At a Glance
- South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt lead Africa’s rail expansion, connecting cities, mines, and global markets.
- Railways cut road congestion, lower emissions, and improve freight efficiency across African economies.
- Multilateral funding drives Africa’s rail revival, overcoming infrastructure gaps and supporting regional integration.
Africa’s economic growth is often measured by new highways, airports, and ports. But in recent years, railways—both newly built and refurbished—have become just as important.
Trains are moving millions of tons of goods across long distances and giving commuters faster ways to connect cities, mining regions, and border economies.
Governments and investors are putting billions into rail expansion, betting that the sector can cut transport costs, ease congestion, and strengthen trade. Here are the 10 African countries with the most advanced rail systems shaping the way people and products move.
From South Africa’s heavy-haul trains to Kenya’s new SGR, railways are shaping Africa’s economic outlook. They cut road traffic, lower emissions, and give landlocked countries a path to global markets.
The sector still faces obstacles, including aging infrastructure and funding gaps. But with multilateral lenders and investors backing large-scale projects, Africa’s rail revival is gaining strength.
These 10 countries profiled by Shore Africa are at the forefront, laying the tracks for trade, integration, and long-term growth.
1. South Africa
South Africa has the continent’s largest network with nearly 21,000 kilometers of track. Its Sishen-Saldanha line runs some of the world’s longest freight trains, carrying iron ore to export terminals. On the passenger side, the Gautrain between Johannesburg and Pretoria shows how modern rail can work in African cities.
2. Sudan
Sudan’s 7,251 kilometers of track link Khartoum to the Red Sea port of Sudan. Despite years of political and economic setbacks, the network remains central for trade and humanitarian supplies. Modernization efforts, backed by international partners, are seeking to strengthen its role as a gateway between North and East Africa.
3. Egypt
Egypt, home to Africa’s oldest railways, runs more than 5,000 kilometers of track. High-speed projects, including the Cairo–Alexandria line, and a deal with Siemens for electrified trains are reshaping its network. Rail is increasingly vital for tourism and easing urban congestion.
4. Mozambique
Mozambique’s 4,787 kilometers support coal exports from inland mines to ports such as Beira and Maputo. Lines rebuilt after years of civil conflict now serve as key export corridors and connect farmers in rural areas to markets.
5. Tanzania
Tanzania’s 4,097 kilometers include the Cold War-era TAZARA line to Zambia. Its new Standard Gauge Railway is one of East Africa’s largest projects and is expected to lower transport costs and boost regional trade once complete.
6. Algeria
Algeria’s 4,020 kilometers reflect years of state-backed investment. The country is upgrading passenger services between Algiers, Oran, and Constantine and exploring cross-border connections with its neighbors to strengthen North African trade.
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo
The DRC operates just over 4,000 kilometers, much of it serving copper and cobalt mines in Katanga. Maintenance is a challenge, but with global demand for battery minerals growing, the government is prioritizing rail upgrades.
8. Kenya
Kenya’s 3,819 kilometers include the high-profile Standard Gauge Railway linking Mombasa and Nairobi. The SGR has reduced freight costs and travel time, with plans to extend the line toward Uganda.
9. Nigeria
Nigeria’s 3,798 kilometers have seen major upgrades, including the Abuja–Kaduna and Lagos–Ibadan lines. The system is expanding northward, easing road congestion and supporting industry.
10. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s 3,427 kilometers connect Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare. Rail moves coal, minerals, and farm produce while linking with Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia. Despite a tough economy, the system remains vital for trade.
