Rail Safety Regulator Chairperson On 21 Years, Industry Milestones And Women Leading In Rail Railways Africa Magazine podcast

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Join us for this Coffee with the Editor as Traxtion CEO James Holley shares key updates on the company’s fleet expansion, workforce growth, and African market expansion. Our conversation covers; Fleet Expansion – 50 out of 60 locomotives now in operation, with workshop capacity fully booked until August 2024. Slots for third-party rebuilds available in the second half of 2025. Workforce Development – 10 apprentices enrolled, 4 graduates qualified as Red Seal diesel-electric fitters, including two women. Traxtion continues to champion gender inclusivity through the Future of Rail is Women campaign and the TraxWagon bursary scheme. African Expansion – Ongoing growth into Angola and Namibia, with two GT22 locomotives recently handed over. Third-Party Rail Access in South Africa – 1.8 million-tonne rail freight term sheet in December, with further investment dependent on access agreement enhancements. Hydrogen Innovation – Collaboration with CMB.TECH to develop Africa’s first hydrogen combustion locomotive via a dual-fuel hydrogen engine conversion on a U20C locomotive. Future Outlook – Continued investment in fleet, technology, and private sector rail infrastructure to drive long-term industry growth. Subscribe, so you never miss an update on railway industry developments in Africa! #Traxtion #RailExpansion #Railway #Africa #Rail #HydrogenLocomotive #PrivateRailAccess #WomenInRail #RailFreight #Locomotives #RailwayInvestment #SkillsDevelopment #Mining #Freight #Logistics…

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Unlocking Economic Potential: The South Africa-Botswana Rail Corridor Explained 26:26

πριν 5 weeks26:26

26:26

On the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, Anura Partners launched their latest report, Tracks to Prosperity: Realising the Vision for the South Africa-Botswana Rail Corridor, at their annual Mining X Logistics event, attended by 250 senior executives.In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Dr Maximilian Matschke, Managing Partner at Anura Partners, discusses the significance of this corridor with our editor, Phillippa Dean.The Mmamabula–Lephalale link offers tremendous potential. The research report highlights critical enablers and drivers for this corridor, which is not only a lifeline for Botswana’s economy but also crucial for miners and freight owners. It creates a vital artery to both domestic markets in South Africa and export markets overseas.The corridor presents a significant opportunity for bilateral trade and economic development. With an estimated economic impact of at least $40 billion, the potential for job creation and improved livelihoods is immense.From a South African perspective, the corridor is equally important. As Mpumalanga's coal fields deplete over the next 5 to 15 years, securing coal supplies from Botswana becomes essential for Eskom. The Waterberg and Botswana coal reserves could provide a stable supply for the next 50 years.However, as the world focuses on net-zero and decarbonisation, securing funding for coal-related projects remains a challenge. Fortunately, this is not merely a coal corridor—it is a mixed commodity route. Beyond coal, the corridor can support iron ore, manganese, chrome, soda ash, sand, and even import goods like petroleum, which is currently trucked into Botswana. The potential for containerised freight and access to critical minerals from Zambia and the DRC further enhances the corridor's strategic value.Maximilian explains that the funding required for the project extends beyond the greenfield 113 km line. It includes upgrading the entire line, developing proper terminal loading facilities, addressing capacity constraints at ports, and acquiring additional rolling stock.The corridor development involves four key aspects:1. Upgrades on the Botswana side: Enhancing the existing line with a capacity of around 1 million tonnes and establishing a proper loadout facility.2. The Greenfield link: Constructing the 113 km bridge over the Limpopo River from Mmamabula to Lephalale.3. Waterberg Line upgrades: Improving the line from Lephalale to Ermelo.4. Coal line enhancements: Upgrading the route from Ermelo to Richards Bay.The total cost for these infrastructure upgrades is approximately $1.8 billion, with an additional $800 million estimated for rolling stock.Enjoy the interview, and you can download the report here: https://railwaysafricamagazine.b-cdn.net/article/Tracks%20to%20Prosperity_Realising%20the%20vision%20for%20the%20South%20Africa-Botswana%20Rail%20Corridor_Anura%20Partners.pdf…

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Decarbonising Heavy Haul Rail Operations: The Future of Tractive Effort 31:24

πριν 5 weeks31:24

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This Coffee with the Editor is a follow-up discussion to the article titled "Decarbonisation 2050: What Tractive Effort Could Look Like." Our Editor Phillippa Dean sits down with Dr. Wiehan Le Roux (Technical Director), Dr. Rick Vandoorne (Railway Engineering Computational Designer), and Dr. André Broekman (Civil Engineering Computational Designer) from ZUTARI to discuss the future of rail transport and decarbonising heavy haul rail operations.The conversation explores the possibilities of achieving net-zero emissions through advancements in tractive effort, with a particular focus on battery electric locomotives, and how this approach could provide a sustainable solution for South Africa and Africa.Read Article: https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/decarbonisation-2050-what-tractive-effort-could-look-like…

