Best Freight Research Podcasts (2026)

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From concept to conversion: How our freight research drives safety and growth 15:36

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9d ago15:36

15:36

If you’ve spent any amount of time in the rail industry, you’ll know it’s passenger services that most often grab the headlines. Meanwhile, rail freight takes the role of the ‘unsung hero’, quietly moving billions of pounds worth of goods across the country, contributing significantly to our economy and helping to ease congestion on our roads. But …

1
Alstom’s Driverless System for Cairo Monorail and Regional Signalling Projects 6:49

1M ago6:49

6:49

In this interview, filmed during the recently held TransMEA 2025 in Cairo, our editor, Phillippa Dean, speaks with Alstom’s Vice President for Digital and Integrated Systems for Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, Boris Symchowicz, about the signalling system that powers the monorail. He explains how the system enables high passenger capacity…

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Alstom AMECA Update: Project Momentum from South Africa to Egypt 12:47

1M ago12:47

12:47

Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean catches up with Martin Vaujour, Alstom’s President for Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, at TransMEA 2025 in Cairo. Martin outlines the strong pipeline of activity across the region, including developments in South Africa with PRASA and Transnet, the impact of open access in the freight sector, new very…

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South Africa’s Largest Private Rail Investment Begins with Forty-Six Locomotives 20:27

1M ago20:27

20:27

It is not every day that forty-six Cape-gauge locomotives in great condition become available at the same time. For Traxtion, this was an opportunity that could not be passed up. In this Coffee with the Editor, Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Traxtion CEO James Holley about the R3.4 billion rolling-stock investment, considered the…

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Nicholas Lieb on Vertiv (VRT) 46:59

1M ago46:59

46:59

Bastion Fiduciary portfolio manager John Rotonti and Morningstar analyst Nick Lieb discuss Vertiv’s corporate history, business model, position in the AI infrastructure ecosystem, competitive advantages, management team, growth opportunities, pricing power, margins and returns on capital, risks, and more.…

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Will Kerwin on Arista Networks (ANET) 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

Morningstar tech analyst Will Kerwin joins Rebellious Allocations to discuss networking's role (including as a bottleneck) in the AI infrastructure buildout, Arista's networking hardware and software portfolio, the competitive landscape, growth opportunities, and Arista's "wide" moat and "exemplary" management.…

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Upholding safety and satisfaction in a changing industry 13:54

2M ago13:54

13:54

In this episode, we're joined by Tom Lee, our Director of Standards at RSSB. We discuss specific challenges in safety and satisfaction for customers, how we’re helping industry overcome them, and what a renationalised network might mean for those we serve. Find out more at: https://www.rssb.co.uk/our-business-plan…

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Todd Wenning on Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) 52:59

3M ago52:59

52:59

Todd Wenning (Part 1), founder of KNA Capital, shares his thoughts on trucking and freight industry inflection points, Old Dominion’s business model, competitive landscape, moat trends, management, corporate culture, and more.

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Will Kerwin on KLA Corp (KLAC) 45:13

3M ago45:13

45:13

Will Kerwin, technology analyst at Morningstar, shares his thoughts on KLA Corp’s business model, competitive landscape, technology transition, chip manufacturing, KLA’s moat, management, corporate culture, and more.

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Todd Wenning on Ferguson (FERG) 45:40

3M ago45:40

45:40

Todd Wenning (Part 2), founder of KNA Capital, shares his thoughts on what is happening in the plumbing and heating industry, Ferguson’s business model, competitive landscape, moat, management, corporate culture, and more.

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Eric Markowitz on the importance of networking and field research in the AI age 59:03

3M ago59:03

59:03

Eric Markowitz, Director of Research at Nightview Capital discusses his investing philosophy, the importance of identifying industry change in the quest for value, AI as the new electricity, slowing down the research process, getting comfortable with short-term underperformance, and more.

