Africa and Germany Launch Partnership to Modernize Continental Rail

Signed during the InnoTrans fair in Berlin, the cooperation focuses on solving the persistent issue of cross-border interoperability. While Africa serves a market of 1.4 billion people, its rail infrastructure accounts for less than 10 percent of global capacity. To bridge this gap, the two organizations will launch a feasibility study for an African Rail Competence Center by October 2026, aimed at cultivating the local expertise required to manage modernized networks.

Mike Salawou, the Bank’s Director for Infrastructure and Urban Development, noted that constructing tracks is only half the battle, emphasizing that long-term operational success depends on regulatory reform and private capital. The initiative builds upon existing Bank-backed projects, including the Lobito Corridor and Morocco’s high-speed rail, while pushing for a shift toward sustainable, low-carbon transport. Michael Krake, representing the German ministry, underscored that the partnership seeks to move beyond simple equipment supply, prioritizing the transfer of technical skills to ensure African authorities can sustain reliable services independently.