China, Zambia, and Tanzania Agree $1.4 Billion Deal to Upgrade Tazara Railway for Copper Transport China, Zambia, and Tanzania have signed a $1.4 billion agreement to modernize the aging Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) line — a vital transport link for moving copper and other resources out of southern Africa. The deal was officially announced by the Zambian government on Monday. A Historic Railway in Need of Renewal Built in the
Category: Railway News
Lobito Corridor and Rail Upgrades Set to Transform Africa’s Copper and Cobalt Transport
Billions Flow Into African Railways as Global Powers Compete for Critical Minerals Billions of dollars are being poured into railway expansion and upgrades across Africa to improve the transport of critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, tantalum, and coal from landlocked mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Botswana, and Zambia to global markets. Major Railway Projects Underway Several large-scale projects are driving this transformation: Trans-Kalahari Railway (1,500
EU–US Delegation Presents $6 Billion Lobito Corridor Study in Kinshasa
Lobito Corridor Project: EU and US Experts Present $6B Pre-Feasibility Study to Boost Africa Trade A joint delegation of experts from the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) presented the conclusions of pre-feasibility studies for the Lobito Corridor project, an initiative estimated at over $6 billion and financed by the US. The meeting, chaired by Jean-Pierre Bemba, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of the Democratic Republic
Transnet Narrows Annual Loss to R1.9 Billion as Rail Volumes Improve
Transnet Cuts Losses to R1.9 Billion on Higher Rail Volumes and Revenue Growth State-owned logistics giant Transnet has reported a significantly reduced loss of R1.9 billion for the financial year ending March 2025, compared to a R7.3 billion loss in the previous year. The debt-laden group has long battled to provide reliable freight rail and port services, hampered by equipment shortages and a backlog of critical maintenance. These shortcomings have
Transnet Moves to Open Rail Network as Private Operators Prepare to Join
Transnet Opens Rail Network: LeaseCo Plan to Fast-Track Private Train Operators in South Africa Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips says negotiations are advancing with the first 11 private train operating companies (TOCs) approved to access the state-owned rail network. However, the companies have indicated it could take 12 to 36 months before operations begin. Speaking at Transnet’s 2024/25 results presentation, Phillips said access to rolling stock remains a key barrier for
South Africa’s Mining Logistics Reform Gains Momentum with Private Sector Involvement
South Africa Mining Logistics: Private Train Operators Boost Rail Capacity and Reduce Export Bottlenecks South Africa’s mining logistics reforms are “moving in the right direction,” according to Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane, who emphasized that collaboration between the government and private sector is starting to yield tangible results, albeit at a slower pace than some stakeholders would prefer. Speaking at the Africa Down Under conference in Perth on
South Africa Opens Rail to Private Operators
Private Train Operators Approved on 41 Routes: Rail Reform Set to Boost Jobs, Exports, and Efficiency The Department of Transport’s decision to grant 11 private train operators access to 41 rail routes is expected to strengthen competition, safeguard jobs, and revive South Africa’s struggling freight logistics system, according to Business Unity South Africa (Busa). Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced the milestone last Friday, calling it a critical step in the
Zambia Positioned as Key Player in Africa’s Rail Expansion
Zambia Key to Africa’s Rail Growth: South Africa Highlights TAZARA and Regional Corridors South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, has highlighted Zambia’s pivotal role in Africa’s rail transformation, emphasizing the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and other regional corridors as essential drivers of trade and economic growth. Speaking at the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) International Rail Conference 2025 on Tuesday, Creecy called for a decisive shift from planning to
South Africa Opens Freight Rail Network to Private Operators to Boost Efficiency
South Africa Allows Private Operators on Freight Rail to Tackle Transnet Bottlenecks South Africa will open its freight rail network to private operators, the government announced Friday, in an effort to improve efficiency as state-owned Transnet grapples with persistent bottlenecks. Transnet, which manages the nation’s rail and port services, has faced equipment shortages, maintenance delays, and widespread cable theft, prompting calls for greater private sector involvement, Reuters reported. Transport Minister
Nigeria Unveils $60B High-Speed Rail Linking Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt
Nigeria Plans 4,000km High-Speed Rail Network to Connect Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt Nigeria has announced plans to construct a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network aimed at connecting key economic corridors, boosting trade, and promoting national integration. The announcement followed a meeting in Abuja between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and the management of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited along with its financial partner, China