Railways bind Zim’s economic life
IN January this year, Zimbabwe and Mozambique agreed to refurbish and extend the 10km railway line that stretches from Machipanda in Mozambique to Mutare. The development comes after President Mnangagwa last year travelled to Manica in Mozambique to witness the commissioning of the US$200 million Machipanda to Beira railway line by his Mozambican counterpart, President Felipe Nyusi.
During the commissioning ceremony, President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of the rehabilitated 318-kilometre railway line in reducing transport costs of goods to and from Mozambique, and reducing congestion at the now busy Forbes Border Post.
Because of its proximity to the Sea Port of Beira, Forbes Border Post has become one of the busiest ports of entry in the country as it serves almost half of the SADC region. The border post is clearing about 550 trucks every day, hence the need for an efficient railway service to transport cargo.
In January, Zimbabwe’s Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona, and his Mozambican counterpart, Honourable Mateus Magala toured Forbes Border Post and gave a timeline of three months to complete the rehabilitation of the Machipanda to Mutare railway line, and some naysayers dismissed this as the usual talk shows.
However, both governments have shown their commitment to the rehabilitation of the railway line as work is progressing well and expected to be completed next month.
The development is very commendable since time immemorial, the transport system underpins our daily lives by enabling people and goods to flow freely around the country.
All trade and consequently world economy depend on freight transport systems that ferry goods from one place to another, supporting the commercial culture that is the core pipeline to human society.
The railway is an important component in the transport sector as it provides a range of benefits, not only to those using the railway, but also indirectly to other transport users and to the country’s society, economy and environment.
Businesses and consumers across the country are the ultimate end users of rail freight services. They all rely on goods being moved efficiently and cost-effectively around the country. The rail freight industry plays an important role in supporting productivity and increasing the sustainability of the country’s economy.
Although rail often cannot provide direct pointto-point transit and is less flexible than road given the need for a timetabled train path, the rail network can offer greater journey time reliability than road, and the rail industry estimates that one locomotive can transport the equivalent goods of up to 76 lorries, thereby reducing road carnage on our now busy highways.
With Forbes Border Post now serving almost half of the SADC region, the benefits of rail transport for intra-African trade and environmental sustainability are numerous, as rail transport has the potential to play a critical role in facilitating trade between the continent’s countries, while promoting sustainable development and reducing environmental impact.
With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), rail transport can become an important driver of economic growth and regional integration.
By investing in the development and expansion of rail networks, African countries can improve their logistics infrastructure, reduce transportation costs, and encourage cross-border movement of goods. This will foster greater trade cooperation and enable African countries to take full advantage of the AfCFTA and boost intra-African trade.
By choosing rail as their primary mode of transportation, African countries can improve their export capacity, attract foreign investment, and promote economic diversification. Rail can serve as a catalyst for the growth of various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and mining, creating employment opportunities and contributing to poverty reduction.
In addition to its economic benefits, rail transport also contributes to environmental sustainability. Compared to road or air transport, rail is considered a more environmentally friendly mode of transport due to its lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Investments in rail infrastructure promote regional connectivity and integration. By connecting different regions within Africa, rail networks facilitate the movement of goods and people, promoting cultural exchange and cooperation. Improved connectivity promotes cooperation in various sectors such as tourism, education, and technology transfer, leading to improved regional development and stability.
To reap more benefits, African governments must prioritise investment in rail infrastructure, encourage public-private partnerships, and adopt supportive policies.
We believe that when Africa embraces rail as a strategic sector, the way is clear for a more prosperous, better connected and more sustainable future.