Zambia Railways Limited Charts a Course for Future Growth at Southern African Railways Conference

At the recent Southern African Railways conference and exhibition, Engineer Fred Mwila, Acting Managing Director of Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL), shared a comprehensive vision for the future of Zambian rail transport. Speaking as a panellist during the CEO Think Tank session sponsored by the PRASA Group, Mwila offered a candid assessment of the current state and future prospects of ZRL.

Mwila began by acknowledging the challenges faced by Zambia Railways, particularly in terms of infrastructure and rolling stock. The rail market share in Zambia is less than 10% due to the lack of adequate capacity in track and rolling stock, a consequence of insufficient investment.

He pointed out that the existing railway, approximately 1,200 km long, designed for higher speeds and greater tonnage, has been hindered by a lack of investment and recapitalisation over the years. This has resulted in reduced speeds and a lack of capacity to meet current market demands. Notably, the railway’s inability to fully utilise its potential to transport over 20 million tons of cargo, largely due to these limitations, was a significant concern.

However, Mwila also framed these challenges as opportunities. He articulated the potential around transforming Zambia Railways into a comprehensive logistics company, aiming to provide seamless services from ports like Durban to the Congo. This transformation involves creating a single customer interface, streamlining operations, and enhancing service delivery.

The strategy for revitalisation includes phased investments, focusing initially on achievable targets like stabilising speeds at 50 km per hour before pursuing more ambitious goals. Mwila emphasised the need for serious, long-term investment partners, likening the development of railways to growing a fruit tree, which requires time and patience to bear fruit.

Mwila’s forward-thinking approach extends beyond mere operational improvements. He envisages a significant role for Zambia Railways in regional logistics, turning the railway company into a critical player in the African transportation sector. This includes upgrading the railway infrastructure to handle more significant volumes and speeds in the future, with particular emphasis on enhancing the rail’s sustainability.

Furthermore, Mwila highlighted the numerous procurement opportunities arising from this ambitious plan. These range from partnerships in rolling stock to comprehensive upgrades of track, signalling and telecommunications, traffic monitoring and surveillance, among others. He stressed the importance of establishing collaborations that align with the long-term vision of Zambia Railways, ensuring a sustainable and progressive growth trajectory.