Railways Africa
46 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago -Railways Africa Magazine discusses the activities of African railway operators and the supporting railway industry.
Railways Africa has been providing railway news and rail-related business intelligence - focused specifically on the African continent since the early ’50s. Our platforms consist of - Railways Africa Live, Coffee with the editor, the immersive experience and our weekly and monthly publication.
Our online premium platform provides project information as well as opportunities to our premium subscribers. We offer a compressive range of communication services to bring you closer to your customers in addition to research projects.
You can find us on online and on the following social media platforms - YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We look forward to bringing you closer to rail operators both private and public in Africa.
#rail #railways #railwaysafrica
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Transforming Railways In Tanzania: An Exclusive Interview With TRC's Director General
January 12, 2024 11:45 - 13 minutes - 24.3 MBJoin 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....
Unveiling Africa's Railway Future: Exclusive Interview with Ibrah Wahabou, AUDA-NEPAD
January 12, 2024 11:43 - 19 minutes - 36.9 MBJoin us in an insightful conversation with Ibrah Wahabou, Senior Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, as we explore the future of Africa's rail infrastructure. Recorded in Addis Ababa, this interview delves deep into the initiatives and challenges of developing a connected, efficient, and sustainable railway network across the continent. Key Highlights: - AU-NEPAD's role in translating policies into developmental projects. - Insights into the African Integrated High-Speed Rail Network and its...
Advancing Africa's Rail Network: The Africa Integrated High Speed Railway Network Workshop
January 12, 2024 11:41 - 3 minutes - 7.04 MBJoin 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 t...
Advancing Railway Safety: An In-Depth Discussion with the Railway Safety Regulator
September 27, 2023 05:25 - 25 minutes - 46.6 MBJoin us for another insightful session of 'Coffee with the Editor' as Phillippa Dean sits down with Mmuso Selaledi, the acting CEO of the Railway Safety Regulator. In this in-depth conversation, they explore a myriad of topics, shedding light on the significant transformations within the railway industry and the pivotal role of the Railway Safety Regulator in fostering safety and innovation. Topics Covered: - International Rail Safety Council event 2023 - Annual State of Safety Report Ins...
Empowering Local Suppliers to Go Global: A Chat with Alstom's Nolufefe Gxakushe-Solani
August 21, 2023 06:48 - 6 minutes - 11.6 MBAt the recent Ignite SME Summit 2023, Nolufefe Gxakushe-Solani, the Procurement Director at Alstom, took the stage to discuss the company's active involvement in supplier and enterprise development, especially concerning the four joint venture rail projects that Alstom has in South Africa. We caught up with her offstage for an impromptu Coffee with the Editor session. Alstom, globally renowned for its commitment to innovation in transport solutions, has firmly rooted itself in the South Afr...
Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities in South Africa's Rail Sector Transformation
August 15, 2023 08:54 - 27 minutes - 51.5 MBA few weeks ago, we published a blog authored by Sarah Truen titled: “Unlocking Efficiency – Overcoming Challenges in South Africa’s Rail Freight Sector.” In this Coffee with the Editor podcast, Sarah delves into the intricacies involved in achieving success within this context. Our conversation delves into the challenges and complexities associated with introducing competition, enhancing operational efficiency, and enabling third-party access within the rail industry. We explore the delicat...
Alstom Ubunye's Vision for the Future – PRASA Trains and Beyond
July 02, 2023 14:00 - 5 minutes - 10 MBIn this episode of Coffee with the Editor, we have the pleasure of hosting Logan Naicker, CEO of Alstom Ubunye. This engaging conversation provides comprehensive insights into Alstom Ubunye’s operations within the African Rail industry, with a particular focus on their ongoing PRASA project. Logan delves into the progress of the PRASA project, where Alstom Ubunye is nearing the serial production phase, with almost six train sets being manufactured every month. He recalls how they hit the gro...
