Integrating African Railways

Luyanda Makapela (BuaNews)-Africa must take its rightful place in the international trade sector by investing on integrated rail systems which will boost socio-economic development on the continent.

Addressing delegates at the African Union (AU) Rail Conference on Tuesday, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said there was great need of integration between rail operators in order to provide a framework of joint delivery of a cost-effective and predictable African rail transport service.

“Our access to local and international economies heavily relies on the ability of the rail system ... therefore, our railways must always provide companies with the ability to compete globally irrespective of changes in the commodities under trade,” Mr Radebe said.

The two-day conference, themed: “Interconnection, Interoperability and Complimentarily of African Railway Networks”, seeks to come up with strategies on how to achieve a more efficient railway system for developing the African continent.

Minister Radebe said the conference would serve as a platform for developing solutions to challenges identified by African Ministers of Transport responsible for railways with the aim to facilitate integration, development and promotion of intra-Africa trade.

Some of the challenges included eliminating missing rail infrastructure links and developing policies and instruments to bring private sector participation in the railways.

Union of African Railways and the International Union of African Railways have recently begun developing the African Railway Master plan.

“In my view, this plan needs to deal with the current debate [on the current AU Rail Conference] ... in order to maximise the integration of railway systems in Africa.

“It must also define and identify rail corridors that would constitute the Pan-African Railway Network to facilitate trade and economic integration in the continent,” the minister said.

Among other developments, Mr Radebe said talks with Lesotho have already started with the long-term goal to establish a railway line linking Lesotho with the port of Durban and Port Elizabeth.

“These projects are a clear indication that we have made a good start ... but our fundamental goals for rail in Africa must support economic integration and meet the basic needs of our people,” he said.

AU commissioner for the Infrastructure and Energy Dr Bernard Zoba said South Africa had the largest and longest network in railway matters which will enhance African development.

“We need to come together and put a railway infrastructure as it is important not only for transporting people, but for global socio-economic growth and sustainable development,” Dr Zoba said.

In April 2006, the first AU Conference of Transport Ministers was held in Congo with the aim of finding a more efficient railway system for developing the African continent.

The meeting also aimed to define and adopt a shared vision of railway transport development in Africa and elaborate appropriate strategies.

Strategies for railway development and the role of various stakeholders in implementing railway development strategies were also discussed.

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