Transnet Rail Chief to Headline African Mining Week 2026

Baatjies will participate in a high-level panel focused on financing mineral infrastructure, a critical challenge for a nation aiming to mobilize R2 trillion for its mining sector. With the freight network undergoing a structural transition, Transnet has already finalized access agreements with 11 private operators to handle commodities ranging from manganese to coal. These partnerships are projected to add 24 million tons of annual capacity immediately, with a long-term goal of reaching 250 million tons by 2030.

To support these operational changes, Transnet has secured significant international backing, including a $1 billion loan from the African Development Bank and substantial facilities from the European Investment Bank and Agence Française de Développement. A R94.8 billion government guarantee further bolsters the modernization program, which now includes a centralized rolling-stock leasing platform to lower entry barriers for new operators. By aligning logistics upgrades with the export requirements of major producers like Exxaro Resources and United Manganese of Kalahari, the government aims to turn untapped reserves—valued at trillions in iron ore alone—into a competitive engine for regional economic growth.