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Rail Infrastructure: “The Locomotive Driving Africa's Economic Transformation Over the Next Decade” 12:57

πριν 16 weeks12:57

12:57

In this Coffee with the Editor by Railways Africa , filmed during the 8th Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (#PIDAWeek2024) , Ibrah Wahabou , Head of Infrastructure and Transport Unit at AUDA-NEPAD , shares critical insights into Africa's transformative railway projects and their role in driving sustainable development under Agenda 2063 . Our conversation covers progress on key rail initiatives, including the Uvinza-Musongati SGR between Tanzania and Burundi, the transformative LAPSSET Corridor connecting Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, and the Abidjan-Lagos and Dakar-Bamako-Djibouti Corridors in West Africa. Ibrah highlights the importance of integrating ICT, renewable energy, and community impact into rail infrastructure to create holistic, sustainable, inclusive and interconnected transport systems. He also addresses the low private sector participation in PIDA projects and shares AUDA-NEPAD's strategies for enhancing bankability and broadening partnerships to accelerate project financing and implementation. Don’t miss this discussion on how rail infrastructure is set to become the backbone of Africa's economic transformation and regional integration. Stay informed! Subscribe to our channel for exclusive interviews and the latest updates on Africa's railway industry.…

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Highlighting Challenges and Opportunities for Addis Ababa’s Light Rail – A Conversation with Dr Birhan Abebaw 18:02

πριν 16 weeks18:02

18:02

Join Railways Africa Magazine Editor, Phillippa Dean, in this Coffe with the Editor, as she sits down with Dr. Birhan Abebaw, CEO of the Addis Ababa Light Rail Transport Service Enterprise, for an in-depth discussion about the challenges and future prospects of Ethiopia’s pioneering light rail system. Key Topics Covered: The operational status of the Addis Ababa Light Rail, including fleet challenges and passenger service. The government’s focus on revitalising the light rail system with support from international partners, including China. Opportunities for private sector involvement in spare parts supply, operations, and environmental initiatives. Plans for system expansion and the possibility of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). The role of sustainable transport in reducing carbon emissions and unlocking urban mobility. Discover how Ethiopia’s first light rail system is navigating operational hurdles, engaging with global partners, and planning for a more efficient and sustainable future. Don’t miss this insightful interview about the future of urban rail in Ethiopia!…

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Zambia Railways is Shaping Southern Africa’s Rail Network – Key Corridor Updates 24:55

πριν 20 weeks24:55

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In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean of Railways Africa Magazine speaks with Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board Chairperson, Mr. Emmanuel Hachipuka, covering Zambia’s pivotal role as a rail hub in Southern Africa. The discussion covers Zambia’s ambitious plans for regional rail connectivity, including the strategic role of TAZARA, recent progress on the Lobito Corridor, and partnerships shaping ZRL’s future. Mr. Hachipuka provides updates on ZRL’s plans to secure funding for comprehensive track upgrades, acquisition of new rolling stock, and enhancing efficiency through critical rail corridors, including the Nacala and Kazungula Bridge projects. The conversation also touches on government-led efforts to streamline legislative frameworks for open-access operations. Whether you’re interested in infrastructure and rolling stock opportunities, investment, or policy developments in African railways, this conversation offers an in-depth look at Zambia’s journey towards becoming a major player in regional and continental rail transport.…

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Navigating Rail Reform and Open Access: Insights from Adj. Prof. Dr. Andrea Giuricin at the RSR Conference 16:45

πριν 23 weeks16:45

16:45

In this Coffee with the Editor , Railways Africa Magazine interviews Adj. Prof. Dr. Andrea Giuricin, CEO of TRA Consulting, at the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Conference in Cape Town. Dr. Giuricin shares his expertise on global rail reform, the complexities of open access, and the importance of adapting reforms to each country’s unique context. Dr. Giuricin highlights how countries like Italy, the US, and China have navigated rail reform, with Italy’s high-speed rail network driving a modal shift from short-haul aviation to rail, and the freight-dominated systems of the US. He also touches on Africa’s rail landscape, focusing on the progress in Tanzania and Kenya, particularly in opening access to private operators to boost freight transport. The conversation covers African rail reform, highlighting Tanzania, Kenya, and the DRC, where significant progress has been made in opening up rail networks to private operators.…

