Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 22:2024
Railways Africa Magazine
Railways Africa™ is the Authoritative Magazine for the rail industry in Africa
Progress on Tanzania’s SGR and Multimodal Logistics
– Seeing Is Believing!
It was fantastic to catch up with Mr Masanja K. Kadogosa, the Director General of Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), in Tanzania with the actual project and train as the backdrop! We briefly discuss the Tanzania Railways Corporation’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, representing a true multimodal project incorporating freight and passengers. We also discuss the progress on integrating all three gauges – meter, cape, and standard gauge – in the ports for effective freight movement by rail. Additionally, we talk about the next steps from a contractor’s perspective in getting the line ready for operations. Lastly, we take a quick walkthrough of EMU trainset number 1.
Lobito Corridor Investment Promotion Authority Welcomes Patson Malisa As Director General
On May 28, 2024, the Lobito Corridor Investment Promotion Authority (LCIPA) announced Patson Malisa as the Director General of the LCIPA. The LCIPA is confident that Patson Malisa’s leadership will significantly advance the goals and potential of the Lobito Corridor.
Mr. Malisa brings more than a decade of combined experience with the African Union, and Organization of African Youth, and as an independent consultant working in African development, addressing the needs of investors, requirements of host governments, and most importantly, the concerns of local communities.
Patson’s experience in international investment, financing, diplomatic, and poverty-reduction realms uniquely positions him to assess and address the challenges and opportunities inherent to the Lobito Corridor’s development.
The Port of Lomé clearance period for containers destined for Niger set at 40 days
The Port of Lomé has announced that the minimum period for containers in transit to Niger will now be forty days. The announcement was made last Friday, May 24, by the Minister of Maritime Economy, Edem Kokou Tengue. The decision, which comes into force on June 1, 2024, is part of ongoing reforms in the maritime sector, aimed at enabling certain hinterland countries to carry out their activities properly.
“Shipping lines may, depending on their pricing policies, apply an exemption period of more than 40 days, while respecting the competition rules in this area,” the minister specified.
Building The Future: LAPSSET’s Strategic Railway Network To Boost Trade Between Kenya, South Sudan And Ethiopia
In this insightful 'Coffee with the Editor', Alex Wariithi Senior Valuer at LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority (LCDA) , shares an in-depth look at the LAPSSET project and its current status, particularly focusing on the railway network.
LAPSSET, which stands for Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport, is a transformative transport and economic corridor aimed at developing underutilised regions of Kenya, covering 70% of the country’s land mass. The project leverages the strategic Port of Lamu to enhance connectivity and trade with the landlocked nations of South Sudan and Ethiopia.
The African Development Bank Group Continues To Invest In Railway Infrastructure
The African Development Bank Group has consistently invested heavily in infrastructure. Over the past nine years, it has invested well over $50 billion in infrastructure projects on the continent, making it the largest investment of any multilateral development bank or institution.
Currently, the Bank is raising $3.2 billion for the East Africa Standard Gauge Railway connecting Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi.
Additionally, the Bank is providing $500 million towards the development of the Lobito corridor to link Zambia, Angola, and the DRC.
The Bank is mobilising $375 million for financing the railway linking Nigeria to Niger Republic.
It is also mobilising $3.5 billion to $5 billion towards the development of the Liberty Corridor to link Liberia and Guinea.
Working with partners of the Africa Investment Forum, the Bank has mobilised $15.6 billion of investment commitments towards the development of the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.
Together with Africa50, the Bank is mobilising $630 million for the construction of the road and rail to link the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rail Integration And Regional Connectivity:
Eng. Achieng’ Akun Beatrice On The EAC's Mission And Challenges
In this edition of 'Coffee with the Editor', Eng. Achieng' Akun - PE, MIEK. discusses the role of the East African Community (EAC) and its mission to integrate the region through various policies and infrastructure development programmes. We touch on topics from project preparation, to standards, and harmonisation for seamless operability and connectivity.
The East African Community is a regional intergovernmental organisation with member states from the East African region. Currently, the community has eight member states: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia, the latest entrant. The EAC aims to create a competitive, prosperous, secure, and stable East African region. The mission is to achieve an integrated East African region with political, economic, and socio-cultural integration for the betterment of life for the people within the East African region.
Additionally, the episode delves into the challenges of standardising railway systems across different countries and the ongoing efforts to harmonise these standards for better interoperability. The discussion also touches on the importance of digitalisation and predictive maintenance in improving infrastructure management and planning.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Africa Finance Corporation And Alstom Partnership Boosts Kinshasa Rail Project
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, together with Alstom , a pioneer in sustainable mobility, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to propel the development of the MetroKin rail project Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. This significant partnership was announced alongside the recent state visit of His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to France.
Tanzania Transport Minister Inspects SGR
The Minister of Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, conducted a visit to the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) from the Tanzanite International Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Station to Banana in Dar es Salaam on May 24, 2024.
Driving East African Rail Connectivity: Insights From Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency's Zaituni Nakonde
In this edition of 'Coffee with the Editor', Zaituni Nakonde REng, Muipe, PMP, MICCP , Director of Infrastructure Development at CCTTFA, discusses the agency’s role in facilitating rail projects in East Africa. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in rail funding, Standard Gauge Railway, and the Central Corridor’s impact on regional trade and logistics.
Kenya Railways Officially Launches 2023-2027 Strategic Plan
On May 24, 2024, Kenya Railways proudly marked a significant milestone with the official launch of our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan in Mombasa. This pivotal event, graced by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen EGH, underlines our commitment to transforming Kenya Railways into the leading transport service provider in the region. Also present were Transport PS Mohamed Daghar , KR Chairman Abdi Duale , KPA Chairman Hon. Benjamin T. , KR MD Phillip Mainga, KR Senior management and Stakeholders in the rail subsector.
African Development Bank Group Invests $1.44 Billion To Support Infrastructure Development In Nigeria
Energy-to-Transport Disparity Heralds Unprecedented Chance to Unlock Growth: AFC State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report
Africa has an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate development by aligning its abundant renewable energy resources with solutions for its infrastructure deficiencies. This is a key conclusion from a new annual study on the State of Africa’s Infrastructure initiated by the Africa Finance Corporation .
South Africa New Multimodal Inland Port Association Launched At Transport Forum
A significant milestone was reached in the South African logistics sector with the recent launch of the MIPA (Multimodal Inland Port Association) . This new association was launched during the Transport Forum, an online event on 23 May 2024 attended by over 250 delegates, with a distinguished panel from industry, Transnet and Academia. The event marked what many are calling the dawn of a rail renaissance in the country.
Nigeria’s NSIB Commences Investigation Into Train Derailment At Jere
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into a train derailment that occurred on 26 May 2024 at Jere Station, involving passenger train KA2/loco 2702 en route to Idu Station, Abuja, from Rigasa Station, Kaduna.
Focus on humanitarian and charity organizations.
3moLast Call for Non-Refundable Charity Loans - Apply Now! Is your organization ready to take on new challenges and uplift your community? The Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation’s End of Year Program is here to help! We are offering non-refundable charity loans to qualifying associations and non-golf organizations, giving you the financial boost needed to bring positive change. Don't miss this opportunity—apply today! For questions, contact support@tmlsaputo.org. CommunityImpact #NonProfitFunding SaputoFoundation