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Monday 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00 Thursday 08:00 - 17:00 Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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SARA Rail Conference, Ekurhuleni (2026)

01/09/2026

Botswana Railways (BR) has entered into a strategic partnership with Ntokoto Holdings to expand freight capacity and strengthen rail’s role in supporting Botswana’s mining and logistics sectors.

The partnership, established through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), is aimed at meeting the growing freight requirements of Morupule Coal Mine (MCM) while supporting BR’s wider transformation and recapitalisation programme.

The development includes:
• A strategic partnership between Botswana Railways and Ntokoto Holdings through a Special Purpose Vehicle.
• Additional logistics and freight capacity to support the growing requirements of Morupule Coal Mine.
• Plans to progressively increase the share of MCM freight transported by rail rather than road.
• The use of private-sector capabilities to augment Botswana Railways’ existing capacity.
• Botswana Railways retaining its rail infrastructure, operational expertise and established relationship with MCM.
• A focus on improving rail capacity, reliability and commercial performance.
• Potential to reduce pressure on Botswana’s road infrastructure by shifting more freight from road to rail.
• Potential reductions in road congestion, maintenance requirements and the environmental impact associated with freight transport.
• Support for Botswana’s broader mining, logistics and economic growth objectives.

The partnership highlights the growing importance of public-private collaboration in expanding rail freight capacity across Southern Africa. For Botswana, increasing the movement of mining freight by rail could strengthen supply chains while making better use of existing rail infrastructure.

It also reflects a wider regional trend towards using rail as a strategic tool for supporting mining, improving freight efficiency and connecting production centres with markets.

As Botswana continues to develop its mining and logistics sectors, strengthening rail capacity could become increasingly important to the country’s economic growth and regional connectivity.

27/08/2026

Mota-Engil is set to take on a major role in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s rail network, with a reported 30-year concession to rehabilitate and operate a key railway serving the country’s copper and cobalt-producing regions.

The development is closely linked to the Lobito Corridor, strengthening a rail route designed to move critical minerals from the DRC to Atlantic markets through Angola’s Port of Lobito.

The development includes:
• A reported 30-year concession for Mota-Engil to operate the Congolese section of the railway.
• Rehabilitation and management of about 1,000 km of ageing railway infrastructure.
• A rail route passing through major mining centres including Kolwezi, Tenke and Lubumbashi.
• Potential US financing of up to $ 1 billion through the US International Development Finance Corporation.
• A stronger export route for copper and cobalt from the DRC to international markets.
• Closer integration between the DRC’s mining regions, Angola’s Lobito Corridor and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Greater potential for rail to reduce logistics costs and improve the movement of critical minerals across the region.

The development highlights how rail infrastructure is becoming increasingly important to Africa’s critical minerals strategy. By improving the connection between the DRC’s Copperbelt and the Port of Lobito, the corridor could strengthen regional trade, support mining exports and create a more efficient alternative for moving minerals to global markets.

It also reinforces the wider importance of cross-border rail corridors in connecting mineral-producing countries with ports and international markets.

25/08/2026

What does the future of rail look like for women?

That was one of the key questions explored at this year’s The Future of Rail is Women initiative by Traxtion, which brought together Grade 9 learners, industry leaders and mentors to talk about careers, representation and the role young women can play in shaping the rail sector.

Launched in 2023, the initiative was combined with a Rail Fair this year, where learners from schools across Gauteng developed and presented innovative ideas to solve rail challenges. They were supported by mentors from Traxtion, SAFLog, Lucchini SA and Pamodzi Unique Engineering.

The panel discussion brought together Sethunya Matsi, Pelma Maja, Nwabisa Gqamane-Ntiyane from PRASA and Dr Paulina Mamogobo, with Zinhle Simamane as moderator.

The conversation went beyond simply getting more women into rail. A key focus was on what happens once women enter the industry, how they can be supported to grow into leadership, decision-making and positions of influence.

For the Grade 9 learners in the room, the message was particularly powerful: your circumstances do not have to define your future. Exposure, mentorship, education and having people who can show you what is possible can make a difference.

As one of the discussions highlighted, representation alone does not necessarily translate into influence. The industry needs to be intentional about creating opportunities, developing women and ensuring that they have the support to progress.

And perhaps that is where initiatives like this matter most: not just telling young women that there is a place for them in rail but allowing them to meet the women already making their mark and start imagining themselves in those positions.

The future of rail will need the next generation. And that future must include women.

24/08/2026

After nearly 15 years of interruption, ONATRA has relaunched urban passenger rail services in Kinshasa, giving commuters another option in a city where road congestion can turn daily journeys into hours on the road.

The return of the service follows the official relaunch of Kinshasa’s urban rail system on 30 June 2026 and forms part of the broader MetroKin programme to modernise the capital’s rail network.

