Zambia pleased with SARA rail event
The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Frank Tayali, has described the recently concluded Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition 2024 as a significant milestone for the rail sector in the Southern African region.
He highlighted the high-level engagements that took place during the event and the considerable interest shown by key leaders within the railway industry, indicating a strong commitment to the future of rail transport in the area. In his remarks at this important event, Hon. Tayali noted that the conference brought together various railway experts and stakeholders from multiple sectors, allowing attendees to engage in meaningful discussions with industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and other stakeholders from across Africa.
This gathering served as an invaluable opportunity for networking and collaboration, fostering an environment where ideas could be exchanged and partnerships could be formed. He emphasised that railways play a crucial role in promoting regional integration by enhancing connectivity, facilitating trade, and fostering economic and social ties between different regions. The conference served as a vital platform for industry players to connect, collaborate, and share insights, all of which are essential for further strengthening the regional railway network and ensuring its sustainability and efficiency. The event also highlighted the importance of promoting and enhancing rail transport services across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. SARA comprises a diverse range of railway operators, both public and private, along with various rail industry stakeholders, all of whom play a fundamental role in the development and operation of rail transport across the region.
In addition to the discussions led by Hon. Tayali, Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mazuba Monze, noted that the SARA conference provided an excellent platform for knowledge sharing. She pointed out that this approach leverages innovation, collaboration, and strategic decision-making, which are essential for driving sustainable development within the rail sector. Ms. Monze emphasised that SARA is committed to promoting regional growth by facilitating railway development across Southern Africa, demonstrating the strength of international partnerships in enhancing the collective capabilities of all stakeholders involved. Furthermore, Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board Chairperson, Emmanuel Hachipuka, revealed that the company held several productive meetings with key railway stakeholders during the conference.
He highlighted the considerable interest exhibited by various stakeholders in partnering with ZRL to address capacity constraints, which he described as a positive development for the railway sector. The Board Chairperson, along with ZRL Acting Managing Director Mr. Godfrey Fumbeshi, also met with potential suppliers of railway equipment, customers, and financiers who have expressed their readiness to support various elements of the newly developed Strategic Business Plan. This collaborative spirit is crucial as ZRL seeks to enhance its operations and expand its capacity to meet the growing demands of the market. This year’s SARA Conference and Exhibition took place at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, drawing a diverse audience from across the region and further solidifying South Africa's position as a hub for railway development in Southern Africa. The successful conclusion of this event sets a promising tone for future collaborations and initiatives aimed at advancing the railway sector across the region.
