Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 02:2024
A Prosperous 2024 To You All!
Welcome back to the first issue of Railways Africa Magazine for 2024. The team and I take this moment to wish you all a very prosperous year ahead. May we all maintain our focus on the rail sector within the African continent, working together to advance the region’s shared objectives and embracing the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
To our readers, your continuous support and engagement are the cornerstones of our success. Your enthusiasm for our content drives us to constantly improve and evolve. To our advertisers and partners, your collaboration is invaluable. Your trust in our platform enables us to continue doing what we love and to grow a robust and dynamic African rail community.
This year, we pledge to bring you even more engaging content, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking discussions.
Here’s to another fantastic year!
Phillippa Dean
Espresso
Bite-size takeaways
Simandou Project Update
The Mount Simandou mining project, recognised as the largest untapped high-grade iron deposit in the world, continues to achieve significant milestones. On 22 December 2023, eight contractual documents were signed under the leadership of Djiba Diakité, Minister Chief of Staff of the Presidency and president of the Simandou strategic committee. This development consolidates the progress of the Simandou project.
The agreements follow a year after initial terms were agreed upon with key stakeholders, including Rio Tinto Simfer, Winning Consortium Simandou, and Baowu, a Chinese steel giant. This step demonstrates a collective commitment to actualising the project. The Minister Director of the Presidency’s Office has expressed dedication to advancing the Simandou project, aligning with the strategic vision set by the President of the Republic, Colonel Mamadi DOUMBOUYA.
Wabtec Announces Railcar Telematics Platform
Wabtec recently announced its entrance into the railcar telematics market via an agreement with Intermodal Telematics B.V. (“IMT”), a Dutch company, under which Wabtec will create a railcar telematics platform using IMT technology. Wabtec’s new railcar telematics platform will deliver real-time information to railcar and tank container owners and operators, allowing them to turn rail cargo into smart, connected assets.
Wabtec plans to begin offering this railcar telematics solution in the first quarter of 2024. The solution will be offered exclusively by Wabtec in North America and other heavy haul freight markets globally as set forth in the agreement.
Nigeria Looking To Add 6000km To Railway Network In 2024
The Ministry of Transport is currently undertaking a comprehensive plan to expand Nigeria’s railway infrastructure. This includes the development of approximately 6,000 kilometres of standard gauge railways, along with the rehabilitation of an existing network of 3,505 kilometres of narrow gauge lines. These enhancements are strategically aimed at connecting key regions – North, South, East, and West – of the country, facilitating access to vital oil and mineral resource zones, the agricultural sector, and major ports, with a particular focus on the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
In recent years, however, challenges have arisen in obtaining sufficient funding from these international financing institutions. This has led to delays in critical projects such as the Lagos – Kano and Kano – Maradi Railway Modernisation Project, as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Gauge. Additionally, the Ministry is addressing existing financial obligations, notably in relation to the Lagos – Ibadan Railway Project, where there are outstanding debts related to completed work.
Zambia Railways Limited Board Appoints Sub–Committee Members
In December 2023, the Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board of Directors appointed Members of the Sub Committees of the Board to collectively realize the best solutions for ZRL. ZRL Board Chairperson Emmanuel Hachipuka said the Board is confident that the committee members will add value to the organisation as they assist the Board in carrying out crucial assignments at Committee level.
The composition of the committee, comprising members with a wealth of experience and expertise from varied professional backgrounds, is as follows:
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Mr. Muchindu KasongolaMr. Kanguya MayondiMr. Ranford Simumbwe
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
Mr. Yogesh KuntawalaMr. Webster MtamboMr. Mwelwa Manda
AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE
Mrs. Mercedes Kumuyo Imasiku MwansaMrs. Maria Chima ChitomfwaMr. Walter T. Miyoba
REAL ESTATES COMMITTEE
Mr. Ngenda NyambeMs. Jacqueline Kaumba Lungu
Somalia Becomes Member Of East African Community
December 2023, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed Somalia into the East African Community, describing the move as a boost to the efforts of the regional bloc to ensure the prosperity and strategic security of its people.
