Railways Africa Magazine's "Coffee with the Editor" filmed at the recent Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event, features Johan Laubscher, CEO of Afri-Track Group Holdings & Afri-Track Railway Construction.
Johan elaborates on Afri-Track's strategic expansion plans, noting their ventures in South Africa, Botswana, and their home base in Namibia. According to Johan, the next stop is Zambia, as they now prepare to open a local office.
Afri-Track has diversified its service offering over the last few years, transitioning from solely focusing on railway construction to encompassing infrastructure development, particularly in the pit-to-port sector. The company's three main business units now include railway construction, expansion into civil structural projects, focusing on port infrastructure necessary for effective rail operations. While serving as a supporting function, this division has evolved into a self-sufficient and sustainable entity in its own right. Additionally, Afri-Track has ventured into the renewable energy sector, establishing Zero Carb Namibia. This entity looks at industrial facilities for railways and other entities, facilitating their transition off the grid.
Reflecting on the rail sector in Namibia, Johan acknowledges the prevailing optimism but underscores the necessity to improve confidence, especially among private clients and the mining sector. He highlights ongoing projects in Namibia and emphasizes the substantial funding and investment in rail infrastructure. Notably, he mentions that their company is part of a consortium that has been shortlisted for the next bidding stage of the Trans-Kalahari project.
Regionally, Johan observes promising developments, including South Africa's open-access, projects in Zambia and the Lobito Corridor. These initiatives signal positive shifts for the future of Africa’s rail industry.
