Railway networks have become a vital part of transportation in many African countries, providing an efficient and environmentally beneficial route for people and products to travel across huge distances.
These African countries are making significant progress in railway system development, demonstrating a commitment to improve transportation connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability. These achievements are not only changing the face of rail travel in Africa, but also setting a standard for other countries to follow.
On Thursday, February 29, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu launched the Lagos Mass Rail Transit (LMRT) Red Line project.
In this post, HowNG takes a look at additional African countries that have made substantial progress in improving their railway networks.
1. Nigeria
Nigeria is on the verge of a railway renaissance, with recent improvements to its rail infrastructure ushering in a new era in transportation. The Lagos-Kano line and the freshly opened Lagos Red Line demonstrate this progress. The Red Line, which runs from Agbado in Ogun state to the Oyingbo axis in Lagos state, is a critical project intended at reducing traffic congestion and pollution in the bustling city. It would cover 37 kilometers and have eight stops, transporting more than 500,000 passengers every day and ushering in a new era of urban transportation in Nigeria.
2. Algeria
Algeria has a large and well-maintained railway network, making it one of Africa’s leading countries with excellent train systems. The Metro d’Alger, with its ongoing expansions, and the six additional tramlines serving other cities demonstrate Algeria’s dedication to improving rail transportation.
3. South Africa
South Africa’s railway system is known for its dependability and vast connectivity, linking all major towns and having the most advanced railway system in Africa. The existence of tramways in various cities enhances the transportation scene.
4. Tunisia
Tunisia’s rail network is known for its efficiency and regularity. The Metro Leger de Tunis, an elevated system resembling a tram network, comprises of five lines serving sixty-six stops, enabling a smooth commute around Tunis.
5. Egypt
Egypt’s railway infrastructure, which connects key cities along the Nile River, has undergone significant renovations in recent years. Cairo, the first African city to install a metro system, is expanding its rail and tram services, improving urban mobility.
6. Morocco
Morocco’s railway network shows the country’s drive for modernization. The opening of Morocco’s high-speed rail line, Al-Boraq, as well as the operation of two tramways in Casablanca and Rabat-Salé, demonstrate the country’s dedication to improving rail infrastructure.
7. Senegal
Senegal’s rail infrastructure is critical for supporting economic progress by connecting the capital city to other regions. The Dakar-Niger Railway, as well as the recently opened Train Express Regional Dakar-AIBD, demonstrate Senegal’s attempts to improve rail connections.
8. Kenya
Kenyan rail transit consists of a meter-gauge network and a new standard-gauge railway (SGR) that connects Mombasa to the interior. The SGR, funded by a Chinese loan, is a key project to improve Kenya’s transportation infrastructure.
