Corporate Council on Africa: Why rail line remains essential to the future of Africa

The port of Djibouti plays a critical role in Ethiopia's maritime trade, handling close to 95% of the country's shipments, with 25% being transported from Addis Ababa via rail. However, the state of the railway connecting Djibouti and Addis Ababa has deteriorated over the years, affecting Ethiopia's port access. Stephen Hayes, former president of the Corporate Council on Africa, emphasized the historical significance of this rail linkage for Addis Ababa. He pointed out that many countries overlook the importance of investing in maintenance when constructing infrastructure projects, which can lead to vulnerabilities like the current state of the Addis-Djibouti rail link. Hayes highlighted the vulnerability of the port of Djibouti, especially for landlocked Ethiopia, making it crucial to prioritize maintenance and explore alternative routes to ensure the continuity of trade. Despite challenges, Hayes emphasized the economic benefits of the rail link for Ethiopia's growth and the necessity of considering long-term investments in infrastructure. He underscored the importance of diversifying investments to mitigate risks and stressed the essential role of railways in promoting intra-Africa trade. Hayes advocated for an all-Africa rail link as a crucial step towards enhancing trade connectivity and economic development on the continent, acknowledging the challenges of coordination among 54 African countries. While acknowledging the need for improvement, he emphasized the vital role of railways in facilitating trade and urged collective efforts to realize the vision of an integrated rail network across Africa. Africa's economic growth and development are intrinsically linked to the efficiency and connectivity of its transportation infrastructure. The current challenges faced by the Addis-Djibouti rail link underscore the critical importance of strategic maintenance planning for sustainable trade operations. Stephen Hayes' insights shed light on the broader issue of infrastructure investment in Africa and the imperative of long-term thinking in infrastructure development. The key theme highlighted in the interview is the crucial role of rail lines in supporting economic growth and trade connectivity in Africa. By examining the specific case of the Addis-Djibouti rail link, Hayes brings attention to the need for proactive maintenance strategies and the exploration of alternative routes to safeguard trade operations. The push for an all-Africa rail network reflects a broader vision for enhanced intra-Africa trade and economic integration, calling for collaboration and coordination among African nations to realize this ambitious goal.