BBR’s Rail Initiatives In Zimbabwe And Beyond

Railways Africa

In this edition of Railways Africa Magazine’s "Coffee with the Editor," filmed at the recent Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event, we speak with Raymond Shoniwa, the General Manager of Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (BBR).
Raymond discusses some of the major breakthroughs, including the recent acquisition of three new locomotives and 150 wagons, which are being used for the recently concluded open access agreement with the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). With fluctuations in lithium prices, BBR’s scope has broadened and the company is now transporting a diverse range of commodities including chrome, copper and clinker, however, the focus is on supporting mining activities in Zimbabwe.
Raymond points out that given the ongoing drought, it is unlikely that the Zimbabwean government will allocate funds for new infrastructure projects, with most resources redirected towards drought relief. The participation of the private sector brings in the rolling stock that operators like NRZ need to continue their operations effectively.
Regarding the current Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway concession, Raymond feels encouraged about their operational successes and the prospects for extending their impact beyond 2029. He also highlights the potential for increased trade between the DRC and Zambia, emphasizing the significant role that rail could play in supporting the booming copper industry in these regions. This is a major opportunity for rail to expand its capacity and meet the rising demands of mineral transportation.
We also discuss open access fee structures, and finding the balance between the state of the railway infrastructure.
Raymond’s insights reveal a clear vision for BBR’s future, and indeed the region's railways, focusing on leveraging private sector partnerships and broadening their operational scope to seize new opportunities in a challenging economic landscape.
#BBRRailway #SouthernAfrica #Transport #railway #mining #miningsector #ZimbabweRailways #DRCZambiaTrade #RailwayExpansion #Logistics #africa #sadc #CopperTransport #PrivateSectorPartnership
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RAILWAYS AFRICA MAGAZINE
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