Across Africa, rail is making a strong comeback as countries increasingly recognise its vital role in unlocking trade and accelerating economic growth.
According to Mesela Nhlapo, CEO of the African Rail Industry Association, renewed investment in rail infrastructure by governments across the continent aligns with the African Union’s (AU) vision for a modern, integrated transport network that spans the continent.
“The AU has called for an integrated transport sector with world-class infrastructure that crisscrosses the continent.
"The current projects taking place in several countries are responding to that vision.”
She said rail played a central role in enabling the African Continental Free Trade Area as, without a connected, land-based transport system linking Africa’s cities and capitals, the continent’s 2063 development aspirations would remain out of reach, and increasing intra-African trade would be near impossible.
- Read the interview with Nhlapo in our Freight Features edition on "Road & Rail."
