China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has committed over $1.4 billion to modernize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), a vital transport link for Zambia’s copper exports to Tanzania’s largest port. TAZARA plays a crucial role in exporting copper and cobalt from Central Africa while offering an alternative route to South Africa’s congested ports. However, years of neglect have left the railway in need of urgent repairs. Negotiations for a 30-year concession
Category: Railway News
Canyon Resources Expands Stake in Camrail to Strengthen Bauxite Logistics
ASX-listed Canyon Resources, through its wholly owned subsidiary Camalco Cameroon, has acquired a 5.3% equity stake in Cameroon’s rail network operator, Camrail, from TotalEnergies Marketing Cameroun (Total Cameroon). The transaction was finalized on March 14, following internal approval from Total Cameroon’s Apex Committee. With this latest acquisition, Camalco now holds a strategic 9.1% stake in Camrail, having previously secured a 3.8% interest from Société d’Exploitation des Bois du Cameroun (SEBC)
Nacala Logistics Achieves Milestone with Record Cargo Transport in 2024
Nacala Logistics reached a significant milestone in 2024, transporting 647 kilotonnes (kt) of miscellaneous cargo, a 117 kt increase from the previous year. This achievement underscores the company’s ongoing investment in infrastructure and its expansion efforts, particularly through the initiation of cargo transportation to Zimbabwe and the resumption of key traffic in regions like Kanengo and Mchinji in Malawi, as well as Chipata in Zambia. These strategic routes are vital
Morocco’s $2.9 Billion Rail Expansion Ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup
Morocco’s state-owned rail operator, ONCF, announced a significant $2.9 billion investment on Wednesday to purchase 168 trains from manufacturers in France, Spain, and South Korea. This move is part of ONCF’s broader efforts to expand the country’s rail network in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, as reported by Reuters. The contracts were awarded to French manufacturer Alstom, Spain’s Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles
Transnet Strengthens Leadership with Key Executive Appointments
Transnet has appointed Bessie Mabunda as Chief Executive of Transnet Engineering (TE) and Moshe Motlohi as Chief Executive of Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), effective March 1. These appointments aim to enhance strategic leadership, ensure stability, and strengthen the organization’s key operating divisions. TE, Transnet’s manufacturing division, provides research, design, manufacturing, and maintenance services for the global rail industry, with a strong focus on Africa. TRIM oversees South Africa’s rail
Traxtion Expands African Footprint with Lobito Atlantic Railway Partnership
South African railway company Traxtion has strengthened its presence in Africa by leasing G18U shunting locomotives from Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR). These locomotives will enhance freight operations at Lobito Port, a key transportation hub connecting Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This partnership aims to improve the efficiency of freight transport along this critical trade corridor. Previously, Traxtion and LAR agreed to lease U20C locomotives, essential for
Botswana to Boost Rail Network Investment for Economic Growth
The rail development is part of a broader proposed infrastructure budget of P11.54 billion (R15.4 billion). “Railway infrastructure is essential to industrial and logistical operations. It offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable transportation solution,” said Gaolathe. The total budget for rail projects amounts to P156 million, covering the rehabilitation of the Limpopo Corridor, the procurement of Botswana Railway Workshop equipment, and feasibility studies for the Mmamabula-Lephalale and Mosetse-Kazungula railways. Gaolathe
U.S. Aid Freeze Puts Africa’s Critical Minerals Corridor at Risk
A billion-dollar expansion of Africa’s most strategic U.S.-backed critical minerals project is now in limbo due to a foreign aid freeze under the Trump administration—creating an opening for China to expand its influence. At the center of the crisis is the Lobito Corridor railway project, a key infrastructure initiative designed to transport copper and cobalt from the Central African Copperbelt—home to some of the world’s richest deposits—to the Angolan coast
Zambia’s Lobito Corridor Project Key to Economic Growth and EV Battery Hub Development
Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Frank Tayali, has underscored the Lobito Corridor Project as a transformative initiative that will position Zambia as a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) battery production and assembly. Speaking at the Lobito Corridor Stakeholder Discussion during the recent Mining Indaba in South Africa, Hon. Tayali reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging the project’s benefits through regulatory reforms in the EV industry. The Lobito
Tanzania and Burundi Sign $2.15 Billion Railway Deal to Boost Regional Connectivity
On January 29, 2025, Tanzania and Burundi signed an agreement to construct a 282-kilometer Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Uvinza in Tanzania to Musongati in Burundi. The $2.15 billion project, awarded to China Railway Engineering Group Co. Ltd (CREGC) and China Railway Engineering Design and Consulting Group Co. Ltd (CREDC), is set for completion within 72 months. The signing ceremony took place at the John Pombe Magufuli SGR station in