Boosting Railway Value Chain

Railway transport is a very important sector in the socio-economic development of a country as heavy-duty equipment and materials can be easily and safely transported to the seaport and vice versa. A good railway network facilitates transportation and affects the commercial atmosphere of a nation. This perhaps explains the reason for the third Africa Rail Congress ongoing in Yaounde, whose opening ceremony was presided at by the Prime Mnister, Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute, at the behest of the President of the Republic. The congress brings together rail stakeholders, politicians, industry representatives, rail experts, economists, universities and digital ecosystems, to define the future of digital rail for the continent. Participants at the congress are also exchanging ideas on improving, either through renovation or new construction, of the railway network. From a global perspective, the Yaounde come-together seeks to brainstorm and come up with recommendations that will promote rail transport with the objective of responding effectively to current and future challenges relating to mobility and sustainable development. It also focuses on developing and facilitating all forms of international cooperation among members, while encouraging interoperability. Reflections are also oriented in supporting members in their efforts to develop new business and areas of activity, while also proposing new ways to improve the technical and environmental performance of rail transport, increase competitiveness and reduce costs.
In Cameroon, there is the National Railway Master Plan which is expected to significantly impact socio-economic development, particularly benefiting populations and young people. Over 60,000 direct and indirect job...