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Colossal Concrete Products on Africa’s Railway Opportunities & Open Access 16:06

4M ago16:06

16:06

Join Railways Africa Editor, Phillippa Dean, for a Coffee with the Editor conversation with Gwen Mahuma-Madida, CEO, and Sales Executive, Mothemane Makhura of Colossal Concrete Products, filmed during the recent Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition. The discussion covers Colossal’s role as Southern Africa’s largest…

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Botswana Rail Corridors, Open Access and Logistics Transformation 10:16

4M ago10:16

10:16

Railways Africa speaks with Hon. Keoagile Atamelang, Botswana’s Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, in this Coffee with the Editor. The discussion covers the status of Botswana’s key rail corridor projects, including the Trans-Kalahari Railway (TKR), Mmamabula–Lephalale Railway, and Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone line, as well as the…

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Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies on Longer Trains, Regional Integration and Open Access 13:22

4M ago13:22

13:22

In this Coffee with the Editor interview, recorded during the SARA Rail event, Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies discusses the company’s operational focus and regional integration efforts. Baatjies shares progress on pilot tests with Eswatini Railways to increase train length from 80 to 160 wagons, with full implementation expected soon. H…

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Zimbabwe’s Rail Future: Regional Integration and Investment 15:43

4M ago15:43

15:43

In this Coffee with the Editor interview at the Southern African Railways Conference and Exhibition, Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Joshua Sacco, and the MD of the National Railways of Zimbabwe, Ainah Dube-Kaguru. The discussion explores: 1️⃣ Zimbabwe’s central role in regional rail integr…

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Traxtion CEO James Holley on Rail Reform, Investment and Growth Across Africa 10:14

4M ago10:14

10:14

In this Coffee with the Editor interview, Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with James Holley, CEO of Traxtion. Holley reflects on why Traxtion did not apply for rail access slots in this round, explaining that the awards remain conditional on certification and rolling stock availability, and that the company’s fleet of sixty locomotives…

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ABB on Powering Africa’s Rail: Rolling Stock Components, Safety and Infrastructure 10:32

4M ago10:32

10:32

In this Coffee with the Editor conversation, Rudolf Vidacak, ABB Global Segment and Account Manager – Business Electrification – Transportation Rail and Infrastructure, joins Phillippa Dean, Editor of Railways Africa Magazine. Rudolf explains how ABB supports the rail sector with low- and medium-voltage components that are critical for both passeng…

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Lobito Atlantic Railway CEO Nicholas Fournier on Rehabilitation, Growth & Investment 21:47

4M ago21:47

21:47

In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, Railways Africa Editor, Phillippa Dean, speaks with Nicholas Fournier, the recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR). Fournier shares his insights on the rehabilitation of the Lobito Railway line from Lobito in Angola through to Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of Congo.…

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Siemens Mobility: Transforming South Africa’s Open Access Rail with ETCS & Advanced Signalling 15:08

5M ago15:08

15:08

In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Railways Africa sits down with Patrick Moodley, CEO of Siemens Mobility South Africa, to discuss the company’s role in the country’s rail reform journey. As South Africa prepares to unlock open access through the Transnet Interim Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), Siemens Mobility is stepping forward with adva…

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Putting sustainability and social value ‘front and centre’ 9:55

6M ago9:55

9:55

With us for this episode is Rachael Everard, our Director of Sustainable Development at RSSB. We explore some of the sustainability challenges the industry is up against and how we’re planning to help overcome those. We also revisit the Sustainable Rail Blueprint, showcasing some positive member stories from its implementation. Find out more at: ht…

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The Journey from Concept to Track: Kim Wilson on Zak’s 48kg 1:12 Secant Turnout - Ready for Market 14:13

6M ago14:13

14:13

In this Coffee with the Editor interview, Railways Africa’s Phillippa Dean sits down with Kim Wilson, Managing Director of Clyde Industrial Corporation, to discuss the journey that led to the development and launch of Zak’s 48 kg 1:12 Secant turnout. The turnout features a fully flexible switch blade made from 51 kg rail and a cast manganese rail-b…

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Delivering the Future of Mobility: Alstom’s Role in Shaping Rail Across Africa 19:14

