ZRL PARTIClPATES IN THE GLOBAL RAIL, TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE
ZRL PARTIClPATES IN THE GLOBAL RAIL, TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE
Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) participated in the Global Rail-Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference under the auspices of Etihad at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The prestigious event attracted key players in the global railway and transport industry, including investors looking at Africa, and Zambia in particular, as the next frontier for infrastructure investments.
Representing ZRL at the Conference was the Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi who was also a panel discussant on a topic “Cross Border Rail: How can international partnerships drive economic, modal and social transformation?”
In his submissions, Eng. Malindi emphasized the strategic partnerships among African countries aimed at enhancing rail transport and logistics through connectivity to the Ports.
Eng. Malindi was quick to state that Zambia aims to be a transport hub in the region owing to its strategic geographical location and its access to key regional trade corridors, which land – links the country to neighbouring countries.
“You may wish to know that some time back Zambia was referred to as a land locked country due to its central location and no direct sea access, however this narrative has changed ,and the country is now referred to as land-linked to leverage its central location for regional and international economic benefits” highlighted Eng. Malindi.
The Managing Director further stated how Zambia links to the Ports in South Africa on the North South Corridor, and the linkage through Nacala Corridor to the Port of Beira as well as the Dar Corridor through Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).
Eng. Malindi explained that the Lobito corridor is one of the major Greenfield projects that will link Zambia to Angola, while another Greenfield project linking Zambia to Botswana was underway with advanced engagements to revamp ZRL’s 24 kilometre stretch connecting the country to Malawi and the port of Nacala in Mozambique.
“One of the biggest challenges for African countries is lack of access to the ports, owing to the geographical location. I wish to state that there are quite a number of projects in the Southern African region aimed at enhancing regional connectivity “said Eng. Malindi.
Highlighting the status of ZRL, Eng. Malindi disclosed that the Zambian Government was in active engagements with the European Union (EU) to rehabilitate the track through a grant.
Eng. Malindi stated that partnerships with the private sector are key in funding railway projects, as governments have limited resources to fund such capital-intensive projects.
He cited the Lobito corridor between the USA and the EU and other partners as a good example of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Eng. Malindi said the revitalisation of TAZARA signals strategic partnerships.
Others on the panel were Mohd Zarif Hashim, Chief Executive Officer- Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT), Zahi Khalil, Director General and Deputy Chairman – Jordan Hijaz Railway, Martin Ausserdorfer, Member of the Board, Brenner Base Tunnel, Chief Executive Officer at Railtraction Company (Italy) and Nasser AlQahtani, Interoperability Director, GCC Railways Authority.
The Conference was held from 30th September to 2nd October 2025.
