UIC Africa has launched a prospective study on the strategy for railway development in Africa. The objective of the study is to draw a roadmap for this vital sector, making the railways a key lever for inclusive and sustainable growth while taking into consideration the challenges and major changes brought about by the pandemic.
The ad hoc committee’s first workshop was held on 30 June, moderated by Thierry Béra, UIC CFO and Coordinator of the African region. The committee comprises experts representing various stakeholders including the African Union of Railways, the African Development Bank, the World Bank, donors, African railway networks and UIC experts from the Passenger and High-Speed Department, Operations and the Covid-19 Taskforce.
Louis Napo, UIC Consultant and Said Chandid, Head of the UIC African Regional Bureau in Rabat, presented an assessment of the African environment and dynamics, the impact of Covid-19, and an overview of railway management and development in Africa.
As a next step, the ad hoc committee will collaborate to develop a forward vision for the railways and the key elements of this vision between now and 2063 to determine how the rail sector can contribute effectively to achieving the goals and aspirations set out in Agenda 2063 while taking into account major trends and factors of change, as well as drivers of mobility.
