Highlighting Transnet’s Cross-Border Rail Projects, LeaseCo & African Market Strategy

In this insightful episode of Coffee with the Editor, Railways Africa Magazine editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Wilson Mogoba, General Manager for Business Development at Transnet SOC Ltd, during Transnet Engineering’s Industry Day. The discussion covers Transnet’s growing regional footprint, strategic infrastructure partnerships, and the transformative role of the soon-to-be-operational LeaseCo.

Wilson shares updates on:

• The proposed 120km Mmamabula–Lephalale cross-border railway, a key export route for Botswana’s mining sector to Richards Bay and Maputo.
• Eswatini’s role in strengthening regional corridor connectivity.
• Financial commitment from regional stakeholders and lenders, including Botswana Railways’ appointment of a transaction advisor.
• Integration of the North-South Corridor and how Transnet’s rolling stock leasing initiative directly supports Zambia’s statutory rail freight targets.
• The LeaseCo initiative, designed to unlock private sector access to over 21,000 wagons and 600 locomotives.
• Opportunities for strategic partnerships with the South African manufacturing and refurbishment ecosystem to support demand across southern Africa.
• Transnet Engineering’s evolving role and its capacity to deliver overhaul, refurbishment, and technical support through local and regional partnerships.
• The growing trend of mining companies evolving into train operators and the emergence of “rolling stock as a service” as a new business model for the continent.

Wilson also elaborates on how rolling stock availability, not ownership, will become the future standard, minimising capital burden on operators and reshaping how African rail systems are financed and maintained.

This conversation offers a view into how Transnet is repositioning itself as a key enabler of pan-African rail integration and logistics modernisation.

 Watch now for insights into rail infrastructure planning, lease models, and regional trade corridors transforming Africa.