Original Research

Sub-Saharan Africa’s rail freight transport system: Potential impact of densification on cost

Anneke de Bod, Jan Havenga
Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management | Vol 4, No 1 | a13 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v4i1.13 | © 2010 Anneke de Bod, Jan Havenga | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 15 November 2010 | Published: 30 November 2010

About the author(s)

Anneke de Bod, Centre for Supply Chain Management, Department of Logistics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Jan Havenga, Centre for Supply Chain Management, Department of Logistics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

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Abstract

The main response to sub-Saharan Africa’s (SSA) challenges has been foreign aid. Yet, despite the large amounts received, the challenges remain. There is an opportunity to consider a different model with less focus on aid and more on investment. In the transport sector specifically, investment decisions should be informed by a longterm optimal balance between different transport modes. The research presented in this paper highlights the significant cost reduction opportunities possible through the densification of rail freight, especially over longer distances, with concomitant implications for increased profitability for rail operators. The densification opportunity should also place a core focus on transport corridors being developed throughout the region. SSA countries themselves can play a critical role in unlocking this potential through, inter alia, simplifying regional economic communities and taking the lead in structuring agreements with the international community.

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Crossref Citations

1. Macro-logistics and externality cost trends in South Africa – underscoring the sustainability imperative
Jan Hendrik Havenga
International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications  vol: 18  issue: 2  first page: 118  year: 2015  
doi: 10.1080/13675567.2015.1015509