In this exclusive Railways Africa Magazine interview, Editor Phillippa Dean visits Eswatini Railways to speak with Chief Executive Officer Nixon Dlamini on site at the Matsapha Dry Port and railway station.

As Eswatini prepares to host its upcoming Investment Conference, Dlamini outlines the railway’s strategic expansion plans, including the phased development of the dry port, enhanced intermodal capacity, and the introduction of new chilled cargo facilities to support export growth.

The conversation covers:

• Expansion of manufacturing and agricultural logistics
• The role of Kellogg’s, sugar exports, and timber in freight volumes
• Rolling stock requirements, including planned locomotive and wagon acquisitions
• The potential revival of the Kadake–Matsapha railway line
• Public-private partnership and foreign investment opportunities
• Tourism rail development and transboundary passenger services
• The Eswatini Rail Link project with South Africa and integration efforts with Botswana and Mozambique

With a focus on economic diversification, trade facilitation, and regional logistics, Eswatini Railways is positioning itself as a key partner in delivering sustainable rail transport solutions for Eswatini and beyond.