The strengthening of the railway axis between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso has reached a new milestone. On December 15, 2025, SITARAIL, a subsidiary of AGL (Africa Global Logistics), took delivery of four GL30 locomotives at the Abidjan Autonomous Port. This strategic investment aims to boost productivity across a corridor vital for supplying the Sahelian hinterland.
In a context of intensified competition between West African logistics corridors, SITARAIL is reaffirming its leadership. The acquisition of these four GL30 (or GT26) diesel-electric units is part of a global modernization plan for its production tools, arriving just weeks after the integration of a new fleet of flatbed wagons.
Power and Technology: Key Features of the GL30
These new machines are more than just additions to the existing fleet; they represent a technological leap for regional rail operations. Described as “major assets” by the company’s management, they stand out due to their enhanced performance:
| Feature | Technical Details |
| Type | Diesel-electric (GL30 / GT26) |
| Power | Approximately 3,000 HP |
| Traction Capacity | 1,500 gross tons |
| Technology | Computerized control systems & Onboard diagnostics |
| Safety | Enhanced safety devices |
Beyond raw performance, SITARAIL has prioritized operator comfort. The cabs, now ergonomic and air-conditioned, are designed to improve working conditions for crews—a key factor for rail safety on long-haul transborder journeys.
A Catalyst for Supply Chain Security
For shippers and industrial players in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, the arrival of these locomotives is a strong signal of reliability. By increasing rolling stock availability, SITARAIL ensures more regular rotations, particularly during seasonal peaks (such as cotton campaigns and fast-moving consumer goods).
This deployment complements the recent acquisition of 260 flatbed wagons, 40 of which have been operational since late November 2025. The synergy between high traction power and increased loading capacity helps secure the supply chains of industrial sidings and dedicated logistics hubs.
“This new investment… reflects the commitment of SITARAIL and the AGL Group to work alongside the states of Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso for the development, modernization, and sustainability of the network, as well as strengthening its socio-economic impact for our populations,” stated Simplice ESSOH, Managing Director of SITARAIL.
For Logis-T Africa, this investment holds major environmental significance by fostering a strategic modal shift from road to rail. This dynamic enables SITARAIL to fulfill a dual sustainability mission: first, the preservation of the paved corridor between Abidjan and Ouagadougou by mitigating premature wear caused by heavy-duty vehicles; and second, the tangible decarbonization of the regional supply chain, as rail transport maintains a carbon footprint per ton-kilometer significantly lower than that of road transport.
