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Join 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 market.

In 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 abstracts were received from 120 organizations representing more than 30 countries in response to the call for speakers. At the event, there will be 220 full papers presented, in addition to 100 poster sessions. So far, the numbers for both exhibitors and conference delegates are looking fantastic.

Antonio also touches on the biggest players in terms of heavy haul operations and emphasizes that, for the first time, there is a significant focus on carbonization, renewable fuels, and innovative systems that can promote sustainable operations. In addition, heavy haul is not just about looking at the railway aspect in isolation but as a total system that includes the mines and the port.

It looks like the 12th IHHA - International Heavy Haul Association Conference and Exhibition is going to be an event not to be missed. Registrations are open: https://ihhario2023.com/registration/

Join 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 focused on the European market, they are a global railway organisation with over 60 members and 100 years of expertise and experience in the technical aspects of the sector. They are in an ideal position to offer valuable insights and solutions to operators in Africa, covering crucial areas such as safety, interoperability, telecommunications, passengers, freight, combined transport, certification, and more.

In 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 TransNamib and his vision for the future of the rail industry in Namibia.

Join 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.

Listen 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.