South Africa Shortlists 11 Firms for Freight-Rail Network Access

South Africa’s government shortlisted 11 private companies to operate on the nation’s freight-rail network and help tackle logistics bottlenecks that have weighed on economic growth.

The companies will now hold talks with state-owned rail operator Transnet SOC Ltd. about securing access to 41 routes and six corridors used to move coal, chrome, manganese, fuel and other goods, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy told reporters in the capital, Pretoria, on Friday. Licenses of up to 10 years will be allocated to firms that make the final cut and they will be allowed to commence operating once they’ve met the required conditions.