A Deep Dive With Wabtec's Babatunde Oso On Revitalising Africa's Rolling Stock
July 02, 2023 13:17 - 12 minutes - 23.4 MBIn this Coffee with the Editor, Babatunde Oso, Regional General Manager for Africa at Wabtec Corporation, discusses the company’s strategic role and ongoing efforts in the South African and broader African rail industry. The conversation provides a deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the rail sector in Africa, including the competition with road transport and the need for significant infrastructure investment. Oso goes in-depth into Wabtec’s technological advancements, ...
Regional Coordination Key in Africa's High-Speed Rail Network Project to Revolutionise Intra-African Trade
June 25, 2023 18:26 - 12 minutes - 22.6 MBWelcome to an engaging Coffee with the Editor with Eng. Eric Ntagengerwa, Acting Head of the Transport and Mobility Division at the Infrastructure and Energy Department, African Union Commission. This interview took place during the Continental Workshop on the Implementation of the Africa Integrated High-Speed Railways Network. Eric takes a moment to share the objectives of the workshop, focusing on the crucial aspects of the project and its potential to boost intra-African trade, which is e...
James Holley, CEO of Traxtion, Discusses Refurbishment Projects, Hydrogen Solutions, and Rail Industry Updates
June 21, 2023 15:15 - 12 minutes - 24 MBJames Holley, CEO of Traxtion, recently joined Railways Africa Magazine for a Coffee With The Editor interview. The conversation covered various topics and updates in the rail industry. One of the key highlights was the refurbishment of Class 39 locomotives purchased from Transnet Engineering. Two of the locomotives are currently in testing, and all locomotives have been contracted out for lease. Additionally, the Rosslyn Rail services hub is experiencing increased activity, with 24 locomotiv...
Unveiling the Future of Ethiopia's Railways
June 16, 2023 15:44 - 9 minutes - 17.6 MBFor this Coffee with the Editor, we sit down with Engineer Hilina Belachew - CEO, of Ethiopia Railways Corporation. In this in-depth interview, we discuss the transformative role of the rail network in Ethiopia, its current projects, and future expansion plans. We explore exciting development corridors and dive into the Corporation's visionary plans for increased independence in railway production.
Advancing Railway Development in Southern Africa: Insights from SARA Director Lubinda Sakanga
June 12, 2023 08:07 - 28 minutes - 53.2 MBWe had the opportunity to catch up for a "Coffee with the Editor" with Lubinda Sakanga, Director of Technical & Operations at the Southern African Railway Association (SARA), during the recent Continental Workshop for the Africa Integrated High-Speed Railways Network (AIHSRN). SARA, a subsidiary organization of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is solely dedicated to railway development within the Southern African region. Their primary mission is to advance the railway develo...
Building A Sustainable Rail Future In The Middle East: Perspectives From Mama Sougoufara, Alstom's MD For MENAT
May 27, 2023 11:12 - 11 minutes - 21.9 MBJoin us for an insightful interview with Mama Sougoufara, Alstom's Managing Director for MENAT - Middle East, Northern Africa and Turkey, as part of our "Coffee with the Editor" series. In this episode, Mama shares his perspectives on the Middle East rail market, its potential, and Alstom's approach in supporting its development. Discover the exciting projects and initiatives happening in the region and gain valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced in this dynamic ...
12th IHHA Conference: Advancing Heavy Haul Operations and Sustainability
May 27, 2023 11:01 - 5 minutes - 11.1 MBIn this Coffee with the Editor, Antonio Merheb, the current chairman of the International Heavy Haul Association, gives me an update on the plans for the 12th IHHA - International Heavy Haul Association Conference and Exhibition, which is set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 27-31, 2023, at the Windsor Convention & Expo Centre. It is set to be the biggest event yet for IHHA, replicating some of the success achieved when the event last ran in Cape Town, South Africa. Over 500...
