Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) and Zambia Sugar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a long-standing business relationship that has played a critical role in supporting the country’s economic development.
At a courtesy call meeting held at Zambia Sugar’s offices in Mazabuka, ZRL Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi emphasised that Zambia Sugar has been a valued and consistent business partner to ZRL.
Eng. Malindi explained that the engagement with Zambia Sugar aligns with ZRL’s strategy of targeting local market opportunities to ensure mutual benefits, while also addressing customer concerns.
"Currently, ZRL is looking at increasing capacity through the hire and refurbishment of locomotives and wagons. We are in the process of hiring 10 locomotives as well as refurbishing six ZRL-owned locomotives. In terms of the track, discussions with the European Union have advanced for track rehabilitation,” disclosed Eng. Malindi.
Meanwhile, Zambia Sugar Country Managing Director Mr Oswald Magwenzi reaffirmed ZRL’s importance as a strategic business partner. “It makes business sense to move sugar by rail. As you may already know, rail is cheaper and safer. Our delivery is premised on commodity abundance, availability and affordability, and ZRL should play a role in delivering on the three elements in a win-win partnership,” said Mr Magwenzi.
Other ZRL representatives included Mr Godfrey Fumbeshi, Director Commercial; Mr Jawara Mubanga, Regional Manager (Central); Ms Sombe Longwani-Ng’onga, Manager Public Relations; and Mr Erick Chileshe, Commercial Representative.
From Zambia Sugar, the Managing Director was accompanied by Mr Richard Chiponda, Director Logistics; Ms Bwalya Sampa, Head Logistics; and Mr Hezron Musonda, Director Finance.
The meeting created an opportunity for both parties to openly discuss key operational issues, including the challenges and opportunities in transporting sugar both within Zambia and to regional markets.
This engagement highlights ZRL’s wider turnaround agenda, which is centred on customer-focused service delivery, operational efficiency, and building strong partnerships with industry stakeholders.
