Burundi Railway will be part of the rail success story in Africa
During the African Development Bank Transport Forum 2024, which took place in Abidjan, a central theme of conversation was the status of connectivity across the vast African continent. One of the main speakers was Dieudonné DUKUNDANE, who serves as the Minister of Infrastructure, Equipment, and Social Housing for Burundi. He provided a comprehensive overview of the transformative impact that railway systems can have in promoting trade throughout the continent. He also shared insights into Burundi's journey towards developing its railway infrastructure, a project that has received substantial support from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Reflecting on the situation from two years prior, Minister Nsanganiyumwami recalled the efforts Burundi had to make to advocate for and persuade various stakeholders about the necessity of a standard gauge railway (SGR) project. He posed a thought-provoking question, “If someone has a container in Harare, Zimbabwe, and they want this box to be in N’Djamena, Chad, what modes of transport could make this feasible?” He highlighted the limitations of sea and road transport in terms of time, efficiency, and cost, and emphasized that “railway is the only game-changer if we are to go for the continental free trade agreement’s full implementation.”
Fast forward two years, and the Minister's tone was filled with renewed optimism. Burundi is now in the preparatory stages to kickstart its inaugural railway project, a development funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). This marks a significant shift in the country's transport strategy, positioning railways as the backbone of Burundi’s integration into the continental free trade area and bolstering its competitive position in global markets.
Like many other landlocked nations in Africa, Burundi grapples with the high costs associated with transporting goods over extensive distances. “We are located 1,500 kilometres from the seaport. A return trip makes 3,000 kilometres,” the Minister pointed out, highlighting the logistical hurdles of moving a 20-tonne container over such vast distances. This situation underscores the pressing need for a more efficient mode of transport.
Based on evaluations, the implementation of the SGR is projected to result in substantial cost savings. “Once this SGR is in place, we will save nearly $100 for each tonne transported,” he elaborated. For a cargo load of one million tonnes, this equates to an impressive $100 million in annual savings, amounting to $1 billion over a span of ten years. The Minister further noted that countries are currently “burning this money by using non-efficient modes of transport,” underlining the economic necessity for investment in railway infrastructure.
While recognizing the need for immediate solutions, the Minister emphasized the significance of pursuing sustainable, long-term strategies. He contended that the railway sector necessitates continental high-level strategic championship and leadership to drive structural transformation. “A railway can’t just come like that. It requires substantial funding and a massive structural transformation,” he stated. Unlike the road sector, which can readily attract investment from companies selling trucks and fuel, the railway sector demands a different mindset and level of commitment.
Minister Nsanganiyumwami made a plea for “continental high-level strategic championship,” asserting that railway development needs to be led by dedicated individuals across the continent. “Wherever we are seeing some development in the railway, behind there is a man, there is a woman who is a champion,” he stressed. According to him, identifying and empowering such champions is vital to ensuring the successful implementation of railway projects in Africa.
The journey of Burundi's railway development serves as a testament to what can be achieved when there is a clear vision, determination, and support from key partners like the AfDB. The Minister expressed pride in the progress made and announced that groundbreaking for the railway project is expected in the next two to three months. “I am very happy to be back in Abidjan telling the story,” he said, reflecting the optimism that comes with witnessing tangible advancements in infrastructure projects.
Minister Nsanganiyumwami’s narrative at the forum underscored the vital role that railways will play in enhancing Africa’s connectivity and trade. His call for strategic championship and collaboration is a reminder that the journey toward sustainable transport solutions requires vision, commitment, and collective effort. As Burundi moves forward with its railway project, it sets an inspiring example for other African nations to reimagine their transport infrastructure and embrace rail as the game-changer for the continent’s economic integration.
