Rail infrastructure upgrades remain a core focus of the ongoing industrialisation of Africa, where the transportation of goods and commodities is often difficult and costly, due to underinvestment in rail infrastructure. China’s October 2015 announcement to pledge US$50-billion towards the industrialisation and development of African infrastructure – together with Transnet’s R300-billion seven-year Market Development Strategy – is a clear indication of the tangible commitment to this lucrative sector. The MDS is part of Transnet’s ambition to accommodate the fifth-largest railway system in the world by 2019. According to Statistics South Africa, over 734 million tons of freight was moved in South Africa in 2013. It is estimated that over 70% of this freight was moved by road, despite the fact that railways make up a substantial portion of Africa’s transport infrastructure – further highlighting the need for rail upgrades.
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