TransNamib upgrade underway
TransNamib is preparing a locomotive modernisation programme to build a stronger, more sustainable railway. According to the national rail utility, the programme will support its mission to provide safe and reliable rail services and its vision to become a world-class, customer-focused rail operator.
Central to the plan is the remanufacturing of an initial 20 locomotives from the fleet.
According to TransNamib, this cost-effective approach will extend the lifespan of existing assets while improving reliability, incorporating new technologies, and improving overall performance.
Final decisions regarding scope, specifications, and sequencing will, however, be guided by an independent technical report still underway during February. The report will assist the company in prioritising investments, determining the optimal mix between new acquisitions and remanufacturing, and ensuring that all projects align with operational requirements and funding frameworks, the state-owned enterprise said.
Chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld said the approach reflects responsible planning and strong governance. “With regards to the remanufacturing, you virtually end up with a locomotive with an extended lifespan of 15 to 20 years, but at a 60% of the cost of a new locomotive,” he said. “The independent assessment will guide us on how best to prioritise and implement the programme in a way that delivers maximum value for the company and the country.”
According to Van Jaarsveld, “Whilst the remanufacturing will take place at a shorter timeline (vs. new) and reduced cost, it is important to find the correct balance of introducing new locomotives to the fleet.”
Major phases coming
While initial preparatory work has taken place at TransNamib’s workshops in Windhoek, major implementation phases will proceed once the technical review is finalised and funding arrangements are confirmed. Financing secured through development finance institutions will be drawn up in line with approved priorities and oversight processes.
The locomotive renewal initiative forms part of broader reforms introduced to stabilise leadership, strengthen governance and enhance operational performance. Together, these measures position TransNamib to progressively rebuild capacity, support trade corridors and contribute to Namibia’s economic development goals.
Van Jaarsveld emphasised that the strategy is focused on long-term impact.
“This is about building a modern, efficient rail operator that can sustainably serve Namibia’s logistics needs well into the future,” he said, and that, “This all can only happen with reliable rolling stock and a dedicated team of employees.”
In December 2025, it was reported that TransNamib expected to spend between N$1.06 billion and N$1.10 billion to remanufacture 20 locomotives, based on projected refurbishment costs of US$2.8 million to US$2.9 million per unit. The figures were shared by van Jaarsveld during works minister Veikko Nekundi and his Botswana counterpart Noah Salakae's site visit at the company’s diesel depot in Windhoek late last year.
“We initially planned to buy new locomotives, but after reviewing our options, we decided to remanufacture a large part of our fleet," Van Jaarsveld explained at the time.
Further prep underway
Work had already begun at the Windhoek depot, with two locomotives almost fully stripped and preparations then underway for two more. “The stripping phase is within our current capabilities, but for the rebuilding phase, we will need international expertise,” Van Jaarsveld said, noting that potential partners from Asia were being considered.
Kendall Swartz, TransNamib executive for commercial and marketing, said that: “The ratio for new versus remanufactured locomotives is currently being finalised with our lenders,” and also, “We still intend to order some new locomotives, but the focus is shifting towards remanufacturing to extract maximum value from our loan.”
The first phase covers the remanufacturing of 20 of the roughly 70 older locomotives in the fleet, some of which are said to be 50 years old. “With remanufacturing, we only reuse the chassis and bogies, and only after strict metal integrity testing. Everything else is brand new,” Swartz explained.
Funding for the initial phase was secured through loans from the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
Beyond immediate cost savings, TransNamib is positioning the programme as a long-term industrial and skills development project. Van Jaarsveld said their ultimate goal is to equip the team so that within two years, they can perform the full remanufacturing process.
Swartz added that skills transfer from international partners will be governed by strict service-level agreements and continuous evaluation. “We also plan to establish a dedicated facility in Namibia to remanufacture and assemble locomotives and wagons. Eventually, we aim to offer these services to neighbouring countries, creating a regional hub for rail engineering,” he said.
As part of the long-term vision, TransNamib plans to launch a school for rail, offering accredited courses aimed at sustainable employment creation and re-establishing a centre of excellence for rail and related industries.
