Two bold railway projects could transform Africa's cross-border trade routes

Two major railway projects are taking shape in Africa to boost cross-border trade and economic ties. In West Africa, Nigeria is pushing ahead with the Kano-Maradi line to link northern Nigeria with Niger Republic. Meanwhile, in East Africa, Uganda plans a new railway connection to Tanzania's port of Dar es Salaam, aiming to cut transport costs and reduce reliance on Kenya's Mombasa port.

Nigeria's Kano-Maradi railway project will stretch from Kano State through Jigawa and Katsina before reaching Maradi in Niger. The route is designed to strengthen regional trade and improve cross-border infrastructure. If completed, it could also pave the way for future connections with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In East Africa, Uganda's proposed railway will start at the Tanzania-Uganda border, cross southern and southwestern Uganda, and end at Mpondwe on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The line would link directly to Tanzania's port of Dar es Salaam, offering an alternative export route for Uganda's mineral sector. Currently, the country depends heavily on Kenya's Mombasa port, which increases transport costs.

The African Development Bank may fund feasibility studies for the Uganda-Tanzania railway. No official timeline for construction has been announced. Once operational, the railway could deepen trade ties between East African nations and reduce overdependence on a single export corridor.

Both projects aim to reshape regional trade by improving transport links. The Kano-Maradi line would enhance Nigeria's connections with Niger, while Uganda's railway could provide a faster, cheaper route for mineral exports. If successful, these railways may encourage further cross-border infrastructure development in Africa.