10 African countries with the highest total rail coverage in 2026

n n

File image

n

Railway networks remain an important part of Africa’s transport infrastructure, connecting major cities, industrial centres, ports and agricultural regions while supporting trade and economic activity.

n

According to 2026 data from Global Firepower, South Africa has by far the largest total rail coverage on the continent, with more than 30,000 kilometres of railway lines.

n

Sudan ranks second with 7,251km, followed by Egypt with 5,085km. Mozambique and Tanzania complete the top five, with 4,787km and 4,097km respectively.

n

Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe also feature among the African countries with the largest railway networks.

n

Here are the top 10 African countries with the highest total rail coverage in 2026:

n

n
• South Africa – 30,400km
n
• Sudan – 7,251km
n
• Egypt – 5,085km
n
• Mozambique – 4,787km
n
• Tanzania – 4,097km
n
• Algeria – 4,020km
n
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – 4,007km
n
• Kenya – 3,819km
n
• Nigeria – 3,798km
n
• Zimbabwe – 3,427km
n

n

South Africa ranks eighth globally, while Sudan is the second-highest-ranked African country at 31st worldwide.

n

Nigeria, with 3,798km of total rail coverage, ranks ninth in Africa and 51st globally.

n n