6M ago19:14

19:14

In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean sits down with Martin Vaujour, recently appointed President of Alstom’s AMECA region (Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia) and new member of Alstom’s Executive Committee. Martin shares insight into Alstom’s strategic ambitions across a vibrant and diverse region, covering key rail projects…

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Highlighting Transnet’s Cross-Border Rail Projects, LeaseCo & African Market Strategy 10:08

7M ago10:08

10:08

In this insightful episode of Coffee with the Editor, Railways Africa Magazine editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Wilson Mogoba, General Manager for Business Development at Transnet SOC Ltd, during Transnet Engineering’s Industry Day. The discussion covers Transnet’s growing regional footprint, strategic infrastructure partnerships, and the transfor…

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Africa’s Next Big Rail Opportunity: Transnet’s LeaseCo Mobilising Rolling Stock to Meet Rail Reform Demand 14:12

7M ago14:12

14:12

In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed at Africa Rail 2025, Railways Africa Magazine editor Phillippa Dean speaks with the Chief Business Development Officer at Transnet about the strategic vision and current status of the Transnet LeaseCo initiative, which is currently in bid phase. The conversation explores the origins of LeaseCo, its …

1
Transnet Engineering’s Vision for Growth, Innovation and African Rail Reform 7:16

7M ago7:16

7:16

In this Coffee with the Editor, filmed during Transnet Engineering’s Industry Day — held the day before Africa Rail 2025 — Railways Africa Magazine editor Phillippa Dean spoke to Bessie Mabunda, Chief Executive of Transnet Engineering. The conversation explores the company’s evolving strategy, notable achievements, and future ambitions as Transnet …

1
Gibela on PRASA Train Maintenance, Digital Tools, and Services for African Operators 9:54

7M ago9:54

9:54

In this Coffee with the Editor, filmed during Africa Rail 2025, Vuyiswa Tlomatsane, Services Executive at Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, unpacks the full scope of Gibela’s Maintenance, Technical Support, and Spare Supply Agreement with PRASA. Under this long-term contract, Gibela not only provides technical support but also develops PRASA’s main…

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Gibela Future Vision: Meeting the Needs of Passenger Rail on the African Continent 12:19

7M ago12:19

12:19

In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed at Africa Rail 2025, Railways Africa Magazine speaks with Reggie Boqo, Acting CEO of Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, about how Gibela is positioning itself to meet the future needs of passenger rail on the African continent. Gibela has just delivered its 280th trainset for South Africa’s passenger…

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Ensuring reliable rail services: How RSSB makes a difference 16:04

8M ago16:04

16:04

In this episode, we're joined by Chris Knowles, RSSB's Director of System Safety and Health. We’ll explore some specific challenges to rail reliability and resilience, why it’s vital to address them, and some of the solutions that RSSB is offering in this space. Find out more at: https://www.rssb.co.uk/our-business-plan…

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Investing today for tomorrow's success 16:13

9M ago16:13

16:13

In this episode, we're joined once again by Johnny Schute, RSSB's Chief Operating Officer. Together, we'll explore what rail needs to be thinking about in terms of driving cost reduction, some of the complexities around investing today for benefits tomorrow, and how we at RSSB are committed to supporting industry in this challenge. Find out more at…

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Navigating technological change in the evolving rail industry 14:29

10M ago14:29

14:29

In this episode, we're joined once again by Vaibhav Puri, RSSB's Director of Sector Strategy and Transformation. Together, we'll explore some of the issues inherent in the adoption and implementation of new technology, our initiatives in this area, and some of the most promising new technological advancements. Find out more at: https://www.rssb.co.…

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Traxtion Expands Fleet, Workforce & African Operations 9:07

10M ago9:07

9:07

Join us for this Coffee with the Editor as Traxtion CEO James Holley shares key updates on the company’s fleet expansion, workforce growth, and African market expansion. Our conversation covers; Fleet Expansion – 50 out of 60 locomotives now in operation, with workshop capacity fully booked until August 2024. Slots for third-party rebuilds availabl…

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Unlocking Economic Potential: The South Africa-Botswana Rail Corridor Explained 26:26

