Indian transport and infrastructure company, RITES, is seeking more transport infrastructure opportunities in several African countries, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mauritius, Lesotho, Mozambique, Kenya, and Rwanda.
The company stated, in response to questions, that it plans to align its infrastructure projects with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims to enhance connectivity and promote sustainable development across the continent.
Agenda 2063 seeks to connect African capitals and commercial centres through a High-Speed Train Network, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people, as well as reducing transport costs and alleviating congestion in current and future systems through increased rail connectivity.
RITES has already been involved in various infrastructure projects in Africa, particularly in sectors such as railways, airports, and highways. It has supplied rolling stock to countries including Angola, Benin, Mali, Senegal, Sudan, and Tanzania.
Recently, the company exported Cape Gauge locomotives, DEMU trainsets, and passenger coaches to Mozambique. RITES supplied 21 coaches to Mozambique, fulfilling its commitment to deliver 100 coaches, including 5 DEMU trainsets, to the southern African country.
In February this year, the African Development Bank announced a loan of US$40 million to the state-owned enterprise, Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique EP (CFM), the Mozambique rail and port authority, to support its strategic plan for 2021-2024. The bank also plans to mobilise an additional US$30 million for the project from other potential lenders. Mozambique serves as a logistics gateway for landlocked countries in the region, such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Eswatini.
RITES further aims to pursue similar projects in other African countries that operate on metre, Cape, standard, and broad gauges.
In Mauritius, RITES was appointed as a consultant for the Metro Express Project, a light rail transit system designed to alleviate traffic congestion on the island. This includes the installation of electric traction systems, advanced signalling, and passenger information systems.
Rites Africa, a Botswana subsidiary of RITES, has already completed six airport and six road projects in the country.
Written for Railways Africa Magazine by Chamwe Kaira
