Johannesburg – Wednesday 21st August 2024
Minister of Transport and Logistics Hon. Frank Museba Tayali says he is impressed with the turnout of Zambian stakeholders in the railway sector at the 2024 Southern Africa Railways Association Conference and Exhibition, which is going on in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Speaking when he toured various stands at the exhibition centre, which include the Zambia Railways and Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) yesterday, Mr. Tayali said the number of stakeholders that have turned up for this year’s exhibition should result in enhanced service delivery in the sector.
And Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board Chairperson Emmanuel Hachipuka said strategic partnerships are critical to attain the desired growth in the rail sub-sector.
“The Governments on their own are unable to fund rail projects due to the capital intensiveness of the rail sub-sector especially that they have to attend to other competing priority needs and this is why networking with the private sector becomes key,” Mr. Hachipuka said.
The Railway Board Chairperson said the rail sub-sector has continued to experience dynamics in business operations as well as capacity challenges over the years.
He has disclosed that ZRL has developed a new Strategic Business Plan (SBP) for the period 2024-2028, which seeks to address capacity in terms of railway infrastructure, rolling stock, human, and working capital.
Meanwhile, TAZARA Managing Director Bruno Ching’andu says Africa is committed to doing its part to create an efficient, connected, and modern rail sector to all and that the Southern Africa Railways Association Conference (SARA) 2024 has created a platform where sector stakeholders share their experiences.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Mazuba Monze, says the conference is important as it brings different stakeholders who are actively engaging with railways experts in embracing technological advancements and fostering a conducive investment.
Ms. Monze says the rail sub-sector can unlock various opportunities that can add to economic growth, connectivity, and prosperity across the continent.
She says it is commendable that SARA has also brought together financial institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), the tech giants like Huawei, and other suppliers to the rail sub-sector
She notes that SARA plays a key role in advancing and modernising railways, not only within Southern Africa but across the continent, thereby promoting interconnectivity and cross-border operability of railways for regional and continental development.
