News

Press Statement For Immediate Release

Zambia Railways seeks partnerships to enhance service provision

Cape Town – Sunday 09.02.25

Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) says it held very fruitful discussions with potential funders and partners aimed at enhancing the operations of the company at the just-ended Investing in Africa Mining Indaba which was held in Cape Town, South Africa.

Zambia Railways Limited Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi says his team took advantage of the unique opportunity provided by the Indaba to engage with key stakeholders and that the company is looking forward to actualizing these discussions.

Eng. Malindi notes that Zambia Railways Limited’s main challenge has been the state of the line as well as the rolling stock, adding that finding suitable funders and partners is among the company’s top priority to revitalize its operations.

“We came here to obviously participate in the mining Indaba but more importantly for us, was to see how we can partner with the logistics companies and equipment suppliers across the transport and logistics value chain.

“We had very important meetings with the people we think we can partner with for mutual benefit. I am glad to say we have met with potential funders because Zambia Railways Limited needs suitable funding. We also had very good meetings with potential partners in terms of what we need,” Eng. Malindi said.

He says Zambia Railways Limited is among key players in Zambia’s vision to attain 3 million tonnes of copper production annually by the year 2031 because the transport and logistics sector plays a critical role in the movement of goods.

“As Zambia Railways, it was important that we attended this event because as the country is pushing for the targeted 3 million metric tonnes of copper production annually to be met, there has to be collaboration between the mining sector and the logistics and transport sector as this industry remains critical.” he said.

He notes that by forging strategic partnerships, Zambia Railways Limited aims to address the current capacity challenges in terms of locomotives and the track, which will ultimately improve service provision and provide greater value to clients, including the mining sector.

He has since called on more potential financiers to explore partnership opportunities with ZRL in the commercialization of its workshops, real estates, and rolling stock capacity creation.

The Zambia Railways Limited was part of the Indaba which attracted more than 8000 delegates, 1200 investors, 700 mining companies, as well as 94 Government officials drawn from across 100 countries worldwide.

The event showcased Africa’s commitment to attracting investment in its mining sector, where key decision-makers representing the entire African mining value chain have converged to discuss the future of African mining.

Issued by
Tamara Nyirenda
First Secretary Press and Public Relations
Zambia High Commission
South Africa
tamara.nyirenda@grz.gov.zm press@zambiapretoria.net

+227649769931