'Africa needs railways for rapid development' - Russian railway giant

<p>CEO of TMH stated that Africa is strategic not only to Russia but to the main financial and industrial institutions across the world.</p>, <span>Mr Kiril Lipa, Chief Executive Officer of TMH</span>, <h2>Transmashholding (TMH), Russia’s leading manufacturer of railway rolling stock, says Africa is in dire need of modern railway infrastructure to propel the continent to rapid development.</h2>, <p>The Chief Executive Officer of TMH, Mr Kiril Lipa, told newsmen in Moscow Russia, that absence of railway infrastructure in some major cities in Africa was a setback to the transportation sector on the continent.</p>, <p>While expressing the company’s willingness to expand the international footprint in the region, Lipa emphasised the need for African countries to invest more in railways.</p>, <p>The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that TMH is a leading manufacturer of passenger trains, locomotives, metro cars, trams, coaches, wagons, snow clearing equipment and engines for locomotives.</p>, <p>The company, which supplies railway operators in more than 30 countries, offers comprehensive maintenance and repair of rolling stock, manufacture of parts and components for the rail industry, among others.</p>, <p>According to Lipa, Africa has great potential for the rail industry since most of its produce are bulky such as minerals, oil and gas.</p>, <p>“In this regard, TMH is geared towards the needs of most African economies whose main focus is the export market with access to sea ports via rail and pipelines.</p>, <p>“Imports also come through the sea ports and are couriered to their final destinations by train.</p>, <p>“The African population is growing very fast and the cities are developing at a tremendous pace. For us we are looking into transporting minerals, oil and gas.</p>, <p>“There is therefore a need for cargo trains. We can also leverage on our technology to develop the rail infrastructure of most African countries.</p>, <p>“We are capable of providing this technology,” he said.</p>, <img src="https://cdn-