Expertise Of The International Union Of Railways (UIC) Benefiting Railway Operators In Africa
May 26, 2023 13:30 - 20 minutes - 37.6 MBJoin our editor for an insightful "Coffee with the Editor" session featuring the team from the Union Internationale des Chemins de fer (UIC) – International Union of Railways, as we discuss their involvement and activities in the African region. We had the privilege of "meeting" Christian Chavanel, the coordinator for the Africa region and Rail System Director, along with Marie Plaud-Lombard, Maria Lafont, and François Davenne, UIC Director General. While one may think that the UIC is focuse...
Discussing Transnamib's Railway Projects and Future
March 10, 2023 10:40 - 12 minutes - 22.3 MBIn this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Johny Smith, CEO of TransNamib, joins Philippa Dean to discuss his impending departure from TransNamib and the exciting projects the company is working on. Watch to learn about the Walvis Bay-to-Kranzberg upgrade project, the Trans Kalahari Project, new locomotives being purchased with a 2.6 billion loan, and the government's plan to rehabilitate sections of the railway lines in Namibia. Smith also shares his biggest highlight during his tenure at Tr...
Advancing Railway Safety and Efficiency: Insights from IRSE President Andy Knight
March 04, 2023 11:40 - 23 minutes - 43.6 MBJoin us as we sit down with Andy Knight, President of the Institution of Railway Signalling Engineers (IRSE), to learn more about ISRE and discuss his recent visit to South Africa and his insights into the challenges facing the country's railway industry. From multiple infrastructure owners to skills development, we delve into the important role that the IRSE plays in providing guidance and support to the rail industry.
Grindrod The Future For Rail Is Bright
September 09, 2022 11:10 - 10 minutes - 19.3 MBListen to our interview with Xolani Mbambo, the incoming CEO of Grindrod Limited and the current CEO of Grindrod Freight Services. Our interview took place during their recent interim financial results announcement. In our interview, we touch on the locomotive fleet expansion, market opportunities for rail, and the recently launched coal train service with Eswatini, among other items of interest that highlight that the future for rail is bright! Enjoy.
SAHHA: Future of Heavy Haul
August 12, 2022 12:51 - 34 minutes - 47 MBProf. Jan Havenga and Dr. Zane Simpson, Stellenbosch University cover "The Future of Heavy Haul" at the South African Heavy Haul Conference and Exhibition.
SAHHA: Transnet’s Strategy to Support the Commodity Sector
August 12, 2022 12:32 - 27 minutes - 38 MBDr. Andrew Shaw, Group Chief Strategy & Planning Officer covers Transnet's strategy to support the commodity sector at the recently held South African Heavy Haul Conference and Exhibition (SAHHA).
SAHHA: Opportunities & Challenges of the Mining Sector - Expected Role of the Logistics System
August 12, 2022 12:13 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBRoger Baxter, CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa speaking at the South African Heavy Haul Conference and Exhibition on the topic of: "Opportunities & Challenges of the Mining Sector - Expected Role of the Logistics System".
Transnet Freight Rail - Open Access, Lost Opportunities And A Positive Outlook
March 16, 2022 08:22 - 19 minutes - 26.2 MBThere is no doubt that open access or third party access to Transnet Freight Rail’s core network is being seen as a “hoorah” moment for the revitalisation of South Africa’s ailing railway sector, but there’s more to this than meets the eye! Transnet Freight Rail is facing some very real and extraordinary challenges – theft, vandalism, rolling stock availability -among others. In this Coffee with the Editor with Phillippa Dean, TFR - CEO, Sizakele Mzimela takes us through the current implement...
Alstom Southern Africa One Year on After the Bombardier Transportation Acquisition, What's Next?
February 07, 2022 04:15 - 28 minutes - 52.9 MBOfficially a year since Bombardier Transport become part of the Alstom group. Making this an ideal opportunity to connect with Bernard Peille, Managing Director Southern Africa, ALSTOM. In this Coffee with the Editor, we discuss the changes to the group locally and what the future holds for both South Africa and Southern Africa. Especially, now as the product portfolio has been expanded. In South Africa, the Alstom group is actively involved in passenger rail through the delivery of PRASA’s...
