Africa boosts rail investments

Africa has increased its investments in rail infrastructure in recent years to improve trade, port access, and connections between production areas and regional markets. This effort aims to create a more integrated and efficient transportation system across the continent.

Challenges in rail interconnection

Despite the expansion of rail networks, technical, logistical, and institutional challenges remain. Different gauges, equipment, and operating systems in national networks complicate seamless cross-border train movement, even when physical compatibility is achieved.

Kenya and Uganda align rail projects

Kenya Railways plans to complete most of its standard gauge railway extension towards Kisumu and Malaba by June 2027. This will link Kenya’s network to Uganda’s, where both countries use the same standard gauge. However, additional discussions are needed on signaling, power supply, and operational rules to ensure smooth cooperation.

Tanzania’s dual gauge challenge

Tanzania faces the challenge of having both a new standard gauge and an older metric gauge network. Goods transported on the standard gauge to Bahi must be transferred to metric gauge wagons, causing delays and increased costs. A new direct link from Dar es Salaam port to the SGR network aims to reduce this inefficiency.

Regional rail projects under development

Tanzania is working on a joint railway project with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, covering nearly 570 km. This effort is part of a regional plan to improve access to the Dar es Salaam port and enhance connectivity across the central corridor.

Lobito corridor gains support

The Lobito corridor, linking Angola’s Lobito port to mining regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, continues to receive funding. In August 2026, the African Development Bank approved $255 million in loans and $10 million in grants to support Zambia’s involvement in this project.

Algeria’s rail development

In July 2026, the African Development Bank approved $878.09 million for the second phase of the Laghouat-Ghardaïa-El Meniaa railway line in Algeria. This phase includes the 230 km section between Ghardaïa and El Meniaa, aiming to strengthen regional connectivity along the trans-Saharan railway corridor.

Morocco and cross-border cooperation

Morocco received 205 million euros from the African Development Bank to improve rail infrastructure. This funding highlights the variety of rail investments across Africa, from network modernization to service improvements. The issue of interoperability is increasingly being addressed through cooperative programs, such as a planned African Centre of Rail Competence.