African continental free trade area and the African railway renaissance
Soter Gatera of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) articulated a compelling vision for Africa’s railway development at the African Union Commission (AUC), Department of Infrastructure and Energy (IED) Continental Workshop, held from 7th to 10th May 2024 in Dar es Salaam. Gatera emphasised the transformative potential of what he calls an “African Railway Renaissance,” rather than just railway development.
Soter Gatera, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
There is a need to rediscover railways as a primary mode of transport in Africa. From the AUC’s perspective, railways are the transport mode of the future for the continent. Given the burgeoning African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the largest market globally, the strategic importance of railways cannot be overstated. “Not even North America, not even Europe has a market that is as big as the African Continental Free Trade Area. You can imagine the volume of goods and services that will be created in Africa in the context of the AfCFTA,” said Gatera. The sheer volume of goods and services generated within this framework necessitates an efficient and extensive railway network.
Transporting goods and services across Africa involves covering vast distances, such as from Cape Town to Cairo or from Dakar to Djibouti and Mombasa. These journeys, spanning thousands of miles, are impractical for road transport alone. “Imagine a truck driving from Cape Town to Cairo; it might take a month or more,” Gatera noted, underscoring the economic, social and environmental advantages of railway development. Railways can handle significant volumes of freight more efficiently and with fewer emissions compared to road transport. One locomotive pulling cargo and passenger wagons can replace more than 50 trucks, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
The Future of African Railways
The benefits of railways extend beyond logistics. Africa is poised to become a global economic powerhouse, potentially surpassing East Asia. However, this transformation requires immediate action, particularly in developing a seamless connectivity system between African capitals and member states. A modern railway system is pivotal to achieving this goal.
Gatera expressed optimism about the progress being made, citing Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project as a leading example. The SGR, connecting Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, showcases the potential for modern railway systems in Africa. The African Integrated Railway Network (AIRN) is transitioning from vision to reality.
The Role of the Economic Commission for Africa
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has for many years been involved in fostering regional integration. Significant achievements include the creation of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the Port and Harbours Association. Now, with a collaborative effort involving the AUC, African Development Bank and other regional institutions, the goal is to enhance connectivity across Africa. The ECA is focusing on logistics and connectivity, ensuring a coordinated approach to railway development.
Gatera assured participants that the ECA would continue to support these efforts. “Whatever steps you take towards this goal, ECA will be walking beside you every step of the way,” he said. The vision of an interconnected Africa, driven by a modern railway network, is within reach. The African Railway Renaissance is not just a dream; it is a tangible goal that promises to transform the continent’s economic landscape.