11M ago26:26

26:26

On the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, Anura Partners launched their latest report, Tracks to Prosperity: Realising the Vision for the South Africa-Botswana Rail Corridor, at their annual Mining X Logistics event, attended by 250 senior executives.In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Dr Maximilian Matschke, M…

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Decarbonising Heavy Haul Rail Operations: The Future of Tractive Effort 31:24

11M ago31:24

31:24

This Coffee with the Editor is a follow-up discussion to the article titled "Decarbonisation 2050: What Tractive Effort Could Look Like." Our Editor Phillippa Dean sits down with Dr. Wiehan Le Roux (Technical Director), Dr. Rick Vandoorne (Railway Engineering Computational Designer), and Dr. André Broekman (Civil Engineering Computational Designer)…

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'The future of freight is bright': Boosting safety and growth 12:06

11M ago12:06

12:06

In this episode, we're joined by Andrea Rossi. Andrea is the CEO of DB Cargo UK and a non-executive director on the RSSB Board. Together, we'll explore the current rail freight landscape, what the future might hold for the sector, and how RSSB fosters collaboration and innovation to ensure continued safety and growth in this area. Find out more at:…

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How industry is coming together on trespass and suicide prevention 14:36

11M ago14:36

14:36

In this episode, we're joined by Rich Godwin. Rich is the Chair of industry's Trespass and Suicide Prevention Working Group. He's also a Suicide Prevention Co-ordinator at Network Rail, North West and Central Region. Optimising safety and satisfaction for passengers is vital for both RSSB and Network Rail. So, today, we're discussing how industry h…

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Revisiting the Sustainable Rail Blueprint: Milestones, member adoption, and more 15:20

1y ago15:20

15:20

Welcome to our first podcast of 2025! With us today is Stacey Head, our Sustainability Manager. She’ll be speaking with us about some of the initiatives the Sustainable Rail Blueprint has prompted in its first year, how RSSB supports members to embed the Blueprint, and what the future holds for it. Find out more at https://www.rssb.co.uk/sustainabi…

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Rail Infrastructure: “The Locomotive Driving Africa's Economic Transformation Over the Next Decade” 12:57

1y ago12:57

12:57

In this Coffee with the Editor by Railways Africa, filmed during the 8th Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (#PIDAWeek2024), Ibrah Wahabou, Head of Infrastructure and Transport Unit at AUDA-NEPAD, shares critical insights into Africa's transformative railway projects and their role in driving sustainable development under Agenda 2063.…

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Highlighting Challenges and Opportunities for Addis Ababa’s Light Rail – A Conversation with Dr Birhan Abebaw 18:02

1y ago18:02

18:02

Join Railways Africa Magazine Editor, Phillippa Dean, in this Coffe with the Editor, as she sits down with Dr. Birhan Abebaw, CEO of the Addis Ababa Light Rail Transport Service Enterprise, for an in-depth discussion about the challenges and future prospects of Ethiopia’s pioneering light rail system. Key Topics Covered: The operational status of t…

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Reflections and resolutions with RSSB Chair, Mike Brown 10:30

1y ago10:30

10:30

In this episode, we're delighted to be joined by Mike Brown, Chair of the RSSB Board. He's with us for the final episode of 2024 to round up the year the rail industry has had, discuss the changes it might see in 2025 and beyond -- as well as how to navigate them -- and reflect on what the festive season means for many rail workers. Find out more a…

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Zambia Railways is Shaping Southern Africa’s Rail Network – Key Corridor Updates 24:55

1y ago24:55

24:55

In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean of Railways Africa Magazine speaks with Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board Chairperson, Mr. Emmanuel Hachipuka, covering Zambia’s pivotal role as a rail hub in Southern Africa. The discussion covers Zambia’s ambitious plans for regional rail connectivity, including the strategic role of TAZ…

1
Road Safety Week special: Police tips on keeping your drivers safe 10:01

1y ago10:01

10:01

This is the third and final episode in our Rail Industry Road Safety Week miniseries. This episode, we're joined by Rik Wenham, an investigator in the Commercial Vehicle Unit of the Metropolitan Police. Rik discusses the important processes of responding to and investigating road traffic accidents, covers how the police work with the parties involv…

