Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 02:2024
Railways Africa Magazine
Railways Africa™ is the Authoritative Magazine for the rail industry in Africa
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!
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 Eng. Eric Ntagengerwa (Msc, CIPM) 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.
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.
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.
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-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.
Tanzania Railways Corporation Receives New Rolling Stock
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has marked a significant milestone with the arrival of 3 new electric train engines and 27 passenger carriages for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). This notable event took place at the Port of Dar es Salaam on 30 December 2023, signalling a step forward in the country's rail transport modernization efforts.
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 Railways 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.
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.
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 6,000km of standard gauge railways, along with the rehabilitation of an existing network of 3,505km 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.
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African Union Commission (AUC) Calls For Sustainable Rail As A Climate Solution For Urban Transportation In Africa At COP28
The African Union Commission (AUC) organised a side event titled ‘Mitigation and Response to Global Climate Change: Urban and Railways Transportation in Africa’. Moderated by the UIC - International union of railways #UICrail , the event aimed to address the pressing issues of climate change and the role of railways in Africa.
The First Tripartite Meeting Of The Lobito Corridor Committee Of Ministers Held In November 2023
During the week of 14-16 November 2023, the Southern African Development Community Secretariat (SADC) Secretariat, supported by the Africa Development Bank, facilitated the inaugural meeting of the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency Committee of Ministers. This significant meeting, held in Benguela province, Angola, provided a platform for the committee of ministers to discuss and approve various key matters.
The Development Of The Strategic Plan Of The National Railway Company Of Guinea
In late November 2023, the National Railway Company of Guinea (SNCFG) issued an invitation for consultancy services to assist in the development of its five-year strategic plan (2024-2028) and the drafting of the railway law and its implementing texts. SNCFG, a public company established in 2010, operates under the technical and financial oversight of the Ministries of Transport and Finance, respectively. Its core mission includes designing, financing, constructing, and managing railway infrastructure for goods and passenger transport in Guinea.
Minister Alkali Defends N46.6 Billion Budget For Nigeria's Transport Overhaul, Focusing On Railway Expansion And National Connectivity
The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, on Thursday, 14th December 2023, defended a total budget of Forty-Six Billion, Five Hundred and Eighty-Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Five (N46,589,785,975) Naira only, to the Joint Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Land Transport for the Ministry and its agencies for the 2024 fiscal year.
TransNamib Transports 3,881 Tonnes Of Fuel
Namibia’s railway company, TRANSNAMIB LIMITED , in conjunction with the state-owned oil company NAMCOR NAMIBIA , has so far this year transported 3,881 tonnes of unleaded petrol and diesel to oil depots within Namibia. Paulo Coelho , Manager of Marketing, Communication and Public Relations at Namcor, stated that for deliveries to specific locations, Namcor has been delivering bulk fuel products (Diesel and ULP95) to Namcor’s Otjiwarongo depot in central Namibia. ‘This decision is based on the safety and efficiency offered by our rail network for transporting bulk fuel products.’ On the other hand, Coelho noted that the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Namcor and TransNamib on 6 September 2021 for the transportation of 3,600 tonnes of lubricants per month has not commenced yet due to lower volumes.
Kenya: Commissioning of the Riruta-Ngong Metre Gauge Railway Line
In mid-December 2023, H.E. President William Ruto, PhD, commissioned the construction of the Riruta-Ngong metre gauge railway line, which, once completed, will have the capacity to transport 10,000 people daily.
Ivanhoe Mines’ Exports Commence From Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex Along Lobito Atlantic Rail Corridor
The first shipment of copper concentrate from the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex has arrived by rail at the Atlantic Ocean port of Lobito, in Angola. The first shipment is a part of the trial tonnage under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Lobito Atlantic International SARL (LAI or the Consortium) and Kamoa Copper S.A. (Kamoa Copper) on August 18, 2023.
Update On Construction Activities At Longonjo
Pensana is pleased to provide the following update on activities at the Longonjo minesite ahead of the main construction. As previously announced the early-stage development activities are being funded by a US$15 million bridging loan provided by FSDEA (the Angolan Sovereign Wealth Fund) ahead of the main finance.
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.
Transnet Records Improvement In Half-Year; Bouyant About Recovery Plan Prospects
Late December 2023, Transnet SOC Ltd, released its results for the six months ended 30 September 2023.
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1yGreat year for Railways Africa Magazine. Excellent way to highlight rail operations and development in Africa. I take this opportunity to congratulate Tanzania Railways for new procurement. Africa requires a new business approach to bring tangible solutions to transport for improved economic impact performance. Timely and insightful information.
Mechanical Engineer | MBA
1yInsightful