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PRASA’s Recovery and Future Vision: Insights from Group CEO Hishaam Emeran at the Railway Safety Conference 15:23

πριν 23 weeks15:23

15:23

In this Coffee with the Editor episode, filmed during the Railway Safety Conference hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) in Cape Town, PRASA Group CEO, Hishaam Emeran, delves into PRASA’s recovery strategy, future plans, and its role within South Africa's broader rail industry. Hishaam shares insights from his recent trip to China, where he explored digital trends and innovations in rail, including advancements in train control systems and real-time data. A key focus for PRASA is improving its ticketing system, with plans to introduce automated ticketing solutions and then looking towards the future to work closely with transport planning authorities to integrate ticketing across different transport modes. Hishaam acknowledges that fare evasion now is more controlled with PRASA’s limited service and increased security, but this system is still open so there is the possibility for fare evasion to rise. He highlights the significant achievement of 40 million passengers in PRASA's recovery, though the target is to return to pre-2013 numbers of 500 million passengers annually. Restoring signalling systems across the country is crucial to achieving high-frequency rail services and attracting more passengers and is a key focus area for PRASA. PRASA is actively involved in high-speed rail projects, with the South African Cabinet approving a high-speed rail framework in December 2023. Priority routes include Gauteng to Durban, Polokwane and Nelspruit, with feasibility studies already underway. PRASA will play a key role in implementing these projects alongside the government. Leadership stability has been a cornerstone of PRASA’s recovery, with performance improving from 19% to 87% in the last financial year. Despite significant budget cuts of R6 billion over the Medium-Term Framework (MTF) period, PRASA is exploring private sector participation (PSP) for funding key projects, such as depot modernisation. Hishaam emphasises the need for innovative funding mechanisms to overcome these financial challenges. PRASA is positioned to support the African Union’s goal of making South Africa the rolling stock manufacturing hub for the continent. With its Gibela manufacturing plant, PRASA is exploring opportunities to expand beyond local operations and looking at different technologies. Hishaam also discusses the possibility of leasing PRASA's rolling stock to other African countries, in line with similar initiatives from Transnet Engineering. As a sponsor of the Railway Safety Conference, Hishaam stresses that safety remains central to PRASA’s operations.…

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Gautrain Expansion and Africa’s Rail Future: Insights from Gautrain CEO Tshepo Kgobe 27:21

πριν 23 weeks27:21

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In this Coffee with the Editor episode, filmed at the Railway Safety Conference hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) in Cape Town, Railways Africa Magazine speaks with Gautrain Management Agency CEO, Tshepo Kgobe. Tshepo provides insights into the exciting developments for the Gautrain, including plans for network expansion, which will extend the Gautrain network to nearly 360 kilometres. This expansion will link key areas such as SEZs, Pretoria and Johannesburg, creating a powerful tool for economic growth in Gauteng and neighbouring provinces. Tshepo also discusses future high-speed rail projects, station locations, and a vision for Gautrain’s role in regional and international rail networks. He highlights the importance of infrastructure development for economic growth, quoting Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s vision: “Let the cranes go up, and the crime come down.” Beyond Gauteng, the Gautrain Management Agency is working on international rail projects in Africa, including Namibia and looking at innovative solutions for managing rail projects and operations across the continent. This interview offers a glimpse into the future of rail in South Africa and how the Gautrain is positioning itself as a key player in the broader African rail network. #Gautrain #RailExpansion #RailRenaissance #RailSafety #SouthAfrica #Infrastructure #RailIndustry #Transport #HighSpeedRail #Africa #rail #railway…

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Gauteng Shifting from Road to Rail: A Conversation with Transport MEC Kedibone Diale Tlabela 19:04

πριν 24 weeks19:04

19:04

Join us for an insightful "Coffee with the Editor" conversation with MEC Kedibone Diale Tlabela, Gauteng’s MEC for Roads and Transport, recorded at the 2024 Railway Safety Regulator Conference in Cape Town, hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR). In this interview, the MEC discusses exciting developments in Gauteng's rail sector, including the expansion of Gautrain into Soweto, Mamelodi, and other townships, as well as the proposed high-speed rail link to Limpopo. Hear more about how Gauteng is positioning itself as a leader in rail infrastructure, not just as a mode of transport, but as a catalyst for economic growth and development. MEC Kedibone Diale Tlabela also shares insights from her recent international trips, including a rail safety conference in Austria and InnoTrans in Berlin. These experiences highlighted how South Africa and the African continent are approximately 20 years behind in rail infrastructure, but the MEC believes that Gauteng is well-positioned to lead the transformation. The MEC outlines how Gauteng plans to tackle traffic congestion by shifting from road to rail, working closely with PRASA and other stakeholders to revive neglected rail infrastructure. This interview covers the challenges of funding, the importance of public-private partnerships, and the need for more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable public transport solutions. Watch now to find out more about Gauteng’s rail future and its impact on the province and beyond!…

