Continental High-Speed Train Network

Aim

The Africa Integrated High-Speed Railway Network Project is designed to connect African capitals, economic and other industrial hubs as well as major tourism locations with appropriate high-speed rail technology and other complementary electricity/power, and ICT broadband infrastructure and services.

Progress to-date

• The vision of the Continental High-Speed Railway Network project within the context of the AU Agenda 2063 has been elaborated;

• A detailed scoping study together with the strategy note has been completed;

• A process has been launched for contracting a firm to conduct the financial and technical, legal and institutional audit of the African Union of Railways, with a view to its revitalisation.

Challenges

• Lack of funds for the detail engineering study;

• Lack of dedicated experts to manage the project under the project implementation unit.

Next Steps

• Undertake resource mobilisation for the next phases of the Continental High-Speed Train Network project;

• Strengthen the project implementation unit within the AU Development Agency;

• Revive the Union of African Railways to oversee and facilitate policy and strategic development of the railway sector in Africa.