Thelo DB - A Keen Eye On African Railway Projects
October 18, 2021 05:36 - 19 minutes - 36.9 MBIn this Coffee with the Editor, we get to know Dutliff Bredenkamp the recently appointed CEO of Thelo DB. Dutliff has extensive experience in the rail sector and outlines the vision of the business in Africa and South Africa. Thelo DB is an incorporated JV between, Thelo Ventures a 100% Black Owned South African company and Deutsche Bahn Engineering, Consulting and Operations which is a German-owned entity. Thelo DB’s focus is on Railways in Africa, with the aim of being the number one railwa...
Great Expectations for Malawi’s Railway as Nacala Logistics Expands Portfolio
October 02, 2021 11:04 - 20 minutes - 37.8 MBNacala Logistics, Director of Operations, Gustavo Stein in a Coffee with the Editor, explains the recent progress made by Nacala Logistics, including, investments and line rehabilitation. The opening of the $5.5 Million Limbe Container Terminal, the partnership with C. Steinweg Bridge and what the future holds for the organisation and the further development in terms of connecting to neighbouring railways.
PRASA Rebuilding Passenger Rail
September 17, 2021 09:45 - 16 minutes - 29.9 MBIn this Coffee with the Editor, Refilwe Kunene – Strategic Programs Manager, GCEO office of the Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (PRASA), discusses their corridor recovery, network rehabilitation and the overall strategy that is being executed to deliver services. We discuss the impact of theft and vandalism, signalling, services in Cape Town, general challenges and the corridor roll-out plan among other items of interest including depots, to accommodate the new trains and bringing them int...
Unitrans Africa Steps Into Rail
September 10, 2021 09:30 - 9 minutes - 18.2 MBUnitrans Africa is a diversified contractual logistics company serving the needs of selected sub-Saharan African markets. A few months ago the company ventured into offering a dedicated rail link between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. In partnership with the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), Caminhos de Ferro de Mocambique (CFM) and Traxtion. In this Coffee with the Editor, Unitrans Africa’s CEO, Rob Hayworth, discusses their journey into rail, the service offering and what the future could hol...
Coffee with the Editor, Andrew Waller, CEO of Grindrod Limited
August 31, 2021 15:04 - 12 minutes - 24.1 MBAndrew Waller, CEO of Grindrod Limited, took a few minutes for a virtual Coffee with the Editor, following the announcement of Grindrod’s interim results for the 6-months ended 30 June 2021, on 27 August. Despite a tough year the company produced solid results. We discuss rail, leasing, the potential of open access, logistics and the recent reintroduction of locomotives in Sierra Leone, along with other items that focus on #rail and #Africa.
Thelo DB, SAPRO Mayoko Railway Project
August 06, 2021 12:28 - 9 minutes - 17.8 MBIn this Coffee with the Editor, we catch up with Ronnie Ntuli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thelo DB, following the recent news that Thelo DB will manage, finance, build and operate a 450km railway corridor from the port of Pointe-Noire to the Mayoko Station in the Republic of Congo. With an estimated 100 million tonnes per annum! In addition, Ronnie shares his insight into the business, new appointments and his views on the rail industry. Enjoy.
Gauteng Resignalling Project To Be Completed By The End Of 2021
July 25, 2021 12:36 - 12 minutes - 22.7 MBThis Coffee with the Editor, with Kevin Pillay, CEO of Siemens Mobility South Africa follows the article published in week 28 of Railways Africa Magazine titled, Significant Milestone Reached For PRASA’s Gauteng Signalling Project. Article: https://go.railwaysafrica.com/milestone-gauteng-signalling-project 76 of 88 stations have been completed so far and Kevin discusses why this is such a significant milestone, and what makes the next station, being Germiston so significant. In addition, ...