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Rail Safety, Open Access, and Industry Transformation with RSR Chairperson Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke 7:43

πριν 24 weeks7:43

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In this edition of Coffee with the Editor , filmed during the Railway Safety Conference hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) under the theme "Rail Renaissance", we sit down with Ms Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke, the Chairperson of the RSR. Ms Ekeke shares key insights into the state of South Africa's rail industry, the critical need to move freight off ageing roads and back onto rail, and the importance of modernising the rail sector with innovative solutions. She also discusses the growing synergy within the industry, especially with Transnet now under the Department of Transport, and the preparations being made for the integration of third-party operators. We also touch on the upcoming Safety Bill and the importance of safety in rail operations, gender transformation in the rail industry, and the inaugural Rail Safety Awards set for 24 October in Johannesburg. Join us for an insightful conversation about the future of rail in South Africa and the ongoing efforts to create a safer, more efficient, and inclusive rail network.…

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DRC's Rail Network, Expansion, Challenges, and Future Plans with SNCC’s Tresor Kapuku Ngoy 23:18

πριν 27 weeks23:18

23:18

In this special episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed at the Southern African Railways Association Conference and Exhibition, we sit down with Tresor Kapuku Ngoy, Deputy Director General of Société Nationale des Chemins de fer du Congo (SNCC SA). In this insightful discussion, we explore the current state and future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) railways. Tresor Kapuku Ngoy shares updates on the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the SNCC network, which spans 3,641 kilometres, with a key focus on the 900 kilometres vital for international trade in Southern Africa. He discusses SNCC's efforts to improve track infrastructure, the challenges of maintaining a reliable network amidst issues like vandalism, and their strategy to enhance rail security. We also dive into the open access policy and how it has enabled private operators to engage with SNCC's network, with 11 operators currently active. Additionally, Ngoy touches on SNCC's 10-year development plan, plans for acquiring new locomotives and future electrification of the rail network to better connect the DRC with neighbouring countries. If you're interested in the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities within the DRC's rail sector, this is an interview you won't want to miss!…

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Exploring Nigeria's Rail Property Management with Tunde Ayorinde 4:26

πριν 27 weeks4:26

4:26

In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed during the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition, we speak with Tunde Ayorinde from the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s property side. Tunde provides insights into the rapid growth of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, which now spans over 3,000 kilometres and operates both narrow and standard gauge lines. He highlights the expansion efforts, particularly with the new standard gauge lines like Lagos-Ibadan, Agbor-Itakpe, and Lagos-Kaduna. Tunde, representing the Railway Property Management Company Limited (a subsidiary of the Nigerian Railway Corporation), shares details about their management of fixed assets, including station developments and leasing excess railway land for various purposes. He discusses the potential for property developments, similar to those undertaken by PRASA, and the challenges they face in security within Nigeria’s railway network. Tunde also touches on the organisation’s 10-year development plan and their focus on learning from other countries to enhance rail operations and property management. Join us as we explore Nigeria’s rail growth, property management strategies, and plans for the future!…

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Revitalising Rail Freight: Kenneth Williams on Makoya Group's Role & Transnet's Progress 5:24

πριν 27 weeks5:24

5:24

In this episode of “Coffee with the Editor,” filmed during the Critical Materials Conference: FerroAlloys 2024 held in Johannesburg from 9th to 11th September, Railways Africa Magazine talks to, Kenneth Williams from the Makoya Group. The Makoya Group is a niche bulk-handling commodity advisory service for the mining industry, specialising in rail operations, private sidings, and bulk material loading. Kenneth shares insights on the company’s involvement in loading coal to key destinations such as Richards Bay, RBCT, and Maputo, while also discussing their diversification into chrome handling. He talks about the company’s efforts to maintain market routes amidst challenges like cable theft and vandalism, ensuring continuity for customers through trucking and rail loading solutions. Kenneth expresses optimism about recent developments within Transnet, highlighting their positive collaboration and the impact of new leadership on the industry. Additionally, he emphasises the importance of security and the joint efforts between Transnet and private industry to curb theft and sabotage. Join us for this engaging conversation on the future of rail freight, Transnet’s progress, and the importance of getting back to basics to revitalise the industry!…

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Luxembourg Rail Protocol Transforming Rail Asset Management 8:49

πριν 28 weeks8:49