ZRL UNDERTAKES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP MEETINGS FOR OPERATIONALIZATION OF CHIPATA-MCHINJI RAILWAY LINE
LUSAKA, Zambia 8th May ,2025 – In a significant step towards enhancing transportation and logistics in the region, Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) has commenced meetings with Nacala Logistics, aimed at operationalizing the Chipata-Mchinji railway line, targeting the Nacala port in Mozambique. The Nacala corridor offers a viable alternative to the North South corridor for bulk cargo passing through Zambia.
The high-level engagement with Nacala Logistics which took place from 28th to 30th April 2025 is a strategic move targeted at boosting Zambia’s regional trade links and support the nation’s vision of becoming a land-linked hub in Southern Africa.
A ZRL team led by the Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi in the company of Director Technical Services Eng. Kennedy Zitha, Manager Business Development Ms. Agness Chaila and Manager Corporate Planning Ms. Loveness Zimba undertook a site visit in Chipata and Nacala Port in Mozambique.
The visit was aimed at exploring strategic partnerships for the operationalization of the Chipata-Mchinji railway line, the development of Chipata railway station infrastructure as well as corridor diversification.
ZRL Managing Director, Eng. Cuthbert Malindi emphasized the importance of operationalizing the Chipata -Mchinji railway line on the Nacala Corridor as an important import and export trade channel for Zambia, Malawi ,Mozambique and the sub- region as a whole.
While in Mozambique, the team visited the general cargo Nacala Port and the Coal Port, where sideline meetings were held with Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM) a state -owned company that oversees the railway system and ports in Mozambique.
Meanwhile Nacala Logistics and CFM’s expectations border on enhanced movement of minerals as well as agricultural inputs and general corridor development following investments done at the port by CFM and track rehabilitation by Nacala Logistics.
Further,the expected outcome from this engagement is the development of the greenfield Chipata to Serenje railway project to link the Nacala port to the Copperbelt region of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The two parties echoed that the interventions are aimed at improving regional trade and driving economical growth in the respective countries.
As discussions continue, Nacala Logistics and Zambia Railways Limited aim to operationalize the Chipata-Mchinji-Nacala railway line within three months.
ZRL’s potential partnership with Nacala Logistics is yet another demonstration of how private sector can successfully collaborate with state owned railway companies, in the area of rolling stock, railway infrastructure and dry port development.
The operationalization of Chipata – Mchinji line project will not only enhance connectivity but also foster skills transfer and build long-term capacity within ZRL.
The Chipata-Mchinji railway line serves as a critical gateway to the Nacala Corridor (covering Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique), offering direct rail access to the Port of Nacala in Mozambique—one of the deepest natural ports along Africa’s eastern seaboard recording significant efficiency.
The Nacala Corridor presents several key advantages for Zambia such as shorter transit time to the Indian Ocean compared to other ports; improved efficiency and capacity at Nacala Port for bulk and containerized cargo and enhanced regional integration with Malawi and Mozambique as Nacala is able to handle bigger vessels because of its depth.
Nacala Logistics is a private railway and port operator responsible for the management of the Nacala-à-Velha Multi-User Port Terminal and for rail transport along the 1,700 km of shared railway line, intended for the transport of coal, general cargo and passengers – from Nacala to Moatize, passing through Malawi.
The Nacala Corridor by rail stretches 1,150km from Chipata to the Port of Nacala through Mchinji the border town in Malawi. The Zambian portion is 24km from Chipata to Mchinji.
EDITOR’S NOTE
ZRL commenced Chipata -Mchinji train operations on 9th May,2014 . In 2016 , the railway line between Mchinji and Blantyre was characterized by wash aways due to heavy rains which led to the closure of the railway line.
Original Copy signed
Issued by:
Sombe Longwani – Ng’onga
Manager Public Relations
Zambia Railways Limited
Email: sombe.longwani@zrl.com.zm
