Core focus areas for railway reform in Zambia
Zambia is prioritizing rail reform because relying solely on roads to transport three million metric tons of copper is unsustainable.
Revitalizing the railway system will provide the necessary heavy-haul capacity, reduce logistics costs, and ensure reliable access across multiple corridors to meet the 2031 copper export goal.
Road capacity is strained, with heavy bulk cargo damaging highways and causing border delays, making trucks inadequate for the anticipated tripling in output. The existing rail system faces issues such as outdated trains, damaged tracks, and slow speeds, hindering high-volume mining expansion. A well-developed rail network will connect Zambia efficiently to six major trade routes. Key reforms include upgrading rolling stock, rehabilitating tracks for safe and fast transit, and improving operational efficiency through strategic public-private partnerships.