Ethio-Djibouti Railway Launched the Operation of the Sebeta Railway Station
The Ethio-Djibouti Railway launched operations at Sebeta Railway Station on December 21, 2023. This station, serving as the starting point of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway s.c., was inaugurated and commenced operations. The State Minister for Transport and Logistics, H.E. Denge Boru, the Chief Executive Officer of Ethio-Djibouti Railway, Abdi Zenebe (Ph.D.), along with officials from Sheger City, were present at the launch event.
H.E. State Minister Ato Denge Boru remarked that railway transport has significantly contributed to the country’s increasing income and expenditure. He highlighted its vital role in transporting soil fertilizer imported into the country, ensuring swift accessibility for farmers. The inauguration of the railway station in Sebeta Sub-city, part of the Sheger City Administration, is expected to boost the economic and social activities in the region.
Abdi Zenebe (Ph.D.), CEO of Ethio-Djibouti Railway s.c., noted that there are 20 train stations across different cities in Ethiopia and Djibouti, with new stations continually opening. He emphasized that the initiation of the Sebeta railway station is poised to create more employment opportunities in Sheger’s new city.
Advancing Africa’s Rail Network: Insights From The Africa Integrated High Speed Railway Network Workshop
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.
Unveiling Africa’s Railway Future: Exclusive Interview with Ibrah Wahabou, AUDA-NEPAD
In a recent enlightening Coffee with the Editor, Ibrah Wahabou, the Senior Programme Officer at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA) – NEPAD, we delved into the intricacies of Africa’s rail infrastructure development. Held in the vibrant city of Addis Ababa, this conversation was not just an exchange of ideas but a deep dive into the future of African connectivity.
AU-NEPAD’s Mission: Bridging Policy and Development
Wahabou, spearheading the Infrastructure and Connectivity aspect, emphasised AUDA-NEPAD’s pivotal role in transforming African Union policies into tangible development projects. Their focus spans across vital sectors such as agriculture, environmental sustainability, human capital and notably, infrastructure and industrialisation. AUDA-NEPAD stands as Africa’s beacon for developmental partnership and resource mobilisation, striving to enhance connectivity through various infrastructural elements like roads, railways, and digital technology.
African Integrated High-Speed Rail Network: The Journey Ahead
The discussion progressed to the ambitious African Integrated High-Speed Rail Network, a flagship programme under Agenda 2063. This vision for the next 50 years looks to a transformed continent with robust infrastructure. Wahabou highlighted the network’s transition from a high-speed focus to a broader, more inclusive African Integrated Railways Network, pending adoption by African heads of state.
This ambitious project intersects with PIDA (Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa), encompassing transport, energy, water, and ICT sectors. The challenge lies in marrying project preparation with sustainable financing, all while navigating the complexities of cross-border policy harmonisation.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Path to Implementation
Wahabou candidly addressed the slow pace of project implementation, stressing the need for a systemic approach. This approach requires aligning projects with national economic development plans and exercising strong political will to ensure timely completion. He also highlighted the importance of the integrated corridor approach, which views rail lines as economic development lifelines rather than mere transport routes.
Financing Africa’s Railway Revolution
A significant portion of the discussion revolved around financing these mammoth projects. Wahabou proposed leveraging domestic resources, like Pension Funds and sovereign wealth funds, alongside private sector investment and traditional funding methods. He underscored the need for innovative funding mechanisms, such as pooling resources or establishing levies to sustain and expand rail infrastructure.
The Road Ahead: Frustrations and Aspirations
Concluding the interview, Wahabou empathised with common frustrations around the slow pace of development and funding challenges. He reaffirmed AUDA-NEPAD’s commitment to transforming Africa’s rail network into a catalyst for intra-African trade and economic growth, underpinning the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Transforming Railways In Tanzania: An Exclusive Interview With TRC’s Director General, Mr. Kadogosa
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 Railway 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.
Subscribe for more insightful interviews and stay tuned as we bring you more updates on Africa’s evolving rail transport landscape.
Enhancing Safety and Sustainability in Public Transport:
A Conversation with Arnold Sivhada, SHERQ Executive – Bombela Operating Company
SHERQ Executive
Bombela Operating Company
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