ZRL,ZAMBIA SUGAR PLC CONFER ON STRENGTHENING LONG-STANDING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP
Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) and Zambia Sugar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a long-standing business relationship that has played a critical role in supporting the country’s economic development.
During a courtesy call meeting held at Zambia Sugar Offices in Mazabuka, ZRL Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi noted that Zambia Sugar has been a valued and all-weather business partner to ZRL.
Eng Malindi stated that the meeting with Zambia Sugar aligns with ZRL’s focus on targeting the local market opportunities to derive mutual benefits. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to addressing the customer’s concerns.
“Currently ZRL is looking at increasing capacity through hire and refurbishment of locomotives and wagons. We are in the process of hiring 10 locomotives as well as refurbishing 6 ZRL owned locomotives. In terms of the track, discussions with the European Union have advanced for the track rehabilitation” disclosed Eng Malindi
And Zambia Sugar Country Managing Director Mr. Oswald Magwenzi said ZRL remains a strategic business partner. “It makes business sense to move sugar by rail. As you may already know, rail is cheaper and safer . Our delivery is premised on commodity abundance ,availability and affordability, and ZRL should play a role in delivering on the three elements on a win -win partnership” said Mr. Magwenzi
Other team members from ZRL were Mr. Godfrey Fumbeshi-Director Commercial. Mr. Jawara Mubanga-Regional Manager (Central), Ms. Sombe Longwani- Ng’onga -Manager Public Relations and Mr. Erick Chileshe-Commercial Representative.
Team members from Zambia Sugar who flanked the Managing Director were Mr. Richard Chiponda-Director Logistics, Ms. Bwalya Sampa-Head Logistics and Mr Hezron Musonda-Director Finance.
The engagement provided an opportunity for both parties to engage openly on key operational matters, including challenges and opportunities in the transportation of sugar in Zambia as well as into regional markets.
This engagement underscores ZRL’s broader turnaround agenda focused on customer-centric service delivery, operational efficiency , and building strong partnerships with industry stakeholders.
