Zambia Railways news on the Chipata-Mchinji Railway

Emmanuel Hachipuka, the Chairperson of Zambia Railways Limited, has expressed a strong belief in the potential for a public-private partnership (PPP) to be established within the coming year. This partnership is intended to be a key component of the Chipata-Mchinji project. In addition to the railway project, the PPP will also encompass the construction of a dry port. This port is expected to act as a central hub for the transportation of cargo via both rail and road, further enhancing the project's scope and impact, as explained by Hachipuka.

The Chipata-Mchinji railway network is a critical infrastructure that connects Zambia with its neighboring countries, Malawi and Mozambique. Hachipuka has outlined plans for the PPP to extend the rail line to Serenje, a town located in central Zambia. This extension is intended to create a link with the Tazara Railway, a significant railway network that connects Zambia with Tanzania.

Hachipuka, who has previously held the position of Managing Director at Zambia Railways, emphasized that the Chipata-Mchinji project was a top priority during his tenure as MD. His commitment to the project has remained unwavering, even after his appointment as the board chairperson in September of the previous year.

Since taking up his new role, Hachipuka has made a point to visit the project site in Chipata, located in eastern Zambia, to personally assess the project's progress. Following this visit, he reported that the board of directors agreed to implement several changes to the project's management to ensure its successful completion.

Hachipuka also revealed that Zambia Railways is planning to commence operations as soon as the rehabilitation work on the Malawian side is finished. He confirmed that this work is already in its final stages.

In addition to these developments, Hachipuka disclosed that several meetings were conducted with potential partners for the Chipata-Mchinji project at the recent Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition held in South Africa. These discussions were spearheaded by the Zambian Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali.

In October 2023, a significant event took place when the presidents of Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique attended the inauguration of the upgraded and expanded Port of Nacala. During this ceremony, held in Mozambique, the leaders signed the Nacala Corridor Development Agreements.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, during this event, emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing the missing railway links along the Nacala corridor. He stressed that this would provide a comprehensive suite of transport options, thereby enhancing regional connectivity.

The Nacala Corridor, spanning 1,150 kilometres from Chipata to the Port of Nacala, includes a crucial 24-kilometre stretch from Chipata to Mchinji within Zambia. The resumption of operations on this corridor is of paramount importance for Zambia's trade dynamics, as it provides a strategic gateway for exports and imports through the Port of Nacala.