Join Railways Africa Editor, Phillippa Dean, for a Coffee with the Editor conversation with Gwen Mahuma-Madida, CEO, and Sales Executive, Mothemane Makhura of Colossal Concrete Products, filmed during the recent Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition.
The discussion covers Colossal’s role as Southern Africa’s largest railway sleeper manufacturer, and includes:
Gwen and Mothemane also highlight the need for unlocking projects to create jobs, support GDP growth, and revitalise rail infrastructure across the continent.
Railways Africa speaks with Hon. Keoagile Atamelang, Botswana’s Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, in this Coffee with the Editor.
The discussion covers the status of Botswana’s key rail corridor projects, including the Trans-Kalahari Railway (TKR), Mmamabula–Lephalale Railway, and Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone line, as well as the rehabilitation of the Ponta Techobanine corridor with Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Hon. Atamelang outlines the importance of bilateral agreements, the country’s strategic position as a transit hub for SADC trade, and the need to revitalise Botswana Railways through investment in locomotives, rolling stock, and track infrastructure.
Key topics also include plans for open access legislation, passenger rail revival, revitalisation of state-owned entities, development of dry ports and an international cargo airport. The interview highlights Botswana’s goal to transform its logistics network, support regional integration, and unlock investment opportunities.
In this Coffee with the Editor interview, recorded during the SARA Rail event, Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies discusses the company’s operational focus and regional integration efforts.
Baatjies shares progress on pilot tests with Eswatini Railways to increase train length from 80 to 160 wagons, with full implementation expected soon. He highlights the potential to double capacity per slot, contingent on value chain readiness and offloading capability.
The discussion explores Transnet Freight Rail’s engagement with Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique to strengthen cross-border traffic, boost chrome, magnetite and coal volumes, and reduce road dependency. Baatjies also provides insights into the Eswatini Rail Link and Mmamabula–Lephalale Railway Line projects, the impact of open access on network capacity, and Transnet Freight Rail’s restructured business model, now operating through commodity-focused business units to better align with customer growth plans.
Other key topics include long-term manganese and coal agreements, efforts to combat theft on critical corridors, locomotive recovery and new fleet deployment, capacity expansion projects, and the adoption of new technologies such as artificial intelligence for inspections. Baatjies emphasises that Transnet’s focus is shifting from recovery to growth and modernisation, with a goal of contributing significantly to South Africa’s target of 250 to 300 million tons of freight moved by rail.
In this Coffee with the Editor interview at the Southern African Railways Conference and Exhibition, Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Joshua Sacco, and the MD of the National Railways of Zimbabwe, Ainah Dube-Kaguru.
The discussion explores:
1️⃣ Zimbabwe’s central role in regional rail integration across the North-South Corridor and the Beira and Techobanine routes.
2️⃣ The Lion’s Den–Kafue missing link and its EU-funded feasibility study.
3️⃣ The impact of road congestion versus the potential of rail freight.
4️⃣ Mineral and agricultural exports, including lithium, steel, and coal.
5️⃣ The move of NRZ under the Mutapa Sovereign Wealth Fund to accelerate investment.
6️⃣ Current and planned rolling stock procurement, leasing, and refurbishment.
7️⃣ Afreximbank-backed financing and partnerships for locomotives, wagons, and track upgrades.
8️⃣ PPP initiatives with customers and cross-border cooperation with CFM Mozambique and Botswana Railways.
9️⃣ Passenger rail developments, including tourism services for Mutare.
🔟 Zimbabwe’s broader multimodal strategy, from border post upgrades to air cargo cold chain logistics.
A comprehensive look at how rail, road, and air are being positioned to unlock trade, investment, and growth for Zimbabwe and the region.
In this Coffee with the Editor interview, Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with James Holley, CEO of Traxtion.
Holley reflects on why Traxtion did not apply for rail access slots in this round, explaining that the awards remain conditional on certification and rolling stock availability, and that the company’s fleet of sixty locomotives is already fully deployed across nine African countries under long-term contracts.
With each slot requiring investment starting at a minimum of R250 million per train set, he emphasises that meaningful participation depends on raising significant capital and ensuring that the rail access agreement is bankable, with appropriate service-level commitments, balanced protections, and recognition of lender rights.
Despite not applying, Holley remains optimistic, noting that Traxtion is well advanced in raising funding and expects to make announcements soon, even before the release of the second version of the network statement, which he believes will address key concerns.
Turning to the continental picture, Holley highlights Traxtion’s growing footprint, with operations already established in nine countries and a tenth, Guinea, coming online soon. He points to the company’s contracts in Angola, supporting Lobito Atlantic Railway and the DRC, as well as a new third-party maintenance and training support project in Guinea. These ventures build on Traxtion’s decades of experience, backed by thirty-eight years of operational foundations, industry certifications, and more than R100 million invested in training facilities at Rosslyn.
The next phase of exponential growth is imminent and Traxtion is poised to play a leading role in bringing new trains, wagons, and expertise into South Africa and across the region.
In this Coffee with the Editor conversation, Rudolf Vidacak, ABB Global Segment and Account Manager – Business Electrification – Transportation Rail and Infrastructure, joins Phillippa Dean, Editor of Railways Africa Magazine.
