In this insightful conversation, filmed at the Land-Linked Zambia Conference & Exhibition – Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Engineer Geoffrey F. Magwede, Director of Railway Services from Malawi’s Ministry of Transport and Public Works – to unpack the quiet but significant strides Malawi is making in rail development.
From a high-performing rail concession signed in 1999, now extended to 2046, to the near-completion of the 399km line to Mchinji and Chipata, Malawi is strategically positioning itself as a regional logistics player. The conversation also covers:
- Beira to Nsanje (formerly Port Herald) line revival
- Ongoing freight movement, including fuel and molasses
- Axle load upgrades (15T to 18T)
- The long-awaited 24km link to Zambia on the cards
- Feasibility studies for a northern link with the TAZARA line via Mbeya, Nakonde, or Tunduma
- Hints of standard gauge rail development on the horizon
Malawi is “on the right track” – and serious about strengthening its logistics backbone to support mining and cross-border trade.