With an African free-trade zone looming, the continent’s states need to co-ordinate their efforts to grow rail links
Africa is on the cusp of launching a free-trade zone that could meaningfully boost economic growth and unlock the continent’s vast potential.
With its strong road, rail and air-transport links, the EU model reflects just how important it is to remove nontariff barriers to trade. According to aIMF, nontariff barriers in Africa are high “and represent a critical obstacle to trade”. The IMF says a reduction in ground transportation costs are “especially critical” to encouraging intraregional trade and making a success of the African Continental Free Trade Area .
Several alternatives to diesel trains are being developed worldwide, including trains powered by hydrogen fuel cells. These fuel cells generate energy by combining hydrogen and oxygen. These technologies will help in the shift towards a zero-emission, energy-efficient and cost-effective future of transportation. Deploying fuel cell and battery technology for rail transportation will usher in a new era for nonelectrified routes.
Today, African freight and passenger transport is heavily reliant on road infrastructure. In SA, the continent’s most advanced economy, nearly 90% of freight is moved by road, for example. That is a staggering proportion, and this overreliance means that our roads need to be constantly repaired while traffic congestion worsens in the face of urbanisation. Worse still, the lack of focus on rail until recently has placed a drag on SA’s exports, and by extension, the economy.
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