“We don’t want charity. We want partners.”
Africa wants to expand its rail network and improve connectivity across the continent. The EU could be a strong partner in this endeavour – on an equal footing and for the long term.
Agostinho Francisco Langa Júnior, Chairman of the Board of Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM), spoke at the African European Industry Dialogue on Railways about the Maputo-Ressano Garcia Railway Corridor. Photo: Messe Berlin
Africa is seven times the size of Europe. However, its rail network currently accounts for only eight to ten per cent of the global rail network, as Mike Salawou, Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development at the African Development Bank, stated at InnoTrans 2026.
The continent needs to develop a standard for interoperability and bring the African Union together to achieve this. So far, the rail sector on the African continent has been highly fragmented and expensive, resulting in high costs for freight transport as well. These are challenges – but also a great many opportunities, according to Salawou.
Large turnout at the African-European Industry Dialogue on Railways
This is precisely why the “African European Industry Dialogue on Railways” at InnoTrans 2026 was so well attended. Africa has set itself the goal of connecting the continent with a dense rail network, and Europe has a strong interest in being part of this.
The German rail industry would like to see a closer partnership with Africa, said Sarah Stark, Chief Executive of the German Rail Industry Association. It has a great deal to offer in this regard: innovative companies capable of developing tailor-made solutions for local conditions.
The EU also used the forum to promote closer cooperation: “We want to work together – Europeans and Africans – and see what investments are needed to close the infrastructure gap,” explained Sergio Oliete Josa, Head of Sustainable Transport and Urban Development in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships.
Built by Africans, compatible with European standards
However, Mesela Nhlapo, Managing Director of the African Railway Industry Association, cautioned that Europeans should understand one thing: “However much Europe may seek a partnership with Africa, it is competing with other countries around the world.”
Africa needs infrastructure that criss-crosses the continent, is built by Africans and is compatible with European standards.
Joint projects are welcome – provided that cooperation takes place in the spirit of partnership: “We don’t want aid. We don’t want support. We want partners,” said Nhlapo. The aim must be for African production capacities to cover the entire railway life cycle in future – from the development of their own solutions right through to their operation.
Dr Frederick Appoh, Chief Executive of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, made a similar call. What Africa needs, he said, are long-term partnerships. The concept of foreign firms arriving with their expertise and machinery, building infrastructure and then simply packing everything up and leaving is outdated.
“How on earth are we supposed to cope with Maintenance in that scenario?” asked Appoh. “We need partners who genuinely work with us.” Partners who listen and are committed to a transfer of knowledge.