The Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG) and US-based Wabtec have signed a $700 million railway services contract in New York. The 10-year agreement, signed on September 21, 2026, covers maintenance and technical support for locomotives destined for the Simandou railway project. The contract was signed on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. A Guinean delegation, including Mines and Geology Minister Bouna Sylla, attended the ceremony.
The contract focuses on Wabtec's Evolution Series locomotives, equipped with 4,500-horsepower engines. The agreement includes preventive and corrective maintenance, spare parts management, logistics support, training, and remote diagnostic systems. The contract also emphasizes local content, with a focus on developing Guinean skills, technology transfer, and partnerships with local businesses. Wabtec describes this as its largest services contract in Africa.
The Simandou railway project aims to connect the Simandou iron ore deposits to the Morébaya port. The railway will transport not only iron ore but also passengers and other goods. The CTG, a joint venture between the Guinean government and mining companies, owns the railway infrastructure, ports, and locomotives. The project is expected to boost Guinea's economy and create jobs.
The contract value brings Wabtec's total commitment to the Simandou project to over $1.2 billion, including locomotive orders placed in 2024. The US government was represented at the signing ceremony by Under Secretary for International Trade William Kimmitt. The Guinean delegation expressed satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting its potential to develop strategic partnerships with US companies.
Mamoudou Nagnalen Barry, Chairman of CTG's Board of Directors, emphasized the need for international-standard technology and local content in the project. Bouna Sylla, Mines and Geology Minister, described the agreement as a key example of Guinea's efforts to develop partnerships with US companies and access cutting-edge technology.
The Simandou project is one of Guinea's most significant mining ventures, with the potential to transform the country's economy. The railway infrastructure will play a critical role in transporting iron ore and other goods, boosting economic growth and development. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate local economic activity.
The partnership between CTG and Wabtec is seen as a strategic move to develop Guinea's mining sector and railway infrastructure. The agreement is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economic development and growth. The project will also contribute to the development of local skills and technology transfer, aligning with Guinea's economic development goals.
Key points
- The contract is Wabtec's largest services agreement in Africa.
- The Simandou railway project aims to connect the Simandou iron ore deposits to the Morébaya port.
- The agreement brings Wabtec's total commitment to the Simandou project to over $1.2 billion.
