State-owned rolling stock manufacturer Transnet Engineering (TE) has renewed its efforts to promote its locally designed and built Trans Africa Locomotive (TAL), positioning it as a flagship solution for the continent’s often challenging rail environments.

First unveiled as a prototype in 2017, the TAL is envisioned as a rugged, all-purpose locomotive capable of operating across Africa, from ‘Cape to Cairo’, without the limitations often imposed by incompatible rail infrastructure, differing standards and harsh climatic conditions.

The renewed focus on TAL was announced at Transnet’s 2025 Industry Day in May, as the country expects an uptick in rail traffic and rolling stock demand with new rail reforms across the continent.

TE highlighted the locomotive’s potential to meet Africa’s growing logistics and transport demands, particularly in the context of commodity-rich regions that rely heavily on pit-to-port infrastructure.

“Slow and costly land logistics have presented attractive, yet competitive, market opportunities in Africa,” the company noted. “The greatest opportunity lies in catering for the particular dynamics of the African continent. As an African organisation based on the continent, [TE] has a distinct advantage by being located in the backyard of the customer.”

Although TE has a long history of assembling locomotives in partnership with global original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the TAL marks a significant shift. It is the first full locomotive designed and manufactured in-house by the company, as an OEM in its own right.

One of the defining features of the TAL is its adaptability. Unlike electric locomotives that require overhead power infrastructure, the TAL is diesel-powered, making it viable for remote regions or branch lines without electrification. TE says this also enables the TAL to operate effectively in both mainline and shunting applications.

The locomotive is fitted with a 2 000 kW, 16-cylinder mtu diesel engine, and built on a six-axle, 16-t / axle chassis, making it suitable for a range of terrains and applications. It includes hydrodynamic braking technology, which feeds energy generated during braking back into the system, lowering fuel consumption and reducing wear.

Crucially, TE has designed the TAL to meet a range of structural gauge requirements, the minimum height and width of tunnels, bridges and other railway infrastructure. This allows it to operate across most of sub-Saharan Africa and into North Africa, despite varying infrastructure standards.

Another standout feature of the TAL is its unique three-quarter cab layout. The driver’s cabin is offset to one side and includes large windows facing both directions, enabling safe bidirectional travel without needing to turn the locomotive. This reduces turnaround times and is particularly useful in single-locomotive operations, where budget constraints may prohibit the use of multiple engines.

TE says the layout provides excellent visibility in the primary direction and adequate visibility in the reverse, balancing safety and functionality. The cabin is also equipped with comfort features including air conditioning, a hot plate, foot heaters, a fridge and an onboard lavatory, aimed at improving working conditions for train operators on long-haul routes.

In terms of safety and operational tracking, the locomotive is fitted with an aircraft-style black box recorder.

The TAL also includes several features aimed at reducing lifetime operating costs. Among these is the use of modern alternating current traction motors and auxiliary systems that offer improved durability and efficiency, while reducing the frequency of required maintenance. Removable roof panels and side doors make component access easier, minimising downtime.

The bogies are engineered to negotiate tight curves, down to an 85-m radius, with minimal wheel wear, allowing for operation in constrained or winding rail corridors. Dynamic braking is available across the entire speed range down to 0 km/h, which helps with preserving brake blocks on both the locomotive and the train.

TE has also incorporated vacuum and Association of American Railroads-type air braking systems into the TAL, to make it compatible with a broad range of African rail stock. A slow-speed loading function enables the locomotive to maintain a steady crawl, which is useful for bulk loading applications using rapid loading systems.

With most African countries pursuing rail revitalisation and regional trade integration under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, TE believes the TAL offers a cost-effective, locally manufactured solution to meet both the performance demands and budget realities of many African rail operators.

TE is banking on the TAL’s versatility, affordability and African-centred design to make it a competitive offering.

“The [TAL] represents not only engineering innovation but also a practical response to the continent’s transport needs,” TE commented. “It’s a locomotive made in Africa, for Africa.”