Rudolf explains how ABB supports the rail sector with low- and medium-voltage components that are critical for both passenger and freight rolling stock. He highlights the importance of supplying safe, lightweight and reliable equipment that complies with international fire and smoke safety standards, widely applied across Africa. The discussion also explores ABB’s role in powering passenger stations through automation systems and data centre solutions, while supporting control and signalling with components and UPS systems that enhance operational reliability.
The conversation reflects ABB’s strong customer base in South Africa, including PRASA, Gautrain and Transnet, alongside major international operators such as Deutsche Bahn and Amtrak. Rudolf also addresses ABB’s aftermarket support for OEMs, EPCs, panel builders and maintenance workshops, ensuring older rolling stock can be retrofitted and upgraded to meet current operational needs.
With more than 50 years of experience in rail, ABB combines its global expertise with local presence to strengthen relationships and expand its footprint across Southern Africa, underlining its commitment to railway electrification, infrastructure modernisation and long-term customer support.
In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, Railways Africa Editor, Phillippa Dean, speaks with Nicholas Fournier, the recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR).
Fournier shares his insights on the rehabilitation of the Lobito Railway line from Lobito in Angola through to Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He highlights progress in track refurbishment, the introduction of new rolling stock from Galison (South Africa) and CRRC (China), and the company’s significant investment in workforce development and training.
The discussion explores current and projected cargo volumes, the balance between freight and passenger operations, and the role of new technologies in improving efficiency. Fournier also explains LAR’s position within the broader Lobito Corridor initiative, clarifying the company’s commercial remit while outlining financing strategies — including over half a billion US dollars already invested by shareholders Trafigura and Mota-Engil, and ongoing funding discussions with DBSA and DFC.
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Railways Africa sits down with Patrick Moodley, CEO of Siemens Mobility South Africa, to discuss the company’s role in the country’s rail reform journey.
As South Africa prepares to unlock open access through the Transnet Interim Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), Siemens Mobility is stepping forward with advanced signalling solutions, including SICAS S7 electronic interlockings and the European Train Control System (ETCS). Moodley outlines how these technologies support interoperability, improve network reliability, reduce theft and vandalism, and enable multiple operators to safely and efficiently share infrastructure.
The conversation also covers Siemens’ readiness to support the sector through EPC+F funding models, local engineering capacity, and its broader commitment to rail revitalisation across the SADC region.
Key Topics:
Discover how Siemens Mobility is helping to transform the everyday — for everyone.
In this Coffee with the Editor interview, Railways Africa’s Phillippa Dean sits down with Kim Wilson, Managing Director of Clyde Industrial Corporation, to discuss the journey that led to the development and launch of Zak’s 48 kg 1:12 Secant turnout.
The turnout features a fully flexible switch blade made from 51 kg rail and a cast manganese rail-bound frog, assembled on concrete sleepers with cast-in shoulders. Designed for 22-tonne axle loads, it is fully compatible with Cape Gauge infrastructure across Southern Africa, as well as the N1 and N2 freight and passenger corridors within South Africa’s mainline and private rail networks.
In the conversation, Kim unpacks the technical and strategic challenges that shaped the project—from international sourcing constraints to building a new local manufacturing base—and discusses what the future holds for the company and this new product line.
She also reflects on the evolution of Zak and Railcor, from refurbishing second-hand permanent way material to delivering new, high-spec turnouts designed for modern rail infrastructure. Kim is passionate about bringing downstream manufacturing back into the country and is committed to meeting the demands of the railway sector in Southern Africa.
Zak’s turnout already has confirmed orders! If you missed the article, get it here:
https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/zak-debuts-112-turnout-with-confirmed-orders
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean sits down with Martin Vaujour, recently appointed President of Alstom’s AMECA region (Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia) and new member of Alstom’s Executive Committee.
Martin shares insight into Alstom’s strategic ambitions across a vibrant and diverse region, covering key rail projects in South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and beyond. From the landmark PRASA Gibela commuter train project in South Africa to the monorail in Cairo and the high-speed rail project in Morocco. This conversation explores the transformative role Alstom is playing in the development of passenger and freight rail across the continent.
Key discussion points include:
Martin also reflects on the importance of building relationships with local stakeholders, ensuring long-term impact through capacity-building and creating ecosystems that sustain innovation and efficiency in rail transport.
In this insightful episode of Coffee with the Editor, Railways Africa Magazine editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Wilson Mogoba, General Manager for Business Development at Transnet SOC Ltd, during Transnet Engineering’s Industry Day. The discussion covers Transnet’s growing regional footprint, strategic infrastructure partnerships, and the transformative role of the soon-to-be-operational LeaseCo.
Wilson shares updates on:
Wilson also elaborates on how rolling stock availability, not ownership, will become the future standard, minimising capital burden on operators and reshaping how African rail systems are financed and maintained.
This conversation offers a view into how Transnet is repositioning itself as a key enabler of pan-African rail integration and logistics modernisation.
Watch now for insights into rail infrastructure planning, lease models, and regional trade corridors transforming Africa.
