you to Roche Bobois (https://www.roche-bobois.com/en-ZA/) for the Coffee With the Editor set.

A few weeks ago, we published a blog authored by Sarah Truen titled: “Unlocking Efficiency – Overcoming Challenges in South Africa’s Rail Freight Sector.” In this Coffee with the Editor podcast, Sarah delves into the intricacies involved in achieving success within this context. Our conversation delves into the challenges and complexities associated with introducing competition, enhancing operational efficiency, and enabling third-party access within the rail industry. We explore the delicate balancing act necessary to establish a fair competitive landscape while also nurturing private sector engagement and investment. Truen elaborates on the significance of effective price differentiation, the implementation of regulatory mechanisms, and the pivotal role of collaboration among various stakeholders. Tune in to gain valuable insights.

In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, we have the pleasure of hosting Logan Naicker, CEO of Alstom Ubunye. This engaging conversation provides comprehensive insights into Alstom Ubunye’s operations within the African Rail industry, with a particular focus on their ongoing PRASA project. Logan delves into the progress of the PRASA project, where Alstom Ubunye is nearing the serial production phase, with almost six train sets being manufactured every month. He recalls how they hit the ground running in 2018, ramping up production at an impressive pace. Keeping in stride with their customer, Gibela, the company has managed to effectively match the demand for train sets. This venture is prospering significantly and is expected to reach peak production in the coming months. Operating at this capacity, Alstom Ubunye aims to maintain this production rate through the end of the contract in 2030. A central point of our discussion revolves around Alstom Ubunye’s recent expansion into the service and maintenance sector. Already established in maintaining the Gautrain and the Traxx Locomotive, the broadening horizons of the company indicate their adaptability and growth. Logan also outlines the company’s involvement in the production of the Traxx locomotive, highlighting the strategic roles of Alstom’s various joint ventures within the industry. This forms part of Alstom Ubunye’s unwavering dedication to manufacturing, with a vision for further expansion into locomotive production across South Africa and Africa. As we delve deeper into the specifics of Alstom Ubunye’s contributions to the PRASA car build project, Logan details the multitude of mechanical and electrical components they work on. These include essential parts like traction converters, cubicles, auxiliary converters, looms, harnessing, and bogie assemblies. Alongside their foundational role in manufacturing, Alstom Ubunye is also charting a course into the service, maintenance, and overhaul market. They have recently taken their first steps in this direction, with a dedicated facility already set up for this purpose. Towards the end of our discussion, we explore future plans, particularly the possibility of venturing into different technologies like diesel, hydrogen, or battery-powered trains. While Alstom Ubunye’s expertise is primarily in the electric space, they recognise the diverse requirements of the South African and African markets and are actively contemplating how to cater to these various needs. Join us for this in-depth conversation, providing an inside look into Alstom Ubunye’s operations, their significant role in the African Rail industry, and their exciting plans for the future.

In this Coffee with the Editor, Babatunde Oso, Regional General Manager for Africa at Wabtec Corporation, discusses the company’s strategic role and ongoing efforts in the South African and broader African rail industry. The conversation provides a deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the rail sector in Africa, including the competition with road transport and the need for significant infrastructure investment. Oso goes in-depth into Wabtec’s technological advancements, including the company’s shift towards more efficient and eco-friendly options. This includes moving from diesel to battery-powered locomotives, as part of an overall drive to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability in the industry. We touch on the unique case of maintaining and modernising older GE/Wabtec locomotives that are still operational after nearly half a century of service. Oso outlines how the company is working to extend the lifespan of these machines, highlighting the complexity of managing a supply chain for equipment that wasn’t built to last this long. We kick around the idea of a potential ‘buy-back’ system, where old locomotives could be replaced with modern, more efficient ones. This would probably be an interesting business case once open access talk translates into actual open access. Oso also talks about the hurdles of dealing with ageing assets and the struggle of valuing older rolling stock in such an evolving market. If you are interested in rail transport, sustainability, and technological innovations in the African context. Dive into the complexities, challenges, and innovative solutions that are part of Wabtec’s journey in the African rail industry. Enjoy.