Traxtion's EURO4000’s Enter Service And More On The Unitrans Africa Project
July 23, 2021 15:15 - 10 minutes - 18.8 MBJames Holley, CEO of Traxtion, discusses two recent highlights for the company in this Coffee with the Editor. Firstly, the newly branded EURO4000’s that have entered service on the TAZARA line through the Calabash operation. James discusses the project and the logistics of getting the EURO4000’s to site, as well as, the value the new locomotives will bring to customers. Secondly, Traxtion is really excited to be part of Unitrans Africa’s journey into rail. The project scope includes the le...
African Rail Industry Association Progress On Open Access
July 14, 2021 05:00 - 3 minutes - 7.23 MBJames Holley the CEO of Traxtion is also the chairperson of the African Rail Industry Association (ARIA). In a recent Coffee with the Editor, James takes a moment to give us an update on the association’s activities, specifically on the progress of the study for the practical implantation of third party access to the South African railway. This has been well supported by the various stakeholders. ARIA as an industry association is focused on supporting the future of the industry. It is import...
TransNamib CEO Takes Over As President Of SARA
July 08, 2021 14:15 - 9 minutes - 16.8 MBCEO of TransNamib, Johny Smith, in this Coffee with the Editor, discusses his appointment as President of the Southern African Railway Association (SARA), and his agenda for Southern African rail operators for the next 12 months. The key being integration and a real push of the road-to-rail strategy for the Region. Johny also provides an update on TransNamib’s operations, projects and the recent award to Traxtion for four leased locomotives.
New CEO at Alstom Ubunye
July 04, 2021 16:30 - 9 minutes - 16.9 MBRailways Africa’s Coffee with the Editor is with Logan Naicker following the recent announcement of his appointment as the new CEO for Alstom Ubunye in South Africa. Logon discusses his time so far with the company, the continuous improvements at the Nigel based facility and what their next steps are. This is over-and-above meeting the supply requirements of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s rolling stock programme with Gibela, who are manufacturing the trains. Enjoy!
PRASA Progress
June 11, 2021 11:30 - 14 minutes - 19.9 MBA brief Coffee with the Editor, with the Deputy Minister of Transport, Ms Dikeledi Magadzi, following the inspection of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Wolmerton maintenance depot in Pretoria North, Gauteng, with the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Board. Whilst we discuss the state of the Wolmerton depot, we also touch on the current status of the station modernization programme, Public Private Participation through concession agreements, and the joint efforts between th...
Commuter Rail Project for Namibia - Trans Auas Express
March 05, 2021 06:00 - 19 minutes - 27.2 MBAs a brief background Trans Auas Express (TAE) founded in 1994, drafted a project proposal to the Ministry of Works and Transport in 1996 for the establishment of a rail commuter service between Windhoek and Rehoboth to address road accidents and fatalities. The road between Windhoek and Rehoboth road carries the highest number of commuters in Namibia on a daily basis. Rehoboth, situated 80km south of the capital has its highest percentage workforce employed in Windhoek due to the lack of emp...
Coffee With The Editor - African Rail Industry Association
February 18, 2021 13:15 - 32 minutes - 44.3 MBThis week's Coffee with the Editor is with Mesela Nhlapo, CEO of the African Rail Industry Association, previously known as the Railroad Association. It is a long Coffee with the Editor, so make yourself comfortable as we cover many topics. Including, the recently established third party open access working group, opinions on the recent SONA, concessions, localisation, designation, the railway manufacturing sector, policy, PRASA and railway opportunities in Africa. Enjoy!
TransNamib - 2020 Wrap Up And Plans For 2021
December 14, 2020 09:15 - 8 minutes - 11.1 MBJohny Smith - Chief Executive Officer - TransNamib Limited, talks to Railways Africa Magazine about the challenges brought by 2020 and what the plans are for 2021. Johny notes as do most, that 2020 has been a tough year, but the opportunities to look at and analyze their current situation and interrogate areas of improvement have been positive. The implementation of their business plan includes the process of overhauling 33 locomotives within their existing fleet and they are looking to p...
