At the recent Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference, Chikondi Nsusa, Senior Programme Officer – Transport, Directorate of Infrastructure, SADC Secretariat, highlighted the critical role of establishing functional rail systems to promote economic growth in the region. Reflecting on her childhood memories of watching trains pass by on predictable schedules, she painted a nostalgic picture of an efficient and systematic rail network. However, this efficiency is no longer the case. Today’s narrative is one of broken networks, reduced demand, understaffing, financial losses, capital shortages, and disintegrated connectivity between countries.
The pressing question, as Nsusa highlighted, is not just about identifying the challenges but rather focusing on the actions that need to be taken and determining who should be responsible. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) have a crucial partnership in this endeavour. SADC implements the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications, and Meteorology, which aims to promote economic growth and social development in the region. Member states have committed to strategic goals and policies for an integrated network of transport, communications, and meteorology, underpinned by regulatory mechanisms. SARA, coordinates the regional railway sub-sector programmes on SADC’s behalf, ensuring that rail becomes a cost-efficient mode of transport while upholding good governance and sustainable business practices.
To address the challenges, the protocol outlines specific strategies, including the establishment of committees, subcommittees, and procedures, along with mechanisms to address non-compliance with regulations. For the rail sector, SADC envisions a seamless, efficient, predictable, cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly railway system that responds to market needs and connects major population centres and economic hubs. SARA’s role is to coordinate the Regional Railway Network and oversee related projects, with a vision of a revitalised railway system that enhances competitive trade, service delivery, good governance, and sustainable business operations.
Nsusa noted that the challenges are significant and overwhelming, with much needing to be addressed. As a first step, she believes it is essential to assess where the rail sector currently stands, understand what resources are available, and define strategies that will guide future actions. When considering rehabilitation and maintenance, she questioned how efforts can adhere to international standards, both in terms of safety and technical aspects. Additionally, when thinking about modernisation, it’s important to focus on developing functional systems that work not just within individual countries, but across the entire region and continent. This involves intermodal facilities and evaluating whether current policies or new policies are needed to address these requirements. Financial constraints remain a significant issue, prompting the question of how to attract private sector involvement and what needs to be established to ensure the private sector is willing and able to participate in this revitalisation effort.
As an initial step, both SARA and SADC are working to develop a detailed railway infrastructure master plan with bankable projects, funded by the African Development Bank. This master plan aims to address the challenges faced by the rail sector. As progress is made, it is crucial to review what has already been accomplished and consider other initiatives currently underway in the region, particularly those led by the African Union and other agencies.
Nsusa notes that SADC has also developed a short-term action plan under the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan, prioritising projects that will enhance regional integration across all modes of transport. For these efforts to succeed, critical factors include the commitment of member states and the consideration of existing frameworks and political contexts, which outline the expectations of various agencies and governments. Ensuring that all agreements are upheld by the countries and member states involved is also essential.
Looking ahead, Nsusa highlights several key questions that need to be addressed: Can member states develop complementary strategies aimed at attracting private sector involvement? What technologies and investments are necessary to achieve lower maintenance costs? Additionally, is it feasible to support the establishment of more manufacturing hubs within the region to locally source most of the rail equipment and components?
Exploring resource sharing within the region, standardising inspections, and prioritising research and investments in technology are also critical considerations. In an era of rapid technological advancement, staying aligned with current trends is vital. Regional collaboration and harmonised data collection will be crucial, as these will provide service predictability and build confidence among customers and the business community.
Clearly defining goals for the rail sector is imperative. Like other, more efficient modes of transport, rail must rise to the challenge of commercialisation. This has been a recurring theme, but achieving a commercial mindset requires identifying effective ways for the private sector to be significantly involved in both infrastructure and operational systems. Initiatives must extend beyond merely responding to existing demand; they should aim for profitability and strive to create a rail network that is attractive for both business and livelihoods. With these measures, a robust system can be established that boosts trade within the region and effectively contributes to the economies of Southern Africa.
