The Zimbabwe government has indicated that it is currently negotiating with two companies that are considering investing in the revitalisation of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).
State-owned newspaper, The Herald, quoted Zimbabwe Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Jorum Gumbo, as confirming that discussions with investors were “under way”.
A total of US$2 billion is reportedly needed for long-term recapitalisation while about US$460 million is needed to meet short-term needs, which includes replacing wagons, locomotives and signalling equipment.
Zimbabwe’s current rail network consists of 2 700 kilometres of 1 067-gauge track. Minerals and energy products account for a “significant” percentage of the gross tonnage carried by rail, says the NRZ on its website. The commodities include coal and coke products, petrol, diesel, chrome ore, granite and ferro-alloys. Grains, cotton and tobacco could also potentially be carried by rail.
