Swala Rail Solutions' vision for rail in the DRC and Zambia
In this episode of Railways Africa Magazine’s “Coffee with the Editor,” filmed at the recent Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event, we sit down with Sifiso Ndhlukula, Managing Director of Swala Logistics. Sifiso discusses the establishment of Swala Rail Solutions, a commercial company registered in the DRC in 2022, with the aim of operating rail services between the DRC and Zambia. The company has procured four locomotives and 120 wagons from South Africa, with two locomotives and 60 wagons already in operation between DRC and Ndola.
Regarding tonnages, each train can carry up to 1,000 tonnes, although operational constraints limit the load to around 750 tonnes per trip, with 3-4 trips per month. Sifiso highlights the importance of track conditions in determining the number of trains that can operate efficiently, considering the presence of multiple private players on the same line.
Sifiso underscores the need for collective collaboration with the network owner, SNCC, to address track maintenance, increased derailments, and speed restrictions. As private operators, they have access to funding sources and can play a vital role in supporting track improvements. However, the specifics of funding contributions and requirements are still being discussed internally. Overall, Sifiso’s insights shed light on the opportunities and challenges facing rail transport in the region, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and investment in infrastructure to unlock its full potential.
Despite the challenges posed by the region’s rail infrastructure, Sifiso remains optimistic about the potential for rail transport and has no regrets about the investment he has made in the rail sector. Looking ahead, Sifiso is currently in discussions with Zambia Railways and the Zambian Ministry of Transport. He intends to invest in additional rolling stock to transport commodities from Ndola to other ports, reflecting Swala Rail Solutions’ commitment to investing in the region and establishing the business as an entity in Zambia.