Welcome to an engaging Coffee with the Editor with Eng. Eric Ntagengerwa, Acting Head of the Transport and Mobility Division at the Infrastructure and Energy Department, African Union Commission. This interview took place during the Continental Workshop on the Implementation of the Africa Integrated High-Speed Railways Network. Eric takes a moment to share the objectives of the workshop, focusing on the crucial aspects of the project and its potential to boost intra-African trade, which is essential for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement. The Africa Integrated High-Speed Railway Network project, a key part of the AU Agenda 2063, is pivotal to achieving Africa's goal of physical integration and facilitating trade across the continent. The conversation unveils the meticulous coordination required to manage the 13 projects within the High-Speed Railway Network, all aimed at connecting Africa through an integrated corridor approach. Eric emphasises the critical role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and corridor management institutions in this process. We touch on the incorporation of the private sector in these ambitious projects and the significance of forming public-private partnerships. The conversation provides insights into achieving interoperability between different railway line standards and gauges across the continent. An intriguing development discussed in the interview is the revival of the African Union of Railways, and Eric provides the background and future potential of this entity. Finally, the importance of the rail sector in supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement is addressed. As Eric states, rail transport continues to be a priority, potentially replacing road transport in some areas to result in a denser, more efficient network, while also addressing the issue of decarbonisation. Join us in this enlightening conversation and gain a comprehensive understanding of Africa's future in railway development and trade facilitation. Don't forget to subscribe for more updates on Africa's transformative railway initiatives.

James Holley, CEO of Traxtion, recently joined Railways Africa Magazine for a Coffee With The Editor interview. The conversation covered various topics and updates in the rail industry. One of the key highlights was the refurbishment of Class 39 locomotives purchased from Transnet Engineering. Two of the locomotives are currently in testing, and all locomotives have been contracted out for lease. Additionally, the Rosslyn Rail services hub is experiencing increased activity, with 24 locomotives at different stages of rebuild and repair. The interview also touched on the company’s commitment to training and excellence in its workforce. Traxtion invests significantly in internal and external training programs. The company recognizes the importance of skilled and competent teams in delivering high-quality services. Regarding Traxtion’s operations in Africa, they have concluded the sale of three locomotives to Senegal. Senegal is making substantial investments in its rail infrastructure, including the high-speed commuter rail link and the Dakar Bamako line. James Holley also provided an update on the hydrogen locomotive project, and the potential to transition from diesel-electric locomotives to a green hydrogen solution. The project is in its final stages, and the consortium working on it has been awarded a grant. This development represents a significant leap forward for the region’s freight rail industry. Rail reform and increased demand for trains driven by high commodity prices were highlighted as factors creating opportunities for the private sector in the rail industry. Investment in infrastructure is crucial to improving transit times and operational speed, paving the way for future investment in new rolling stock. Traxtion is actively involved in promoting safety and awareness, with plans for the upcoming International level crossing awareness day in collaboration with the Rail Safety Regulator.

For this Coffee with the Editor, we sit down with Engineer Hilina Belachew - CEO, of Ethiopia Railways Corporation. In this in-depth interview, we discuss the transformative role of the rail network in Ethiopia, its current projects, and future expansion plans. We explore exciting development corridors and dive into the Corporation's visionary plans for increased independence in railway production.

We had the opportunity to catch up for a "Coffee with the Editor" with Lubinda Sakanga, Director of Technical & Operations at the Southern African Railway Association (SARA), during the recent Continental Workshop for the Africa Integrated High-Speed Railways Network (AIHSRN). SARA, a subsidiary organization of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is solely dedicated to railway development within the Southern African region. Their primary mission is to advance the railway development agenda, particularly through corridor development. The vision for the continental AIHSRN network revolves around these corridors, which are viewed from a continental perspective and are part of the Program for Infrastructure Development Project (PIDA). PIDA aims to foster continental railway coordination. The Africa Union High-Speed Railway Project prioritizes railway links across various regions, two of which specifically fall within the Southern African region. These are the Namibian Corridor, which primarily connects Namibia through Botswana before joining the North-South Corridor, and the Beira Corridor, extending from Zambia via the Memorial Way to Beira Port in Mozambique. In this interview, we discuss the role of SARA in advancing railway development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Sakanga emphasizes the importance of corridor development, intergovernmental agreements, standards, regulations, and capacity building. He also mentions the ongoing development of a regional railway infrastructure master plan and the need for private-sector engagement. Enjoy!

