In Summary
- Over 8 African countries are modernizing or expanding their railway infrastructure by 2025, and investment worth billions is transforming transportation across the continent.
- South Africa, Egypt, and Tanzania are leading the transition in diesel with more efficient systems with electrification, which is becoming a faster priority.
- High-speed rail is no longer a dream. Morocco is operating at 320 km/h, while Egypt is building over 2000 km of electric high-speed travel corridors to be ready by 2027.
Deep Dive!
The transformation of Africa’s railway systems is no longer a dream, it is happening. In 2025, more than eight countries are expected to increase or modernize their networks with high-speed trains reaching 320km/h. Massive developments are underway to connect cities, ports, and countries in the same way South Africa, Egypt, and Tanzania are doing with their electrification expansion. Railways are now a sign of hope and prosperity, which transport goods and people to support mineral exports or for day-to-day commuting. Here is the breakdown according to their rail networks’ technological development, infrastructural expansion, and planning.
10. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Through opportunistic collaborations and regional ambitions, the DRC is making strides in its rail infrastructure. DRC’s railroad network is involved in the transformational Lobito Corridor project, a US$10 billion project backed by the US Government. The goal of the project is to modernize the railway from Kolwezi to Lobito port in Angola, and increase copper and cobalt export capacity, improve logistics, and integrate the country with regional markets. The DRC also has a railway network that stretches 3641 km, although mostly non-electrified. Although the DRC scores 1.9 out of 7.0 on the quality of infrastructure, the scope and geopolitical relevance of the railway mollifies this score.
9. Nigeria
Nigerian railway construction is being concentrated in receptive standard-gauge regions. There are current colonial relics like the Abuja-Kaduna line, which is 186 kilometers long, the double-speed Lagos-Ibadan line of 157 kilometers, and the Warri-Itakpe route of 217 kilometers, all completed between 2016 and 2021. With over 4 billion USD devoted to new rail systems, ongoing plans are promising. Although the quality of infrastructure stands at 1.8/7.0, Sh70C Per Mile and non-electrification of all the lines still offer some appeal to further investment in rail network expansion.
8. Mozambique
The railway system in Mozambique is important for the regional economy, supporting the mineral and cargo exports through the Maputo, Beira, and Nacala corridors. There are 2,899 km of rail lines (freight-oriented), and the infrastructure is rated at 2.6 out of 7, demonstrating that it performs best at sea ports and highways’ access for land-locked neighbors. The network is managed through public–private partnerships by Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM), which improves its efficiency and maintenance. Although un-electrified, it is one of the most strategically important networks in Southern Africa due to its logistics role within the region.
7. Tanzania
Because of its significant Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, Tanzania is quickly emerging as a rail leader in East Africa. The country’s total rail expanse is 3,368 km, with the SGR possessing plans of a fully electrified futuristic design, which is optimized for subsequent electrification undertakings. This entails extending the line to over 1,800 km towards frontier nations, Rwanda and Burundi. Construction Grade Speed (CGS) is 160 km/h for passengers. This is set to be one of the most modern on the continent, albeit with an infrastructure quality of 3.2 out of 7.0.
6. Tunisia
Tunisia has a relatively developed rail network, which comprises 1,777 km of railway lines penetrating the country, 226 km of which are electrified. Tunisia also has Railways, which are mainly operated by the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens (SNCFT). Their network is in the process of modernization with a focus on enhancing urban commuter rail systems and intercity connections, and scores 3.2 out of 7 for infrastructure quality. Future 2025 targets include new trains, digitized systems, and increased electrification. Tunisia’s rail network is stable and balanced, with heavy utilization and sustainable toward urban growth.
5. Algeria
The backbone of Algeria’s internal connectivity is its 4,001 km railway network. Although currently only 664 km is electrified, the country is constructing high-speed long-distance corridors across its vast desert terrain. Some of the flagship projects include the Hassi Messaoud – Touggourt and Oued Tlélat – Tlemcen lines, both purpose-built for a design speed of 220 km/h. 3.8 out of 7 is the current score on the condition of the infrastructure. Algeria focuses on the mobility of freight and the speed of passenger services. These are pivotal to a country where its cities are widely dispersed from each other. The aim of the government strategy is greater regional integration and modernization of the country by 2030.
4. Kenya
KBBInvestment in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has turned Kenya into a rail hub in East Africa with the operational Mombasa–Nairobi and Nairobi–Naivasha lines. The country is currently diesel-operated, but looking to electrify in the future. Infrastructure quality is a strong 4.0/7.0, while the urban commuter advancements like the Nairobi Commuter Rail add to this. The total network length is 2,638 km (2,046 km meter-gauge and 592 km standard-gauge). Kenya’s rail strategy is deeply intertwined with trade, seeking to connect to Uganda and further soon.
3. Egypt
Egypt is on track to become Africa’s high-speed rail powerhouse with a 6,679 km network that includes over 3,000 km of electrified lines. The country is modernizing its benchmark for speed and capacity throughout North Africa. Siemens, alongside Orascom and Arab Contractors, is developing a substantial 2,000 km high-speed rail system set for speeds of 230 km/h that will link the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, serving millions annually. With an infrastructure quality score of 3.8/7.0, Egypt is not only working to escalate these figures but also averting becoming stagnant in value.
2. Morocco
Morocco has built the first, as well as the fastest, high-speed train, the Al Boraq. Although its high-speed motorways were added later, the Al Boraq services 5 million passengers in 2023, and expansion plans are underway for the future. The railway is smaller compared to other countries, but Morocco proves that countries with fewer trains can be transformed into world-class train networks through strategic investments.
Al Boraq is even more impressive due to it having 2,295 km of railway, with 958 km of the track being electrified, and it’s only going to keep growing. With a 320 km/h service between Tangier and Kenitra, the electrified portion’s speed results in the entire network speed reaching 2,295.
1. South Africa
South Africa dominates the railway system in Africa, being the only country with 20,953 km of rail systems, as well as being the most advanced, having ZAR 152.8 billion of funds ready to be spent alongside the $1 billion aid loan. Their funds were exploited due to Transnet being the crane that held the funds as an investment, ready to spend. They not only have the longest expanse of railways, but also the most advanced.
In Eastern Cape Province, Sishen-Saldanha is located where the world-renowned Sishen-Saldanha heavy-haul line is stationed, with an electrified mark of 7,998, so you should definitely drop by!
