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. 3 APR

    Transnet LeaseCo Update: Bidders, Rolling Stock Contracts, Demand and Next Steps

    As Transnet advances its LeaseCo model, this Coffee with the Editor interview provides a detailed update on rolling stock deployment, bidder progress and growing demand from Train Operating Companies (TOCs) in South Africa and across the SADC region. Phillippa Dean speaks with Yolisa Kani, Chief Business Development Officer at Transnet and Acting CEO of Transnet International Holdings, on the latest developments shaping the LeaseCo platform and its role in unlocking rail capacity. The discussion outlines how Transnet is structuring a private rolling stock leasing platform, combining surplus assets with the technical capabilities of Transnet Engineering as an anchor partner. Kani details progress on the procurement process, including strong market response, bidder shortlisting and the upcoming RFP phase. With demand accelerating ahead of financial close, Transnet has introduced tactical leasing, with nearly 2,000 wagons already contracted and total demand significantly exceeding available supply. Key topics covered include:• Rolling stock availability, refurbishment requirements and asset recovery• Wagon demand trends across bulk, tankers and flatbeds• Increasing cross-border demand across Southern Africa• Funding and operational challenges facing Train Operating Companies• The development of a pan-African rolling stock leasing platform The interview also highlights Transnet’s shift towards a more responsive, demand-driven commercial model, focused on speed, customer engagement and capturing rail volumes. LeaseCo is progressing from concept to execution, positioning Transnet to support increased rail volumes in South Africa and the region.

    13 min

  2. 15 MAR

    Transnet Freight Rail Sets Course for Recovery, Capacity Growth and Industry Collaboration

    In this episode of "Coffee with the Editor," Phillippa Dean sits down with Russell Baatjies, Acting CE of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), to discuss the ambitious roadmap for the 2026/27 financial year. From the deployment of the new 23E electric locomotives to the integration of Artificial Intelligence in maintenance, Baatjies outlines how TFR is moving beyond "recovery mode" toward global best practices. We explore the operational shifts required as South Africa ends its rail monopoly, the challenges of network reliability, and the promising growth in manganese and chrome volumes. Key Discussion Points: Rolling Stock Revolution: The strategic deployment of 102 new 23E locomotives on the coal line and the cascading of 22E fleet to chrome and magnetite sectors.Next-Gen Maintenance: How TFR is moving from time-based to condition-based maintenance using AI and "super sites" to reduce costs and prevent incidents.Operational Innovation: The success of running longer trains (including the 100-wagon chrome trains) and the technical hurdles overcome for the Eswatini rail link.Open Access & Reform: Preparing the workforce for the arrival of 11 new Train Operating - Companies (TOCs) and the shift from a monopoly to a competitive environment.Regional Connectivity: Updates on collaborations with Eswatini Railways, Botswana, and the Maputo corridor to unlock cross-border volumes.

    17 min

  3. 13 MAR

    Update on Traxtion’s Latest Rolling Stock Investment Programme

    In this Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean reconnects with Traxtion CEO James Holley for a progress update on the company’s acquisition of 46 locomotives (42 U26C and 4 C30-8MMI), as part of its latest rolling stock investment programme. With engine orders placed and manufacturing underway, Holley confirms that the first locomotives are scheduled for shipment at the end of June, arriving in South Africa in July. The first fully upgraded units are expected to enter service in February next year, with six locomotives being upgraded simultaneously at Traxtion’s Rosslyn Rail Hub. The conversation moves beyond delivery timelines to the broader significance of the programme. The R1.8 billion locomotive investment, alongside a planned R1.6 billion allocation for 920 wagons, represents a substantial private sector commitment to additional freight capacity under South Africa’s rail reform framework. Holley outlines the role of economic regulation, policy certainty and vertical separation in creating the confidence required to unlock capital investment at this scale. The discussion also highlights the strength of the local supply chain, the emphasis on skills development and the wider economic implications of cost-effective rail logistics in supporting upstream industry and national growth. This update provides practical insight into implementation progress and the localised industrial impact of one of the largest private freight rail investments currently underway in South Africa.

    15 min

  4. 14 FEB

    Ghana Gets a New Railway Masterplan and it is a Freight-Led Economic Enabler

    In this Coffee With The Editor interview, Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Dr Frederick Appoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, on the launch of Ghana’s updated national railway Master Plan. The revised Master Plan repositions rail as a freight-led economic enabler, prioritising bulk mineral transport, corridor development and structured private sector participation. It marks a clear shift from the 2020 framework, which focused primarily on connecting capital cities and strengthening passenger services but did not attract the anticipated level of private investment. The new strategy pivots towards bankable freight demand, particularly mining and bulk commodities, where measurable volumes and predictable revenue streams can underpin long-term infrastructure investment.

    19 min

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Phillippa Dean
  • Show Website
    Railways Africa Magazine