Join us for an insightful interview with Mama Sougoufara, Alstom's Managing Director for MENAT - Middle East, Northern Africa and Turkey, as part of our "Coffee with the Editor" series. In this episode, Mama shares his perspectives on the Middle East rail market, its potential, and Alstom's approach in supporting its development. Discover the exciting projects and initiatives happening in the region and gain valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced in this dynamic market.

In this Coffee with the Editor, Antonio Merheb, the current chairman of the International Heavy Haul Association, gives me an update on the plans for the 12th IHHA - International Heavy Haul Association Conference and Exhibition, which is set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 27-31, 2023, at the Windsor Convention & Expo Centre. It is set to be the biggest event yet for IHHA, replicating some of the success achieved when the event last ran in Cape Town, South Africa. Over 500 abstracts were received from 120 organizations representing more than 30 countries in response to the call for speakers. At the event, there will be 220 full papers presented, in addition to 100 poster sessions. So far, the numbers for both exhibitors and conference delegates are looking fantastic. Antonio also touches on the biggest players in terms of heavy haul operations and emphasizes that, for the first time, there is a significant focus on carbonization, renewable fuels, and innovative systems that can promote sustainable operations. In addition, heavy haul is not just about looking at the railway aspect in isolation but as a total system that includes the mines and the port. It looks like the 12th IHHA - International Heavy Haul Association Conference and Exhibition is going to be an event not to be missed. Registrations are open: https://ihhario2023.com/registration/

Join our editor for an insightful "Coffee with the Editor" session featuring the team from the Union Internationale des Chemins de fer (UIC) – International Union of Railways, as we discuss their involvement and activities in the African region. We had the privilege of "meeting" Christian Chavanel, the coordinator for the Africa region and Rail System Director, along with Marie Plaud-Lombard, Maria Lafont, and François Davenne, UIC Director General. While one may think that the UIC is focused on the European market, they are a global railway organisation with over 60 members and 100 years of expertise and experience in the technical aspects of the sector. They are in an ideal position to offer valuable insights and solutions to operators in Africa, covering crucial areas such as safety, interoperability, telecommunications, passengers, freight, combined transport, certification, and more.

In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Johny Smith, CEO of TransNamib, joins Philippa Dean to discuss his impending departure from TransNamib and the exciting projects the company is working on. Watch to learn about the Walvis Bay-to-Kranzberg upgrade project, the Trans Kalahari Project, new locomotives being purchased with a 2.6 billion loan, and the government's plan to rehabilitate sections of the railway lines in Namibia. Smith also shares his biggest highlight during his tenure at TransNamib and his vision for the future of the rail industry in Namibia.

Join us as we sit down with Andy Knight, President of the Institution of Railway Signalling Engineers (IRSE), to learn more about ISRE and discuss his recent visit to South Africa and his insights into the challenges facing the country's railway industry. From multiple infrastructure owners to skills development, we delve into the important role that the IRSE plays in providing guidance and support to the rail industry.

Listen to our interview with Xolani Mbambo, the incoming CEO of Grindrod Limited and the current CEO of Grindrod Freight Services. Our interview took place during their recent interim financial results announcement. In our interview, we touch on the locomotive fleet expansion, market opportunities for rail, and the recently launched coal train service with Eswatini, among other items of interest that highlight that the future for rail is bright! Enjoy.

Prof. Jan Havenga and Dr. Zane Simpson, Stellenbosch University cover "The Future of Heavy Haul" at the South African Heavy Haul Conference and Exhibition.

Dr. Andrew Shaw, Group Chief Strategy & Planning Officer covers Transnet's strategy to support the commodity sector at the recently held South African Heavy Haul Conference and Exhibition (SAHHA).