The ambition extends well beyond simply bringing existing trains back into service. Under the planned first phase, the Central Station–N’djili International Airport corridor is expected to be upgraded to a double-track, standard-gauge railway with electrification, modern signalling and eight stations, supported by a depot, maintenance facilities and a central control centre.

The planned corridor will connect Central Station, Ndolo, Funa, Limete, Petrocongo, Masina, Tshenke and N’djili International Airport, with the upgraded line eventually expected to accommodate more than 520,000 passengers a day.

And this is only the beginning. MetroKin forms part of a longer-term vision for approximately 300 kilometres of urban rail across Kinshasa, with the Africa Finance Corporation supporting the programme as a financial partner and project developer.

For Kinshasa’s rapidly growing population, the return of passenger rail could be an important step towards a more connected and efficient urban transport system.

The trains may have returned, but the real story is what comes next: modernising the network, securing investment and expanding rail to more parts of the capital.

17/08/2026

Namibia is accelerating the modernisation of its railway network, with major upgrades now underway across key routes.

The country completed 210 km of railway upgrades during the 2025/26 financial year, while several major projects are progressing as Namibia works to improve the capacity and reliability of its rail infrastructure.

Here’s what stands out:
🔹 210 km upgraded: Namibia completed 210 km of railway network upgrades in 2025/26 as part of its ongoing Railway Infrastructure Programme.
🔹 100 km targeted for 2026/27: The country plans to upgrade another 100 km of railway network during the 2026/27 financial year.
🔹 1,360 km by 2028/29: Namibia’s longer-term target is to have 1,360 km of railway network upgraded by 2028/29, significantly increasing the scale of modernised infrastructure.
🔹 1,600 km maintained annually: Alongside new upgrades, Namibia plans to maintain 1,600 km of railway every year, highlighting the importance of keeping existing infrastructure operational and reliable.
🔹 Kranzberg–Otjiwarongo: Work is progressing on sections of this important route, with earthworks reported at different stages of completion. The project has also seen the delivery of 16,300 tonnes of rails and 48 turnouts for Lot 1.
🔹 Otjiwarongo–Tsumeb/Otavi–Grootfontein: This project has reached 11.4% progress, forming part of Namibia’s wider effort to improve its northern rail connections.
🔹 Sandverhaar–Buchholzbrunn: Earthworks on this section have reached 85% completion, bringing the project closer to the next stage of development.
🔹 Locomotive modernisation: Namibia is also investing in its rolling stock, with four locomotives stripped for remanufacturing as part of efforts to improve fleet reliability.

Investment is also increasing. Namibia has allocated N$952 million to its Railway Infrastructure Programme for 2026/27, signalling continued government focus on rail infrastructure.

Namibia's railway network forms part of the country's broader transport and logistics system, connecting key production areas, inland markets and ports. Improving rail capacity and reliability could help support freight movement, regional trade and stronger SADC transport corridors.

With Southern Africa looking for ways to move more cargo efficiently and strengthen regional connectivity, Namibia’s railway investment could become an important part of the region’s evolving freight network.

13/08/2026

Mozambique is set to restore the Cuamba–Mecanhelas train service in Niassa Province after an interruption of around four years, bringing back an important passenger and freight connection for local communities.

The service was suspended after severe weather damaged part of the railway infrastructure. Its return is expected to improve transport options for communities in the region.

The development includes:
• The planned resumption of the Cuamba–Mecanhelas mixed passenger and freight service.
• The restoration of a rail connection that has been unavailable for approximately four years.
• An essential link between the districts of Cuamba and Mecanhelas, facilitating the movement of people and goods.
• Improved mobility for communities in Niassa Province, where rail provides an important transport option.
• Greater capacity to move people and goods, supporting local economic activity and connectivity.

The return of the service highlights the importance of resilient railway infrastructure and reliable connections for communities across Mozambique. For Cuamba and Mecanhelas, restoring the railway could improve mobility, support the movement of goods, and strengthen local connectivity.

11/08/2026

Botswana and Namibia have officially completed the feasibility study for the Trans-Kalahari Railway, moving the proposed cross-border freight project into its next phase and bringing it closer to financing and implementation.

The project is designed to strengthen Botswana’s connection to the Port of Walvis Bay, creating a dedicated heavy-haul rail corridor for bulk commodities and providing an alternative route to international markets through Namibia.

The project includes:
• The completion of the Trans-Kalahari Railway feasibility study, which provides recommendations on route alignment, engineering, commercial viability and implementation options.
• A proposed 1,500-kilometre heavy-haul railway linking Botswana’s Mmamabula coal and mineral fields with the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia.
• A dedicated freight corridor designed to support the movement of bulk commodities including coal, copper, manganese, soda ash and uranium.
• Improved rail access for landlocked Botswana to the Atlantic Ocean through the Port of Walvis Bay.
• A potential shift of large freight volumes from road to rail, with the project expected to help reduce transport costs and improve export competitiveness.
• Stronger logistics connectivity between Botswana and Namibia, while supporting wider regional trade and connectivity across the SADC region.
• Integration with the existing Walvis Bay Corridor logistics network, strengthening Namibia’s position as an Atlantic gateway for Botswana and other landlocked economies.
• The next phase will focus on reviewing the feasibility study, determining financing structures and developing transparent procurement processes.
• Land acquisition, environmental approvals and continued stakeholder and community engagement will also form part of the project development process.
• Officials have indicated that construction could begin as early as December 2026, subject to financing, procurement and regulatory approvals.

