UIC’s activities in Africa are characterised, in particular, by the need to support inter-African trade, with due consideration of landlocked countries. New digital tools offer the potential for leapfrogging and present new opportunities for Africa. In addition, UIC’s partnership with NEPAD – the development agency of the African Union - offers new prospects for the African railways in the future.
Key activities
The UIC Africa region aims to:
- develop professionalism in the railway sector in Africa by promoting joint training, particularly on safety and security;
- define and design standards and technical specifications for African railway networks to ensure real connectivity and interoperability;
- develop the sectorial policy and integrated continental master plan for infrastructure in Africa and update the 2040 vision to take account of digital issues;
- support implementation of an African digital backbone by deploying fibre optic cable on the rail network;
- design and operate an African digital platform to provide facilities for all African rail stakeholders to share and exchange on digital rail initiatives;
- support ongoing digital transformation with a view to scalable implementation.