Railways Africa Magazine

Phillippa Dean

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

  1. 11/12/2025

    Alstom’s Driverless System for Cairo Monorail and Regional Signalling Projects

    In this interview, filmed during the recently held TransMEA 2025 in Cairo, our editor, Phillippa Dean, speaks with Alstom’s Vice President for Digital and Integrated Systems for Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, Boris Symchowicz, about the signalling system that powers the monorail. He explains how the system enables high passenger capacity, short headways and future scalability to eight-car trains. He also discusses the shift toward next-generation communication technologies such as FRMCS, the increasing need for real-time data and Alstom’s regional engineering development across Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Tanzania and Central Asia. Enjoy!

    7 min

  2. 10/12/2025

    Alstom AMECA Update: Project Momentum from South Africa to Egypt

    Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean catches up with Martin Vaujour, Alstom’s President for Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, at TransMEA 2025 in Cairo. Martin outlines the strong pipeline of activity across the region, including developments in South Africa with PRASA and Transnet, the impact of open access in the freight sector, new very high-speed and signalling projects in Morocco, and ongoing progress on the Abidjan Metro in Côte d’Ivoire.In Egypt, the Cairo Monorail remains a flagship programme, with the first passenger section scheduled to open in 2026. The country is also moving ahead with new signalling and turnkey initiatives. Martin also discusses the renewal of Cairo Metro Line 1, where Alstom will supply 55 modern trainsets to replace the original fleet built in the 1980s. The first 11 units are set to enter commercial service next year.The interview explores regional mobility challenges, the growing demand for urban systems such as metro, tram and monorail, and the potential for mainline and high-speed rail across several African countries. Martin also highlights Alstom’s localisation programmes, including manufacturing, component production, maintenance, skills development and signalling competence in markets such as South Africa, Morocco and Egypt.#Alstom #AMECA #TransMEA2025 #RailwaysAfrica #CairoMonorail #CairoMetro #PRASA #Transnet #Morocco #Rail #Railway #AbidjanMetro #AfricanRail #UrbanMobility #Africa #UrbanMobility #SustainableTransport #RailInfrastructure #HighSpeedRail #Signalling----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------============================================================RAILWAYS AFRICA MAGAZINESubscribe: https://www.railways.africa/subscriptions/Website: https://www.railways.africaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/railways-africa/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/railwaysafricaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/railwaysafricaTwitter: https://twitter.com/railwaysafricaEmail - Editor: phillippa@railwaysafrica.com============================================================-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    13 min

  3. 10/12/2025

    South Africa’s Largest Private Rail Investment Begins with Forty-Six Locomotives

    It is not every day that forty-six Cape-gauge locomotives in great condition become available at the same time. For Traxtion, this was an opportunity that could not be passed up. In this Coffee with the Editor, Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Traxtion CEO James Holley about the R3.4 billion rolling-stock investment, considered the single largest investment made by a private rail operator in South Africa. Holley explains the policy foundations behind the investment, including confidence in the National Rail Policy and the progress of the interim economic regulator. He also touches on the additional investment already developed and awaiting announcement, which is premised on the content of the soon-to-be-released Version 4 of the network statement by Transnet. The locomotives will undergo modernisation at Traxtion’s Rosslyn facility, where Holley notes that 79 percent of orders will be placed with South African companies, equating to roughly 60 percent local content. The project will drive approximately R207 million in downstream procurement into the domestic supply chain, in addition to around R1.6 billion for wagon procurement. The company will employ 662 people to support the project, most of whom will be trained through Traxtion’s training centre. Holley discusses procurement of around 920 wagons, benchmarking across local and international suppliers and the competitiveness of South Africa’s manufacturing capability. With an estimated 85 to 90 million tonnes of unmet freight demand in South Africa, Holley reflects on how this investment contributes to addressing that gap and Traxtion’s plans to continue supporting regional markets across the continent. If you missed the original announcement, premium subscribers can get it here:https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/traxtion-confirms-r3-4bn-rolling-stock-investment-to-unlock-rail-capacity-and-jobs Watch the full discussion for clarity, context and insight into one of the most consequential private rail investments South Africa has seen.

    20 min

  4. 23/09/2025

    Colossal Concrete Products on Africa’s Railway Opportunities & Open Access

    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: Colossal’s focus on enabling cross-border commodity transport and regional integrationThe importance of project factories, local job creation, and skills transfer in African marketsThe impact of South Africa’s open-access regime and opportunities across SADCCommitment to quality, R&D, and international sleeper standards to ensure rail safety Gwen and Mothemane also highlight the need for unlocking projects to create jobs, support GDP growth, and revitalise rail infrastructure across the continent.

    16 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    Botswana Rail Corridors, Open Access and Logistics Transformation

    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.

    10 min

  6. 11/09/2025

    Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies on Longer Trains, Regional Integration and Open Access

    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.

    13 min

  7. 09/09/2025

    Zimbabwe’s Rail Future: Regional Integration and Investment

    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.

    16 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    Traxtion CEO James Holley on Rail Reform, Investment and Growth Across Africa

    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.

    10 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Phillippa Dean
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Phillippa Dean
  • Show Website
    Railways Africa Magazine