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.
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.
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.
Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe also feature among the African countries with the largest railway networks.
Here are the top 10 African countries with the highest total rail coverage in 2026:
- South Africa – 30,400km
- Sudan – 7,251km
- Egypt – 5,085km
- Mozambique – 4,787km
- Tanzania – 4,097km
- Algeria – 4,020km
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – 4,007km
- Kenya – 3,819km
- Nigeria – 3,798km
- Zimbabwe – 3,427km
South Africa ranks eighth globally, while Sudan is the second-highest-ranked African country at 31st worldwide.
Nigeria, with 3,798km of total rail coverage, ranks ninth in Africa and 51st globally.
Vanguard News
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