National Railways of Zimbabwe revitalizes fleet through Zimasco partnership

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is undergoing a recapitalization process through various public-private partnerships to rehabilitate its infrastructure and rolling stock. A recent US$2.8 million partnership with ferrochrome producer Zimasco has resulted in the commissioning of three refurbished locomotives and 100 high-sided wagons.

Under this arrangement, Zimasco funded the overhaul of idle equipment in exchange for freight-charge offsets, securing more reliable transport routes to regional ports such as Beira and Maputo. This model allows the NRZ to expand its operational capacity without placing an immediate fiscal burden on the national treasury.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona stated that the government is pursuing further investment models to restore the rail operator’s capacity. These include collaborations with the Mutapa Investment Fund, utilizing an Afreximbank facility, and a Resource Finance Investment model with China Railway International Group. The goal is to upgrade signaling systems, rehabilitate tracks, and procure new locomotives to support industrialization and reduce the burden on national road infrastructure.