Africa Locomotive Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Industry Analysis: By Propulsion Type (Diesel, Electric, Electro-Diesel, Hybrid) By Technology (IGBT Modules, GTO Thyristors, Sic Modules) By Component (Traction Motors, Inverters, Rectifiers, Alternators, Auxiliary Power Units) By End User (Freight, Passenger) and Country Forecast 2020-2031

Africa Locomotive Market size was valued at US$ XX million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ XX million by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of XX% from 2025-2031. The market describes the business that deals with the manufacturing, importing, distributing, and servicing of locomotives within the African continent. The market is primarily supported by increased investment in rail infrastructure, increased need for optimal freight and passenger transport, and governmental efforts towards regional integration and economic integration. Technological improvements—such as the use of IGBT modules and SiC-based traction systems—also improve energy performance and efficiency of locomotives. Nevertheless, the market is challenged by high initial capital expenditure, limited local manufacturing capacity, and uneven regulatory regimes in countries. Furthermore, old railway infrastructure and project delays can slow down market growth despite the long-term prospect for modernization in the continent.

Facts & Figures

• African railways predominantly utilize Cape Gauge (1.067 meters) and Meter Gauge (1.000 meter).
• South Africa utilizes numerous industrial locomotives, including narrow-gauge engines for sugar cane, Beyer Garratts for heavy haulage, and underground mining locomotives.
• Transnet Engineering developed a Trans-Africa Locomotive designed for the African landscape, suitable for branch lines, yards, and older rail tracks.
• The East African Railways used steam locomotives, including the 59 class Garratts, which were gradually withdrawn in the late 1970s.
• South Africa's first locomotives were imported from Britain. The first, nicknamed "Blackie," was a small 0-4-0 well-tank engine used in railway construction and harbor projects.

Key Developments:

• In June 2025, GE Transportation continues to support Transnet Freight Rail’s modernization efforts in South Africa, with ongoing maintenance and parts supply for diesel-electric locomotives originally delivered under earlier contracts.
• In April 2025, Egyptian National Railways (ENR) signed three contracts worth $235 million with Progress Rail to modernize 100 EMD locomotives and provide technical support and spare parts over 15 years. The upgrades aim to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while extending fleet life by up to 20 years.
• In March 2025, CRRC Corporation Ziyang shipped a batch of newly developed SDD1 diesel locomotives to Mozambique. These units feature lightweight design, modular air intake systems, and intelligent control for real-time monitoring, tailored for African operating conditions.
• In February 2025, Hyundai Rotem secured a record $1.4 billion contract with Morocco’s ONCF to supply double-decker electric trains. This is Hyundai Rotem’s largest railway deal to date and includes local production and maintenance partnerships, boosting its African footprint.

Africa Locomotive Market Segmentation:

Based on the propulsion type:

• Diesel locomotives
• Electric locomotives
• Electro-diesel locomotives
• Hybrid locomotives

Diesel locomotives are the backbone of African railroads because little electrification exists on the continent and flexible, independent solutions are needed in vast and frequently rough country. Diesel locomotives are particularly prized for their independence from overhead wires, making them suitable for long-distance freight and off-grid travel. Nations like South Africa, Angola, and Nigeria still use diesel-electric units to a large degree for passenger traffic as well as freight. The recent addition of advanced, fuel-saving units geared up to operate under conditions found in Africa represents the strength and flexibility of the segment. When infrastructure and regional trade corridors are being developed, diesel locomotives are going to be a part of modernizing African railways, even as hybrid and electric options are increasingly taking priority.

Based on the technology:

• IGBT (Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor) modules
• GTO (Gate Turn-Off) thyristors
• SiC (Silicon Carbide) modules

IGBT modules are the most common traction technology used in contemporary locomotives throughout Africa. They have high switching efficiency, small size, and improved thermal performance, which makes them suitable for both freight and passenger duties. Their capacity to switch large voltages and currents with little loss of energy is favorable for long-distance travel and fits the continent's agenda for energy-efficient rail transport.

Based on the component:

• Traction motors
• Inverters
• Rectifiers
• Alternators
• Auxiliary power units

Traction motors, a key entity in the African locomotive Market. The motors are tasked with transforming electrical power into mechanical motion, which drives the locomotive's wheels directly. In Africa, AC traction motors, especially asynchronous and permanent magnet variants, are becoming increasingly popular because of their efficiency, longevity, and support for regenerative braking systems. Their strong performance leads to them being suitable for both freight and passenger locomotives on varied terrain and climatic conditions. As railway networks get extended and upgraded, traction motors are also being developed with light materials, advanced cooling systems, and intelligent diagnostics to provide increased reliability and lower maintenance costs. This market is likely to witness steady growth, particularly in nations that are investing in hybrid and electric locomotive technologies.

Based on the end user:

• Freight transportation
• Passenger transportation

Freight hauled constitutes most of the locomotive demand across Africa because the continent relies on railway to move bulk commodities like coal, iron ore, copper, and farm products. South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia utilize freight rail extensively in order to connect mines and production hubs to ports to enable smooth export logistics. The creation of transnational corridors like the North-South and Central Corridores is also fueling demand for high-capacity long-distance running diesel-electric locomotives. With regional trade picking up under agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), freight by rail is taking on the mantle of a strategic imperative for the reduction of road congestion, emissions, and logistics costs. Investment in new rolling stock, digitalized fleet management, and intermodal terminals is enhancing the competitiveness of rail freight and turning it into a pillar of African economic integration and industrial development.