Top 10 African countries with the fewest train tracks

Railways are one of the most economical ways to carry large amounts of commodities across vast distances, including within the continent of Africa. While some African countries boast extensive railway coverage, others don’t.

Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the fewest train tracks.
This list is courtesy of Global Firepower.
Several African countries have zero railway coverage.

In nations with inadequate railway coverage, freight is forced to use highways, which are generally in bad shape and inefficient. This raises the cost of running a business, drives up consumer prices, and discourages investors who rely on efficient logistics.

Poor railway connections isolate landlocked African states from seaports, restricting participation in international trade and damaging regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Without trains to transport freight, roads become the default alternative, resulting in abuse, quicker deterioration, and increased maintenance costs.

Heavy vehicles used for commercial transportation increase the wear and tear on road networks, many of which are already underfunded.

Congestion not only lengthens travel times, but it also increases the danger of accidents and reduces the quality of life for regular commuters.

Railways are a crucial driver of industrial expansion. Countries with thriving industrial sectors frequently have extensive railway networks to transport raw materials and finished commodities.

A country with limited railway coverage may struggle to recruit sectors that rely on bulk transit, such as steel, cement, and heavy manufacturing.

Furthermore, rail networks help to improve movement inside and between cities.

Countries with minimal rail coverage miss out on the chance to create commuter and intercity trains that can relieve traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and enhance regional integration.

With that said, here are the top 10 African countries with the smallest total railway coverage as per data from Global Firepower.