Published: 2 hours ago

Zimbabwe will soon allow private companies to operate trains on State-owned railway lines under a new open access framework aimed at liberalising the rail sector and improving efficiency.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco announced the development at the recent Southern African Railways Association Conference, noting that the Government would continue to manage the rail tracks and core infrastructure while private players provide services.

"On the national rail policy interventions by Zimbabwe, we are establishing a robust regulatory environment that separates infrastructure management from operations, ensuring fair access to the rail network while policy reforms are under consideration to gradually allow third-party operators on key corridors, creating competition and efficiency," Sacco said.

An independent regulator will be established to enforce safety standards, set access fees, monitor compliance and arbitrate disputes between operators and the State-owned infrastructure manager. The framework will ensure that all operators, both State and private, are treated fairly when using the network.

The model, widely used in Europe and other parts of the world, enables multiple operators — including mining firms, logistics companies and international players — to run freight or passenger trains on the same tracks, paying fees to the infrastructure owner. Authorities say the system is expected to increase usage of the railways, improve services and attract new investment.

Sacco also underscored the importance of regional cooperation, calling for harmonised policies across Southern Africa, standardisation of axle loads and streamlined border processes to cut delays and lower trade costs. He said Zimbabwe's central position along the North-South Corridor linking South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo demanded proactive measures to remove infrastructure bottlenecks.

The reforms are being anchored by several large-scale projects, including the proposed US$6,5 billion Chongoene Port-Namibia Corridor, a 1 700-kilometre east-west railway linking Mozambique's deep-water port to Namibia through Botswana. The African Development Bank is expected to begin feasibility studies for the project soon.

Other priority projects include the Lion's Den-Kafue rail link to Zambia, supported by European Union-funded studies, and the upgrade of the Beira-Harare line in collaboration with Mozambique's rail company, CFM. Zimbabwe is also modernising domestic rail infrastructure and border posts to enhance trade flows.

Deputy Minister Sacco described these initiatives as "game-changers" that would integrate Zimbabwe more deeply into regional trade networks, connecting the country and its neighbours to key ports in Durban, Beira and Walvis Bay.

"Zimbabwe's commitment to regional cooperation in advancing transport integration, in line with SADC's Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan, cannot be overemphasised," he said.
- Sunday Mail

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