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Road Safety Week special: Supporting a line report through an RTC 7:42

1y ago7:42

7:42

This is the second episode in our Rail Industry Road Safety Week miniseries. This episode, we're joined by Jamie Mills, a Section Manager at Network Rail. He speaks with us about his experiences of managing an employee who experienced a road traffic accident in the line of work. Jamie discusses what he did in the immediate aftermath to support the …

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Road Safety Week special: How the ‘perfect storm’ led to this survivor’s RTC 12:12

1y ago12:12

12:12

This is the first episode in our 2024 Rail Industry Road Safety Week miniseries. In this episode, we're joined by Dave Whelan, a train manager at GB Railfreight and someone who experienced a work-related road traffic accident. Dave speaks with our host, RSSB's Principal Health and Wellbeing Specialist Joana Faustino, about what led to the accident,…

1
Unlocking value for industry in 2025 and beyond 12:40

1y ago12:40

12:40

This month, we're speaking with Helen Costello, RSSB's Director of Business Management and Performance. She’ll be speaking with us about the biggest hurdles rail is facing at the moment, some of the solutions that RSSB has developed to help overcome these, and the value they’re generating for industry. Find out more at https://www.rssb.co.uk/strate…

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Navigating Rail Reform and Open Access: Insights from Adj. Prof. Dr. Andrea Giuricin at the RSR Conference 16:45

1y ago16:45

16:45

In this Coffee with the Editor, Railways Africa Magazine interviews Adj. Prof. Dr. Andrea Giuricin, CEO of TRA Consulting, at the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Conference in Cape Town. Dr. Giuricin shares his expertise on global rail reform, the complexities of open access, and the importance of adapting reforms to each country’s unique context. D…

1
PRASA’s Recovery and Future Vision: Insights from Group CEO Hishaam Emeran at the Railway Safety Conference 15:23

1y ago15:23

15:23

In this Coffee with the Editor episode, filmed during the Railway Safety Conference hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) in Cape Town, PRASA Group CEO, Hishaam Emeran, delves into PRASA’s recovery strategy, future plans, and its role within South Africa's broader rail industry. Hishaam shares insights from his recent trip to China, where he…

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Gautrain Expansion and Africa’s Rail Future: Insights from Gautrain CEO Tshepo Kgobe 27:21

1y ago27:21

27:21

In this Coffee with the Editor episode, filmed at the Railway Safety Conference hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) in Cape Town, Railways Africa Magazine speaks with Gautrain Management Agency CEO, Tshepo Kgobe. Tshepo provides insights into the exciting developments for the Gautrain, including plans for network expansion, which will exte…

1
Gauteng Shifting from Road to Rail: A Conversation with Transport MEC Kedibone Diale Tlabela 19:04

1y ago19:04

19:04

Join us for an insightful "Coffee with the Editor" conversation with MEC Kedibone Diale Tlabela, Gauteng’s MEC for Roads and Transport, recorded at the 2024 Railway Safety Regulator Conference in Cape Town, hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR). In this interview, the MEC discusses exciting developments in Gauteng's rail sector, including th…

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Rail Safety, Open Access, and Industry Transformation with RSR Chairperson Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke 7:43

1y ago7:43

7:43

In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, filmed during the Railway Safety Conference hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) under the theme "Rail Renaissance", we sit down with Ms Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke, the Chairperson of the RSR. Ms Ekeke shares key insights into the state of South Africa's rail industry, the critical need to move fr…

1
DRC's Rail Network, Expansion, Challenges, and Future Plans with SNCC’s Tresor Kapuku Ngoy 23:18

1+ y ago23:18

23:18

In this special episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed at the Southern African Railways Association Conference and Exhibition, we sit down with Tresor Kapuku Ngoy, Deputy Director General of Société Nationale des Chemins de fer du Congo (SNCC SA). In this insightful discussion, we explore the current state and future of the Democratic Republic o…