Regional Coordination Key in Africa's High-Speed Rail Network Project to Revolutionise Intra-African Trade

Railways Africa

Welcome to an engaging Coffee with the Editor with Eng. Eric Ntagengerwa, Acting Head of the Transport and Mobility Division at the Infrastructure and Energy Department, African Union Commission. This interview took place during the Continental Workshop on the Implementation of the Africa Integrated High-Speed Railways Network. Eric takes a moment to share the objectives of the workshop, focusing on the crucial aspects of the project and its potential to boost intra-African trade, which is essential for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement. The Africa Integrated High-Speed Railway Network project, a key part of the AU Agenda 2063, is pivotal to achieving Africa's goal of physical integration and facilitating trade across the continent. The conversation unveils the meticulous coordination required to manage the 13 projects within the High-Speed Railway Network, all aimed at connecting Africa through an integrated corridor approach. Eric emphasises the critical role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and corridor management institutions in this process. We touch on the incorporation of the private sector in these ambitious projects and the significance of forming public-private partnerships. The conversation provides insights into achieving interoperability between different railway line standards and gauges across the continent. An intriguing development discussed in the interview is the revival of the African Union of Railways, and Eric provides the background and future potential of this entity. Finally, the importance of the rail sector in supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement is addressed. As Eric states, rail transport continues to be a priority, potentially replacing road transport in some areas to result in a denser, more efficient network, while also addressing the issue of decarbonisation. Join us in this enlightening conversation and gain a comprehensive understanding of Africa's future in railway development and trade facilitation. Don't forget to subscribe for more updates on Africa's transformative railway initiatives.