The completion of the feasibility study marks an important shift for the Trans-Kalahari Railway. The focus now moves from assessing the project to determining how it can be financed, procured and delivered.

For Botswana, the railway could provide a more direct and reliable connection to international markets for its mineral sector. For Namibia, it could strengthen the strategic role of Walvis Bay as an Atlantic gateway for regional freight.

The project is also significant from a regional perspective. By connecting mineral-producing areas, inland markets and a major Atlantic port, the Trans-Kalahari Railway could strengthen freight connectivity and support greater regional trade and industrialisation across Southern Africa.

With the feasibility phase now complete, financing, procurement, freight commitments and regulatory approvals will be among the key factors to watch as Botswana and Namibia work to move the project towards construction.

06/08/2026

The Southern African Railways Association (SARA), together with the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), and Transnet, recently visited SKF South Africa to explore how innovation, localisation, and predictive maintenance are shaping the future of rail in Southern Africa.

The engagement highlighted SKF's advanced bearing technologies, condition monitoring systems, and lubrication solutions that help rail operators reduce maintenance costs, improve fleet reliability, and minimize unplanned downtime. A key discussion focused on a pilot project being implemented with a railway operator in Africa, where an onboard wheel fl**ge lubrication system is being introduced to extend wheel life, reduce wear, and improve operational efficiency.

Beyond technology, the visit also showcased SKF's commitment to localisation through local assembly, refurbishment of all industry bearings and housings, supplier development, and engineering capability building. The company works closely with South African suppliers while investing in the next generation of technical talent through apprenticeship and skills development programmes that support the growth of the region's rail industry.

The visit further highlighted SKF's commitment to technical skills development. Through its apprenticeship programme, the company has supported the development of 29 qualified technicians and employed all 29 qualified apprentices, which includes 11 women.

This demonstrates how industry investment in people is helping build a strong pipeline of engineering and technical talent for Southern Africa's industrial and rail sectors.

Key takeaways from the visit:
• The growing importance of predictive maintenance in improving rail reliability and reducing lifecycle costs
• Innovative condition monitoring and lubrication technologies that help prevent failures before they occur
• The value of localisation through supplier development and local assembly
• Skills transfer and engineering development as key enablers of sustainable industrial growth
• Strong collaboration between industry, government, and rail stakeholders to modernize Southern Africa's railway sector

The visit reinforced the value of collaboration between industry, government, and the rail sector in driving innovation, strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, and supporting a more resilient and sustainable railway network across Southern Africa.

03/08/2026

Kaleido Logistics and TRANSNAMIB LIMITED have officially launched the Walvis Bay–Karibib rail freight corridor, marking another major milestone in Namibia's efforts to position rail at the centre of its logistics and freight transport strategy.

The partnership is designed to improve the movement of bulk commodities between Karibib and the Port of Walvis Bay, creating a more efficient, reliable and sustainable logistics solution for Namibia's mining, industrial, and export sectors.
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The project includes:

• The launch of a dedicated rail freight corridor connecting Karibib with the Port of Walvis Bay.
• A strategic partnership between Kaleido Logistics and TransNamib to strengthen Namibia's rail freight network.
• Initial freight volumes of up to 25,000 tonnes per month, significantly increasing rail's share of bulk cargo transport.
• The removal of approximately 735 heavy trucks from Namibia's roads every month, easing road congestion and improving road safety.
• Reduced wear and tear on national road infrastructure through the shift from road to rail.
• An estimated reduction of around 900 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, supporting more sustainable freight transport.
• Improved logistics for mining products, natural stone, industrial cargo and other bulk commodities through integrated rail and port services.
• Enhanced export connectivity via the Port of Walvis Bay, strengthening Namibia's role as a regional logistics gateway.

The launch of the Walvis Bay–Karibib corridor demonstrates how collaboration between the public and private sectors can unlock more efficient, sustainable freight transport. By moving thousands of tonnes of cargo onto rail every month, the initiative will not only improve supply chain performance but also deliver measurable environmental and social benefits through safer roads, lower emissions, and reduced pressure on transport infrastructure.

As Southern Africa continues investing in strategic freight corridors, projects like this reinforce rail's growing role in supporting industrialisation, regional trade and long-term economic growth across the SADC region.
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SARA Rail Conference

01/09/2026

27/08/2026

25/08/2026

24/08/2026

17/08/2026

13/08/2026

11/08/2026

06/08/2026

03/08/2026

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Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00