Southern Africa railway operators push for regional integration

Railway operators in Southern Africa are advocating for increased operational, technological, and institutional integration to accelerate the movement of goods across the region. During the TRANS-LOG MOZ forum in Maputo, stakeholders emphasized the need to transform regional logistics corridors into competitive platforms by harmonizing train schedules, sharing rolling stock, and simplifying customs procedures at borders.

Proponents argue that aligning regulatory policies, safety standards, and legal frameworks will encourage private and cross-border investment in rail infrastructure. The goal is to shift a significant portion of freight from roads to railways, reducing pressure on road networks and boosting intra-regional trade.

In Mozambique, heavy mechanized maintenance has been completed on the 912-kilometer Nacala Corridor. This infrastructure connects the Moatize coal zone in Tete province to the deep-water port of Nacala, passing through Malawi. The maintenance work, which included track compaction and ballast replacement, aims to eliminate speed restrictions and improve the safety and fluidity of the route, which handles approximately 18 million tons of cargo annually.