Railway infrastructure is crucial worldwide, supporting commerce, security, and industrial growth. Railways provide strategic and tactical flexibility, enabling fast military mobilization during conflicts. Efficient rail systems lower transportation costs and promote economic activity, especially in landlocked African countries. Rail transport reduces road congestion, maintenance costs, and is generally more fuel-efficient than road freight.
As African countries pursue industrialization and increase regional integration through projects such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), strong railway networks may become an increasingly crucial basis for economic growth, trade expansion, and strategic resilience. With that said, here are the African countries with the lowest rail coverage in 2026, according to data from Global Firepower.