Botswana Railways - 2020 Wrap Up And Plans For 2021
December 11, 2020 09:45 - 7 minutes - 10.3 MBAlthough Leonard Makwinja role as CEO of Botswana Railways comes to an end soon, we really appreciate the time he made to go through the year that has been and the year ahead. We talk about the progress of railway projects, especially the Mmamabula-Lephalale line, which was announced in the mid-term review of the Governments National Development plan. We touch on their vision of internalising the maintenance of their rolling stock and the skills that need to be developed. This will add tremen...
The Current State of Safety and the Role of the Railway Safety Regulator in Open Access
November 27, 2020 11:15 - 15 minutes - 156 MBActing CEO of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), Ms Tshepo Kgare in a Coffee with the Editor, discusses key highlights from the recently released State of Safety report. While theft and vandalism has had the greatest impact on the number of incidents, the biggest area of concern is around the safety of people, especially as we start trying to attract people back to rail. Personal safety will need to be addressed. The RSR is conducting research to be better placed, to provide the correct mit...
Hope For Passenger Rail in South Africa!
November 27, 2020 09:45 - 17 minutes - 177 MBMs Dikeledi Magadzi the Deputy Minister of Transport, joins our editor Phillippa Dean for a Coffee with the Editor, following the release of the Railway Safety Regulators Annual State of Safety Report. Vandalism, theft and encroachment on railway reserves amongst other things, have severely impacted PRASA. But, PRASA has a plan, a new board and the Department of Transport is by all account hands-on! Our conversation goes from key safety concerns how these will be addressed, progress on the...
Open Access Working Group
November 20, 2020 11:30 - 7 minutes - 76.3 MBThe RailRoad Association (RRA), recently issued an invitation to the rail industry, to participle in a working group that will focus on Open Access. Open Access to Transnet’s core network was announced by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, as part of South Africa's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. Our Editor took a moment to chat to the RRA, CEO, Mesela Nhlapo to find out more about what the working group will be focusing on once the proposed intention, scope and terms have...
Railway Industry Opinion On Open Access - Railways Africa
October 23, 2020 11:15 - 4 minutes - 44.1 MBPhillippa Dean, editor of Railways Africa. Open access, public-private participation - will have a direct impact on the supply base in South Africa. It will enable Transnet to do more, including, earn more. Providing all the people of South Africa the ability to access a safe, reliable and predictable passenger rail service that will be part of an integrated public transport network.
The Opportunity To Revitalise The Rail Sector
September 04, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 264 MBReleasing Gibela’s first socio-economic impact survey, CEO Hector Danisa notes that R6.4-billion had been spent on local content in the four years since inception. This includes the construction of their facility. There are a few things that need to be put into context, especially the timeline as production starts to ramp up and of course how one goes about ensuring that this state-of-the-art facility has a life bigger than the Passenger Rail Agency once the contract is complete. There is no ...
Transnet Engineering a solid future in the making!
August 28, 2020 09:45 - 14 minutes - 149 MBThe first time we spoke with Ralph Mills, Chief Executive at Transnet Engineering he had literally been in “office” for just over a week and in the midst of Covid-19 lockdown! One hundred days later, Ralph Mills is definitely a man with a plan!
Status Update on Eswatini Railways
July 17, 2020 14:15 - 16 minutes - 167 MBNixon Dlamini joined as CEO of Eswatini Railways (previously known as Swazi Rail) in March this year, just as COVID-19 really started disrupting life here in Africa. The 300km railway network plays a pivotal role in feeding the regional railways within the SADC region. Nixon provides the latest details (stages) on current and new projects, specifically the Eswatini link, previously known as the Swazi rail link which links to South Africa, among others. The Eswatini link is a joint project be...