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In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, Zaituni Nakonde, Director of Infrastructure Development at CCTTFA, discusses the agency's role and mandate in enhancing rail connectivity across East Africa. Learn how the Central Corridor is tackling funding challenges and promoting the new Standard Gauge Railway to boost regional trade and logistics.

In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, Eng. Achieng’ Akun Beatrice 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.

In this insightful Coffee with the Editor, Mutahi (Alex) Wariithi, Senior Valuer at LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority, 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.

In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, we are joined by Russell Baatjies, CEO of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). Russell provides invaluable insights into TFR's strategic direction, ongoing collaborations and formidable challenges. Our dialogue navigates through TFR's overarching vision and proactive approach in aligning with industry imperatives while anticipating future demands.

Professor Jan Havenga, the newly appointed board member of PRASA, offered an insightful dialogue on current rail affairs in South Africa, during the celebration of the PRASA’s 200th train launch in Cape Town on 23 April 2024. His expertise in freight logistics will bring fresh perspectives to passenger rail transport.

Full article: https://www.railways.africa/rails-of-change-professor-havenga-current-rail-developments-south-africa/

Join Railways Africa Magazine for an insightful interview with Athanacious Makgamatha, General Manager: SAD Signals and Telecoms, as he discusses the latest advancements in South Africa’s passenger rail systems. Recorded during a celebratory event on April 23, marking the 200th trainset and the re-signalling of the Southern Line in Cape Town, Makgamatha shares valuable insights into ongoing progress and future plans. From enhanced signalling systems to proactive measures against vandalism and theft. Stay tuned for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the innovative strategies driving the evolution of South Africa’s rail networks. Subscribe and follow our channel for more interviews and industry updates.