Transnet gets $1bn loan from African Development Bank

The African Development Bank Group has approved a ZAR 18.85 billion ($1 billion) corporate loan to Transnet, South Africa’s major freight transport and logistics company, for its recovery and growth plans.

The 25-year loan approved by the Bank Group’s Board of Directors on July 12, 2024, is fully guaranteed by the government of South Africa, says an official release from the bank.

"It will facilitate the first phase of the company’s ZAR 152.8 billion ($8.1 billion) five-year capital investment plan to improve its existing capacity ahead of expansion for the priority segments throughout the transport value chain."

Transnet has faced operational challenges, mainly in the critical rail and port businesses resulting from underinvestment in infrastructure and equipment, theft and vandalism, and external shocks such as floods and the effects of the Covid pandemic, the release added.

"The recovery plan, launched in October 2023, seeks to rehabilitate the infrastructure and accelerate the relaunch of operations over 18 months, focusing on restoring operational performance and freight volumes to meet customer demands."

Solomon Quaynor, Vice President, Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation, African Development Bank says: "Transnet, the custodian of South Africa's critical transport and logistics infrastructure, plays an indispensable role in the economy of the country, ensuring a competitive freight system and serving as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

"Our partnership will enable Transnet to execute a comprehensive recovery plan, addressing operational inefficiencies, particularly in rail and port sectors. It is aligned with South Africa's strategic Roadmap for Freight Logistics System, and overseen by the National Logistics Crisis Committee, chaired at the Presidency level. This initiative signifies our commitment to enhancing national logistics capabilities and driving sustainable economic growth."

Michelle Phillips, Group Chief Executive, Transnet adds: “We appreciate the support demonstrated by the African Development Bank. The loan extended by the bank will make a significant contribution to Transnet’s capital investment plan to stabilise and improve the rail network and to contribute to the broader South African economy. The accompanying grant funding to the loan will also greatly assist Transnet with its energy efficiency efforts and with Infrastructure Project Preparation initiatives.”

In addition to the corporate loan, the African Development Bank is also considering two targeted grants, including $750,000 in technical support from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) – a multi-donor fund administered by the Bank – to improve energy efficiency and associated measures, in line with Transnet’s net zero plan. The second grant funding includes $1 million from the Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (IPPF-NEPAD), for technical assistance to help accelerate railway reforms and address structural and regulatory inefficiencies, the release added.

Transnet employs more than 50,000 people and plays a critical role in integrating and connecting South Africa with the global economy. The company’s freight system’s activities contribute significantly to South Africa’s economy. Its operations serve as key gateways for trade within South Africa and with landlocked countries in the region such as Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Port of Durban.