Proven AfDB-Germany Rail Partnership Accelerates Africa’s Regional Connectivity
Berlin, October 1, 2026.
AfDB and Germany partner on railway to cooperate on developing Africa’s railway systems.
Furthermore, they aim to deepen regional economic integration.
Mike Salawou, Bank Group Director for Infrastructure and Urban Development signed on behalf of the institution during the inaugural African European Industry Dialogue on Railways. Michael Krake, BMZ’s Deputy Director General for Economic Cooperation also signed.
The African European Industry Dialogue on Railways is part of InnoTrans, the International Trade Fair for Transport Technology.
Additionally, it was jointly organized by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Cooperation (GIZ) GmbH, Deutsche Bahn, and the EU Global Gateway initiative.
AfDB and Germany partner on railway to reduce Africa’s transport costs.
Moreover, they aim to improve cross-border interoperability and promote low-carbon transport solutions.
They will promote sustainable transport policies.
Additionally, it will build a robust local labor market in the railway sector through skills transfer and vocational training.
This will create sustainable employment opportunities.
Cooperation between the Bank Group and BMZ will start with a joint feasibility study for an African Rail Competence Center.
Moreover, it will be implemented by GIZ and launch by October 2026, bringing innovation and training to Africa’s railways.
In a keynote address, Director Salawou highlighted Bank-supported investments in the Lobito Corridor.
Additionally, AfDB and Germany partner on railway.
They include the Standard Gauge Railway program in East Africa.
Other projects include the Nacala Corridor, Algeria’s North-South Rail Corridor, and Morocco’s high-speed rail system.
Urban rail projects are in Senegal and Nigeria.
Africa’s rail network currently represents only 8–10% of the world’s total.
However, African Continental Free Trade Area drives demand for freight and passenger movement across a 1.4 billion people market.
The Bank Director also set out five priorities for the sector.
Moreover, these priorities include a continental market driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
They also cover modal-shift reforms, interoperable standards, and financing that crowds in private capital.
The competencies to operate the networks once built are included.
“Building a railway is half the job,” he said.
“Running it is the harder half.”
Deputy Director General Michael Krake emphasized BMZ’s long-standing commitment to supporting Africa’s development. “BMZ is committed to working with our African partners to strengthen regional connectivity and support sustainable economic development. Together with the African Development Bank, we will advance practical cooperation on interoperability, skills development and other priorities that help build a stronger railway sector,” he said.
Additionally, African governments and railway authorities should set a clear vision. They should commission credible feasibility studies. Reform early and give investors regulatory certainty. European industry should offer long-term partnership and local content. It should also transfer skills, not just equipment. Financiers should get involved at the preparation stage. He added that the Bank Group would support them with guarantees. It would also provide blended finance and technical assistance.
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