Africa’s ambitious high-speed rail vision is gaining traction, but a seemingly small technical detail—track gauge—could determine its success. Today, the continent’s railways use multiple gauge systems, a legacy of colonial-era planning that has left networks fragmented and slow, with trains averaging just 35-50 kilometers per hour. To fix this, the African Union is pushing a 50-year master plan centered on standard gauge lines capable of speeds up to 320 kilometers per hour. Several cross-border projects are already underway, including links in East Africa. However, financing, coordination, and old infrastructure remain major hurdles. If successful, the network could cut transport costs by 40% and boost intra-African trade by 35%, potentially transforming regional integration and economic growth.
CNN
