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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.

Join 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 evolution.
- The intersection of PIDA and the rail network development.
- Strategies to overcome implementation hurdles and financing challenges.
- The potential of rail infrastructure in boosting intra-African trade.

Don't Miss:
- The importance of an integrated corridor approach in rail development.
- Innovative ideas for financing Africa's railway revolution.
- Understanding the frustration and aspirations surrounding Africa's rail infrastructure.
- Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions and expert insights on Africa's infrastructure development journey.

Join 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 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.

Join 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 Insights
- Challenges & Solutions: Tackling Theft and Vandalism
- Amendments to the Railway Safety Bill
- Third-Party Open Access: The Role of RSR
- RSR Cooperation in Southern Africa

At 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 African business landscape. Nolufefe elaborated on Alstom's mission, emphasizing their efforts to not only deliver on mandates and contracts but also to uplift suppliers to compete on the international stage. Through their Supplier Development function, they aim to bolster existing capabilities and enhance efficiencies. This comprehensive approach not only includes training and process implementation but also extends to financial support, such as offering favourable payment terms.

A significant challenge faced by local suppliers is the need to meet the international standards set by companies like Alstom. Instead of perceiving this as a hindrance, Alstom views it as a growth opportunity. They have played a pivotal role in aiding suppliers to secure the necessary certifications, even when they initially lacked them. Using the specific welding requirements as an example, Nolufefe illustrated how Alstom ensures that suppliers undergo the required training, which in turn leads to the establishment of sustainable processes compliant with global standards.

Alstom's ambition stretches beyond just local projects. They are committed to ensuring that suppliers are trained to meet international rail standards, preparing them not just for local initiatives like the PRASA program, executed by Gibela, but also for global undertakings. "We are qualifying them to produce and supply components that are crafted in South Africa, using South African materials and powered by skilled South Africans, to meet the demands of companies abroad," Nolufefe stated.

Nolufefe also underscored the impressive investment figures denoting their commitment. Over the past decade, with a particular focus on the Gibela Programme, Alstom has channelled 96 million Rand, into training, an additional 66 million towards localization, and a further 83 million for supplier development. These numbers are a testament to Alstom's unwavering dedication to fostering a sustainable and empowered local business ecosystem.

As our conversation concluded, Nolufefe's fervour for Alstom's vision and the potential of South African suppliers shone brightly. Through her words and deeds, she embodies the relentless drive to ensure today's investments pave the way for a sustainable future.

Ps: Thank you to Roche Bobois (https://www.roche-bobois.com/en-ZA/) for the Coffee With the Editor set.

A 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 delicate balancing act necessary to establish a fair competitive landscape while also nurturing private sector engagement and investment. Truen elaborates on the significance of effective price differentiation, the implementation of regulatory mechanisms, and the pivotal role of collaboration among various stakeholders. Tune in to gain valuable insights.