In a recent Coffee with the Editor interview, Martin Vaujour, newly appointed President of Alstom’s AMECA region (Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia) and member of Alstom’s Executive Committee, provided a high-level overview of the company’s extensive rail activities across Africa. From Morocco’s high-speed trains, Egypt’s monorail, and the Abidjan Metro in Côte d’Ivoire, to South Africa’s Gibela commuter train programme and the locally built Traxx™ 23E locomotives for Transnet Freight Rail, Alstom’s projects span the continent. The Gibela project, in particular, is regarded by the company as a global flagship.
Alstom’s Structure in South Africa
Alstom’s South African operations are built on four specialised business units that collectively enable the movement of both freight and passengers.
Alstom Ubunye – Nigel, Gauteng
A site steeped in history, formerly known as Union Carriage and Wagon, Alstom Ubunye is now a modern manufacturing hub for electrical and mechanical train components. It produces bogies, underframes, traction converters, looming products, passenger information systems and high-voltage boxes that form the backbone of South Africa’s rail systems.
Gibela Rail – Dunnottar, Gauteng
A joint venture between Alstom and Ubumbano Rail, Gibela is responsible for delivering 600 commuter trains for PRASA. The Dunnottar facility is Africa’s largest and most advanced train manufacturing plant, producing up to six trainsets a month, among the highest production rates globally.
Alstom Rolling Stock South Africa (ARSSA) – Boksburg, Nigel & Durban
ARSSA produces 240 electric locomotives for Transnet Freight Rail. Car body shells are manufactured in Boksburg, propulsion systems in Nigel, and final assembly, testing, and commissioning in Durban in partnership with Transnet Engineering.
Bombela Maintenance – Midrand, Gauteng
Dedicated to maintaining the Gautrain Electrostar fleet, Bombela provides preventive and corrective maintenance along with system services such as signalling, traction substations, and fare collection, ensuring Gauteng’s rapid rail system remains reliable.
Gibela: A Global Benchmark
Vaujour describes Gibela as “probably the most modern” Alstom factory in the world. With economies of scale from a 600-train order, the facility has integrated automation to meet high local content requirements while achieving an output of nearly 63 trains in a year. The project, now at the halfway mark with 300 trains manufactured, has developed a robust supply chain for both manufacturing and long-term maintenance.
Beyond meeting South Africa’s commuter needs, Gibela’s success demonstrates the potential for similar projects across Southern Africa. Vaujour also highlights opportunities for hybrid traction solutions to serve customers on non-electrified lines.
South African-Built Locomotives for Transnet
Another significant project is the Traxx™ 23E locomotives for Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), delivered under the Alstom Rolling Stock South Africa (ARSSA) entity, established in 2014.
The Traxx™ 23E is designed to meet South Africa’s established operational practices and construction gauge. It is characterised by AC 25 kV/50 Hz and DC 3 kV dual voltage capability, Co’Co’ bogies, a 22-tonne axle load, and 3.8 MW traction power. The underframe is built to handle extra-long and heavy trains in multiple unit operation. The locomotives are also equipped with derailment protection and are designed for speeds of up to 100 km/h.
The contract includes the design, manufacture, and supply of 240 dual-voltage electric locomotives, along with tools, spares, manuals, test equipment, and technology transfer.
Manufacturing is undertaken across multiple sites: car body shells are produced in Boksburg, propulsion systems are manufactured in Nigel, and final assembly, testing, and commissioning are completed in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, at Transnet Engineering’s facility.
ARSSA operations are supported through an extensive South African supply chain, managing over 100 direct vendors and more than 120 additional suppliers that provide components and services for the locomotives’ build and ongoing operational requirements. The fleet’s performance has exceeded contractual targets, achieving an average availability of 98% and reliability of less than two faults per million kilometres, with the fleet having accumulated over 40 million kilometres in service.
From advanced commuter trains and high-performance freight locomotives to pioneering metro, high-speed trains and monorail systems, Alstom’s projects across Africa highlight its ability to deliver complex, high-quality rail solutions tailored to local needs. By combining global expertise with strong local partnerships, the company continues to strengthen the continent’s rail infrastructure, create skilled employment, and build the capacity needed for future growth.
As Alstom looks ahead, its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and regional development positions it as a driving force in shaping the future of rail transport in Africa.
