Railways remain one of the strongest indicators of a country’s transport infrastructure and economic development.
While roads and airports continue to dominate passenger travel across much of Africa, rail networks are becoming increasingly important for moving freight, reducing logistics costs, and supporting regional trade.
As governments invest in modern transport systems, several African nations continue to stand out for the size of their railway networks.
According to the 2026 Global Firepower railway coverage rankings, South Africa remains the continent’s clear leader, while countries such as Sudan, Egypt, and Mozambique maintain extensive rail infrastructure built over decades.
In this article, Tribune Online looked into the African countries with the highest rail coverage and provides valuable insight into where rail transport continues to play a strategic role in economic growth and industrial development.
Top 10 African Countries with the Highest Rail Coverage
South Africa: 30,400 km (Global Rank: 8)
South Africa possesses by far the largest railway network in Africa, covering an impressive 30,400 kilometres. Its extensive rail system supports both passenger services and one of the world’s busiest freight operations, transporting minerals, agricultural products, and manufactured goods across the country and to neighbouring states.
Sudan: 7,251 km (Global Rank: 31)
Sudan ranks second on the continent with 7,251 kilometres of railway. Although parts of its network require rehabilitation, the country’s rail infrastructure remains among Africa’s most extensive, connecting key inland regions with major trade corridors.
Egypt: 5,085 km (Global Rank: 38)
Egypt’s railway system is one of the oldest in Africa and continues to serve millions of passengers every year. Ongoing investments in electrification, modern rolling stock, and high-speed rail projects are helping modernise the country’s transport network.
Mozambique: 4,787 km (Global Rank: 40)
Mozambique’s railway infrastructure plays a vital role in regional trade, linking inland mining areas in Southern Africa with strategically important Indian Ocean ports.
Tanzania: 4,097 km (Global Rank: 44)
Tanzania rounds out Africa’s top five with 4,097 kilometres of railway. Major investments in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project are expected to improve freight movement, strengthen regional connectivity, and support long-term economic development.
Algeria: 4,020 km (Global Rank: 46)
Algeria continues expanding its railway infrastructure to improve domestic transportation and strengthen links between industrial centres, mining regions, and coastal ports.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: 4,007 km (Global Rank: 47)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has more than 4,000 kilometres of railway. While operational challenges remain, the network remains important for transporting minerals and connecting remote regions.
Kenya: 3,819 km (Global Rank: 50)
Kenya’s railway sector has received significant investment in recent years, particularly through the Standard Gauge Railway connecting Mombasa and Nairobi. These improvements continue to enhance freight efficiency and passenger mobility.
Nigeria: 3,798 km (Global Rank: 51)
Nigeria ranks ninth with 3,798 kilometres of railway coverage. Recent projects, including the Abuja–Kaduna and Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge lines, demonstrate ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s rail infrastructure and improve nationwide connectivity.
Zimbabwe: 3,427 km (Global Rank: 56)
Zimbabwe completes the list with 3,427 kilometres of railway. Despite ageing infrastructure, rail transport remains essential for moving minerals, agricultural produce, and industrial goods across the country.
Why rail coverage matters in Africa
Large railway networks improve trade efficiency, reduce transportation costs, ease pressure on road infrastructure, and support economic integration.
Across Africa, governments are increasing investment in rail as part of broader infrastructure development strategies, recognising its importance in facilitating industrialisation and regional commerce.
While countries such as South Africa continue to dominate in total rail coverage, emerging investments in Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria suggest that Africa’s railway landscape will continue to evolve in the years ahead.
As more cross-border rail projects take shape, the ranking of African countries’ highest rail coverage could change significantly, strengthening connectivity and boosting economic opportunities across the continent.