Camrail, the concessionaire of Cameroon’s railway network, plans to receive four new locomotives by the end of the first quarter of 2026. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Gilbert Kana Pondy during a railway safety awareness tour held from January 19 to 22, 2026.
“Measures are being taken by Camrail to acquire new locomotives by the end of March 2026. With this acquisition, the expected impact is an improvement in traction capacity and service quality,” Kana Pondy said.
The delivery will be handled by Railco Africa, from South Africa.
According to internal sources at the railway operator, the four locomotives expected at the port of Douala in the coming weeks will be shipped from the South African port of Richards Bay. They are being supplied by Railco Africa, a South African company specializing in railway equipment.
Built by Grinrod, the locomotives—whose cost has not been disclosed—are part of a broader order for eight units placed by Africa Global Logistics. The order is intended for the group’s railway subsidiaries in West and Central Africa, including Sitarail in Côte d’Ivoire and Camrail in Cameroon.
Fleet modernization and operational gains
According to Camrail, the new locomotives are equipped with computerized control systems, onboard diagnostic tools, and enhanced safety mechanisms. These features are intended to optimize train operations, improve rolling stock reliability, and reduce technical incidents.
The locomotives also feature “more ergonomic and air-conditioned cabins, significantly improving working conditions for driving crews,” the company said. Beyond comfort, the upgrades form part of a broader strategy to modernize the traction fleet and strengthen service quality for both freight and passenger transport.
BRM
