AfDB and Germany Partner to Accelerate Railway Modernization in Africa

African Development Bank and Deutsche Bahn have signed a letter of intent to launch a feasibility study for the creation of a railway competence center in Africa, as part of efforts to strengthen transport infrastructure development across the continent.

The agreement was signed with DB Engineering & Consulting, the engineering subsidiary of the German railway group, according to a statement released by the African Development Bank.

The future continental hub aims to strengthen African capabilities in technical training, railway innovation, engineering expertise, and infrastructure maintenance.

According to the AfDB, the initiative seeks to address the shortage of specialized railway skills that continues to slow the development of modern rail networks in Africa, as several countries increase investments in transport connectivity and regional integration.

The project will include a feasibility study to define the center’s operational model, financing needs, and potential academic and industrial partnerships.

As part of the cooperation, an AfDB delegation visited Deutsche Bahn’s railway academy in Germany, described by officials as one of the world’s leading railway training centers.

Officials from both institutions said the future center could help train a new generation of African experts capable of designing, operating, and maintaining modern railway systems across the continent.

Railway development is increasingly viewed as strategic by African governments seeking to reduce logistics costs, boost trade, and support industrialization.

The initiative comes amid growing investment in transport infrastructure across Africa, with increasing support from international partners, including European and Chinese institutions.