South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, is requesting debt relief from the government as it attempts to repair its balance sheet and restore its freight rail and port capacities, according to the company’s chairman, Andile Sangqu, on Tuesday. Transnet is burdened with 130 billion rand ($7.30 billion) in debt and has faced difficulties in providing adequate freight rail and port services due to equipment shortages and maintenance backlogs, stemming from
Category: Railway News
The US-Backed Railway and the New Era in African Copper Supply
As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, the US-backed Lobito Corridor is poised to revolutionize access to African copper resources. This ambitious project, linking Angola to the mineral-rich Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), challenges China’s dominance in critical mineral supply chains. With an estimated investment of $10 billion, the Lobito Corridor encompasses more than just railway construction. It includes roads, energy facilities, and telecommunications, fostering broader regional economic growth and
Algeria and Tunisia Reopen Railway Link After Three Decades
After a 30-year hiatus, the railway connection between Algeria and Tunisia is officially back in operation. The service, initially halted in 1995 due to security concerns and again suspended in 2003 due to technical issues, marks a significant step in strengthening economic and social ties between the two North African nations. The National Company for Rail Transport in Algeria announced the resumption of services, with the inaugural commercial journey departing
INFOTUR Leverages Lobito Corridor to Boost National Tourism
The Institute for Tourism Promotion (INFOTUR) plans to capitalize on the Lobito Corridor to enhance national tourism, announced the General Director, Lukeni Araújo, in Luanda. During the operation of the Rovos Rail luxury train this month, which travels between Lobito, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after originating in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a total of 124 tourists were transported—60 entering Angola and 64 leaving. Araújo emphasized that
South Africa’s Transnet Requires $669 Million to Revive Coal Export Line
South Africa’s state-owned rail company, Transnet, needs $669 million and five years to upgrade its equipment to restore the performance of its main coal export line, according to an internal report. Coal shipments dropped to a three-decade low of 48 million tons last year due to inefficiencies at Transnet, which attributed its struggles to a shortage of locomotives and spare parts. Additionally, infrastructure faults and signaling system issues are major
Benguela Railway to Restore Regular Train Services by November 2024
The Benguela Railway (CFB) has announced plans to resume regular train services between October and November 2024, addressing current limitations on seating capacity caused by technical issues. In a statement issued to Jornal de Angola, CFB apologized for the disruptions affecting daily rail transport for users in the provinces of Huambo, Moxico, Bié, and Lundas Norte and Sul. The reduction in seating has significantly impacted communities along the railway line
Rio Tinto SimFer Achieves Key Milestone in Simandou Rail Project Ahead of Schedule
In early July 2024, Rio Tinto SimFer announced the successful completion of bridge piling for the rail spur between Beyla and Kérouané, a critical part of the Simandou project. The construction team demonstrated exceptional efficiency, completing the task five months ahead of schedule. Over 165 days, they constructed 327 piles, poured 12,186 tonnes of concrete, and averaged two piles per day. If laid end to end, the piles would measure
CFM Celebrates 129th Anniversary with Major Rail Upgrades and Station Expansion
On 8 July 2024, the Ports and Railways of Mozambique (CFM) celebrated three significant milestones: their 129th anniversary, the completion of the first phase of a 42 km dual track upgrade on the Ressano Garcia Line, and the expansion of the Passenger Railway Terminal at Maputo Central Station. The Ressano Garcia Line project, inaugurated by President Filipe Nyusi, was self-funded by CFM at a cost of USD 80 million in
Zambia Railways Board Resurfaces Nacala Corridor Project to Boost Trade
To enhance Zambia’s railway infrastructure and strengthen regional trade, the Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board of Directors, led by Chairperson Emmanuel Hachipuka, recently undertook a familiarization tour of the Chipata-Mchinji railway line. This visit emphasized the Board’s and Government’s commitment to resuming train operations on the Nacala Corridor, a vital trade route connecting Zambia to the Port of Nacala via Malawi and Mozambique. During a courtesy call with the Provincial
G7 Investment Set to Transform Angola’s Lobito Corridor
Luciano Chilembe, the financial administrator of the Catumbela Industrial Development Pole (PDIC), expressed satisfaction with the recent $320 million financing provided by the Group of Seven (G7) richest countries for projects in the Lobito Corridor. This funding is expected to significantly enhance the region’s infrastructure and economic potential. Chilembe emphasized the critical work ahead in the transport sector and the need for a focused approach to consolidate reforms in agro-industry