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ZRL SIGNS $20 MILLION DEAL TO REFURBISH SIX GT 3600HP LOCOMOTIVES IN MAJOR BOOST

Lusaka, Zambia – 2nd March, 2026 – Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) has signed a $20 million strategic agreement with Worldwide Rail and Mining Solutions (WWRMS) for the rehabilitation, rebuild and upgrade of ZRL owned six (6) GT 3600HP mainline locomotives, marking a significant milestone in the company’s fleet revitalization programme.

Following thorough procurement processes, due diligence, and approvals by relevant authorities, the $20 million vendor-financed agreement, marks a strategic shift toward asset recovery and fleet modernization.

The agreement will see the complete overhaul and modernization of the six high-horsepower locomotives which will restore optimal performance, improve fuel efficiency, enhance reliability and extend their operational lifespan.

The project to be carried out at Zambia Railways Main Workshop in Kabwe, addresses persistent locomotive availability challenges and reduces ZRL’s reliance on hired locomotives amid rising local and regional freight demand.

The locomotive rehabilitation programme will be implemented in phases in 2026. The first two locomotives are expected to be deployed between May and June 2026, followed by another two locomotives in August 2026, and the final two locomotives between November and December 2026, progressively strengthening ZRL’s operational locomotive fleet.

The project is being implemented under a vendor-financed deferred payment structure, allowing the rehabilitation works to proceed without full upfront capital payment by ZRL. The repayment toward the $20 million investment will be made over time using the revenues generated from the rehabilitated locomotives’ operations.

Beyond restoring locomotives, the partnership will also support technical skills development within Zambia Railways Limited. A number of ZRL engineers and technicians will participate in the rehabilitation programme as part of a structured knowledge and skills transfer initiative designed to strengthen internal maintenance capacity and sustainability of operations.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on 27th February, 2026, ZRL Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi described the agreement as a major boost to the locomotive fleet and underscores ZRL’s commitment to providing efficient, reliable and competitive rail transport services.

The partnership is in line with ZRL’s three key priority areas; rolling stock reliability and adequacy, track rehabilitation and operations efficiency.

“This partnership represents a major step in rebuilding Zambia Railways’ operational capacity. By rehabilitating our own locomotives, we are not only restoring critical national assets but also improving reliability, increasing freight volumes and reducing reliance on hired locomotives,” the Managing Director said.

Eng. Malindi said once completed, the refurbished locomotives will significantly increase the railway company’s haulage capacity, supporting key sectors of the economy including mining, agriculture, energy, manufacturing and cross-border trade.

“ZRL has identified 15 employees for attachment to the project to facilitate knowledge transfer and build internal technical expertise. The ZRL Workshop will undergo upgrades to support rehabilitation works” said the Managing Director.

Meanwhile, Worldwide Rail and Mining Solutions Managing Director Jason Visagie said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to restoring critical rail assets and ensuring that Zambia’s railway system continues to play a central role in regional logistics and economic development.

“The rehabilitation process will involve a comprehensive rebuild and upgrade of the locomotives to ensure they meet modern operational requirements. Our goal is to deliver high-quality engineering solutions that will extend the service life of these locomotives while enhancing their operational efficiency,” the WWRMS Managing Director said.

He noted that the refurbishment project will restore the GT 3600HP locomotives to optimal operational standards, significantly improving reliability, performance and efficiency.

“A key component of this project is the transfer of technical expertise to ZRL engineers and technicians. By working closely with the ZRL team throughout the rehabilitation process, we aim to strengthen local capacity” said Mr. Visagie.

ZRL’s partnership with Worldwide Rail and Mining Solutions is yet another demonstration of how private sector can successfully collaborate with state-owned railway companies, in the area of rolling stock.

EDITOR’S NOTE:
Over the past few years, Zambia Railways Limited has been experiencing locomotive availability challenge, leading to reliance on hired locomotives and exposure to operational risks amidst increased regional demand for locomotives. To address this challenge, ZRL resolved to refurbish six (6) of its locomotives.

This project will enable ZRL improve locomotive availability and reliability, increase monthly haulage capacity, targeting at least 43,300 tons per month per locomotive, enhance revenue generation and operational efficiency, improve customer service and support tonnage growth as well as build internal technical capacity through knowledge transfer to ZRL employees.

Issued by:
Sombe Longwani – Ng’onga (Ms.)
MANAGER PUBLIC RELATIONS
Email: info@zrl.com.zm