Japan provides US$6.3 million grant for Zambia railway maintenance

Japan has signed a ¥999 million (approximately US$6.3 million) grant agreement to strengthen the maintenance capabilities of Zambia Railways Limited. The agreement was signed on October 22, 2026, by Zambian Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and Japanese Ambassador Akiteru Mikami.

The grant will fund the acquisition of specialized Japanese-manufactured equipment, specifically crane-equipped motor cars and road-rail crane trucks. These vehicles are designed to operate on both roads and railway tracks, providing maintenance teams with greater flexibility to access infrastructure and respond to operational disruptions.

By improving the reliability of the rail network, the investment aims to support Zambia’s freight ambitions, particularly for the mining and agricultural sectors. Enhanced rail performance is expected to reduce logistics costs, improve the movement of copper and other minerals, and support the ‘Grow Zambia Agenda’ by fostering increased production, investment, and employment.