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed at Africa Rail 2025, Railways Africa Magazine editor Phillippa Dean speaks with the Chief Business Development Officer at Transnet about the strategic vision and current status of the Transnet LeaseCo initiative, which is currently in bid phase.
The conversation explores the origins of LeaseCo, its link to local rail reform, regional leasing opportunities and infrastructure studies, and how Transnet aims to unlock underutilised rolling stock to revitalise freight movement across Southern Africa. The discussion tracks the evolution from an initial failed tender to the current stage, supported by improved regulatory frameworks and strong interest from both local and international partners.
Topics discussed include:
The conversation also addresses industry concerns, such as capability overlap with Transnet Engineering and financial entry requirements, while clarifying how LeaseCo complements—rather than competes with—Transnet Freight Rail’s operations.
This is a must-watch for anyone interested in Africa’s rail reform, infrastructure investment, and the future of public-private collaboration in rail logistics.
In this Coffee with the Editor, filmed during Transnet Engineering’s Industry Day — held the day before Africa Rail 2025 — Railways Africa Magazine editor Phillippa Dean spoke to Bessie Mabunda, Chief Executive of Transnet Engineering. The conversation explores the company’s evolving strategy, notable achievements, and future ambitions as Transnet Engineering strengthens its role within South Africa’s logistics network and the wider African rail ecosystem.
Bessie reflects on how the company has expanded beyond its traditional focus on rolling stock maintenance to include support for the port sector, becoming an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for port trailers, skips, and haulers, while also supporting Transnet Port Terminals and Transnet National Ports Authority with critical marine infrastructure refurbishment.
The discussion also covers locomotive manufacturing at the Durban plant, including a significant production ramp-up of the 23E locomotives in partnership with Alstom. Bessie outlines how strategic reconfiguration, increased resources, and improved plant efficiency enabled the release of 45 locomotives within a single financial year — a dramatic improvement from previous monthly outputs.
We also cover the challenges and progress in returning long-standing locomotives to service for Transnet Freight Rail, the ongoing focus on sustainable component supply, and the need to source spare parts for heavy repairs.
Additional points covered
This interview provides valuable insight into how Transnet Engineering is adapting to changing industry needs, championing localisation, and positioning itself as a strategic asset in South Africa’s rail infrastructure ecosystem and the broader African market.
In this Coffee with the Editor, filmed during Africa Rail 2025, Vuyiswa Tlomatsane, Services Executive at Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, unpacks the full scope of Gibela’s Maintenance, Technical Support, and Spare Supply Agreement with PRASA.
Under this long-term contract, Gibela not only provides technical support but also develops PRASA’s maintenance regime and supplies all required spare parts. The agreement began in 2016 with just 18 trains and a single operational base. Fast forward to the post-COVID period, and Gibela now operates across four key locations.
Today, PRASA runs 156 trains daily across 25 active corridors. Gibela ensures the maintenance teams are fully equipped with the correct tools and quality spare parts—many of which are manufactured and supplied in-house. All required maintenance training is delivered to specification, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fleet. This close collaboration with PRASA includes successful skills transfer, enabling PRASA to take over maintenance responsibilities once the contract concludes.
As part of the support agreement, Gibela also trains the drivers to operate the new fleet, which features advanced technology not present in older rolling stock. While initially overwhelming, the drivers have since become proficient in operating the system and using the built-in safety features confidently. Gibela continues to provide real-time operational support to drivers, safeguarding journey continuity.
This comprehensive approach reflects Gibela’s commitment to reliable train operations throughout the fleet’s 40-year lifespan, while also laying the foundation for regional service expansion.
Key topics covered in this interview
Gibela’s end-to-end maintenance and support model not only secures a 40-year operational lifespan but also builds local capacity and expertise, transferring vital skills to PRASA throughout the 19-year contract.
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed at Africa Rail 2025, Railways Africa Magazine speaks with Reggie Boqo, Acting CEO of Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, about how Gibela is positioning itself to meet the future needs of passenger rail on the African continent.
Gibela has just delivered its 280th trainset for South Africa’s passenger agency, PRASA and is on track to reach the 300 mark by the end of the year — a significant milestone for the company. As Reggie Boqo reflects on this achievement, he also explains how reaching the halfway point in Gibela’s delivery contract marks the beginning of a broader strategic shift.
Looking ahead, Gibela is aiming to expand beyond its domestic commitments to meet the growing demand for modern, efficient, and sustainable passenger rail systems across Africa.
Key topics in the conversation include:
Reggie positions Gibela as a world-class African manufacturer ready to scale its proven model beyond South Africa — providing not just trains, but long-term support, workforce development, and strategic advisory services to deliver sustainable rail systems continent-wide.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Railways Africa Magazine YouTube channel for more exclusive interviews, project updates, and in-depth coverage of railway developments across the African continent.
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;
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#Traxtion #RailExpansion #Railway #Africa #Rail #HydrogenLocomotive #PrivateRailAccess #WomenInRail #RailFreight #Locomotives #RailwayInvestment #SkillsDevelopment #Mining #Freight #Logistics
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
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
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.
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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:
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!
