The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat has initiated a study to develop a regional railway master plan and a bankable investment strategy. This move aims to strengthen transport infrastructure and enhance economic integration across member states.
The announcement was made during the SADC Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information, and Meteorology, held in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Friday. According to the official SADC Communique, Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Angele Makombo N’tumba, highlighted the significance of the railway initiative in addressing the region’s transport imbalances.
N’tumba noted that the current transport system in Southern Africa is heavily reliant on road networks, which creates logistical challenges and inefficiencies. By developing a regional railway strategy, SADC seeks to improve connectivity and trade efficiency, particularly for landlocked nations that depend on reliable transit routes.
In addition to railway expansion, N’tumba revealed that a separate study is being conducted on maritime shipping. This initiative will focus on enhancing regional and global connectivity for SADC’s oceanic member states, ensuring that both coastal and landlocked nations benefit from improved transport networks.
“This is an effort to facilitate the integration of the economies of landlocked member states, coastal, and oceanic island states,” she stated.
The development of a regional railway master plan aligns with SADC’s broader vision of sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development. If successfully implemented, the strategy could attract investment, boost trade, and create more seamless transport networks across Southern Africa.
