The Southern African Railways Association (SARA) is a “Not for Profit” regional association of railways in the SADC region and some of their associates (customers, suppliers and other interest organisations) which was formed in 1996. Its Mission is to facilitate the creation of an environment whereby the railway industry is a top performer in the transport sector and make rail the mode of choice. This will be achieved through bringing about fair competition, developing an equitable market driven surface transport (road and rail) industry, improved efficiency and effectiveness in the regional railways operations and to champion the cause of the regional railways.
SARA’s key objectives are to;
- Promote the railway industry in the SADC to enable it to provide safe, integrated, cost effective and predictable one stop seamless service.
- Advocate for fair surface transport policies in the region.
- To increase rail market share.
- Exploit interconnectivity and achieve cross border operability.
- Promote regional and continental rail network connectivity
- Lobby and influence transport policy in favour of railways.
- Develop, enhance, and harmonise policies, governance and business processes.
- To promote alliances for the exchange of technical information, strategies, skills development and training, among others.
- To promote alliances with other modes of transport where the opportunities exist in order to achieve synergy and provide total logistical solutions
- Solicit for funding for projects from donor agencies.
These objectives will be achieved if SARA members fully cooperate with each other on commercial, technical, operations, human resources, information exchange and policy matters. Funds from governments, donors and own income generating activities will be required to finance the plan.
The Brazzaville Declaration of April 2006 gives SARA a sound lobbying platform when approaching Governments as it marks the turning point of government thinking on investment in railways. SARA’s collaboration with UAR/UIC provides it with an opportunity to access both information and funding. The new membership drive arising fro the 2004 strategy assists SARA with service quality benchmarks and increased income.
In terms of competition, road remains the major challenge to SARA. However, SARA’s well organised structure and broad representation coupled with economies of scale tend to minimise the negative impact of road competition. The other strength of SARA is the existence of interconnected rail networks among its members. Its weaknesses on the other hand are that it lacks the power to enforce its own decisions, agreements or resolutions resulting in voluntary implementation by members, lack of commitment by other members and ageing infrastructure and operating equipment.
Opportunities for SARA exist in the form of strategic partnerships with collaborating partners, the Brazzaville Declaration and direct access to government ministries. Recognition by SADC through the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology, and the African Union through Union of African Railways gives SARA the platform to influence both regional and continental transport policy and infrastructure development. Threats and risks arise from deteriorating infrastructure and equipment, poor service perception by customers and skills drain.
Operations and technical, marketing, finance, human resources and information technology are the cornerstones of the strategy contained in this business plan. The marketing strategy entails promoting SARA activities and railway business in general to address negative perceptions by some customers and other stakeholders. The financial strategy is aimed at addressing initiatives for infrastructure and projects while at the same time maximising revenue from rail business through appropriate pricing of services. The human resources strategy involves development and implementation of joint training programs, setting up of regional training centres, exchange programmes for members’ employees. Considering the important role and value attached to information technology in the present era, SARA will seek donor funds for the purpose of acquiring modern equipment that facilitate easier and cheaper communication, information sharing. SARA will also hook on to the UAR/UIC databases in order to access valuable information.
SARA will provide services including rail transport services for both passengers and freight through its members, lobbying and advocacy, leasing and maintenance of operating equipment through its members.
The implementation plan is an aggregation of a wide range of activities which when combined will enable SARA to achieve its set objectives for the period from 2007 and 2011. This plan will be financed by members, donor funds and income to be earned from other income generating activities of the SARA secretariat.
Current Associate Members
- Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC)
- Caminho de Ferro de Luanda (CFL)
- Caminho de Ferro de Mocamedes (CFM)
- COMAZAR
Special Members
- Imperial Fleet Services (IFS)
- Manica Africa (MA)
- Railway Safety Regulator of South Africa (RSR)
