Arican rail networks are legacies of colonial times, creating political divisions that neither make sense nor speak to an integrated economy.As the continent surges ahead with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as part of an attempt to accelerate intra-African trade and boost the continent's trading position in the global market, the need for an efficient railway network cannot be emphasised enough.
According to international development consultant David Baxter, one of the biggest challenges in Africa is where landlocked countries are, for all intents and purposes, held hostage by neighbours with access to the coast.“Where and when they need to export goods therefore means having an integrated economic system,” he said.
“Partnerships are required between coastal countries who are, more often than not, in more dominant positions – and landlocked countries who are reliant on their goodwill.”This is further exacerbated by different national priorities and agendas. “It is very complex, and many times comes down to who needs the infrastructure most and who is going to pay for it.”
Developing the infrastructure has also proven to be difficult, even when there is some form of agreement.“In Kenya, for example, a decision to freeze a project left Uganda and Rwanda in a difficult position.”Other challenges faced in developing railway projects are low feasibility studies, low levels of harmonisation of systems and standards between countries, a lack of transparency and negative market perceptions.But, said Baxter, none of these challenges were insurmountable.
“Public Private Partnerships can be very successful in delivering railway projects in Africa. It is important though that practices and policies be harmonised between participating countries and that the sponsoring country also makes strong statements as to why the region needs the project, emphasising the benefits to all countries involved.”
