The African Union Megaproject, launched nine years ago, aims to build a high-speed network across the continent by 2033, connecting major capitals and regions.

The African Union plans to build a huge, modern rail network to connect major capitals and regions across the continent by 2033. Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly forms of transport, but this ambitious project needs funding, work, and political will.

Younes Tabitha of the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD), says that a total of 74 connections are projected.

"In the first part, in the 'Master Plan 2033′, there will be 19 connections. Therefore, 25% of the general plan route kilometers will be implemented in this period. And from 2034 to 2063, all other remaining connections will be completed," he explains.

In many parts of Africa, railway networks date back to colonial times. Originally, they were not built to transport passengers, but to drive raw materials, such as timber and gold, to seaports and then send them on to Europe.

Today, railroads serve other purposes, such as facilitating trade and mobility between African countries.

"Al Boraq"

The "Al Boraq", Africa's first express train, travels along Morocco's coastal landscape at a speed of 320 km per hour. It connects Tangier to Casablanca in just two hours and is coveted by many African leaders.

Its inauguration in 2018 was a dream come true for that North African country. A dream shared by the African Union, which nine years ago launched the "African Integrated High Speed Rail Network" megaproject.

For now the African Union has chosen three priority pilot projects: From the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam to Rwanda's capital, Kigali; from Kampala in Uganda to Bujumbura in Burundi; and from South Africa's economic center, Johannesburg, to Walvis Bay in Namibia, via Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.

Feasibility Studies

According to the African Union's action plan, eleven other rail link projects will undergo a feasibility study as soon as possible. But so far, all the projects remain on paper.

The Director of Zambia's national railroad, Sydney Mwamba, says the country has no money and needs funding to actually develop the railway lines within the country. The coaches are outdated and the infrastructure is poor.

"One of the most important aspects that the government can use to develop this sector is the implementation of a new law on public-private partnerships. This is seen as one of the most promising options for developing the railway sector, especially in view of an African Free Trade Area, which should create more trade links within African countries."

The reality is that building new rail lines in Africa needs to overcome many obstacles, but once completed, railroads can boost trade and mobility between African states. (DW)