A consistent methodology of activities on all continents in the field of promoting railways, implementing projects and technological solutions, increasing their competitiveness and accessibility, as well as popularizing railways as an effective means of combating global warming – these are the priorities of UIC for the coming years.

rail transport in Africa

On October 21, 2021, at the initiative of the Chairman of the International Union of Railways (UIC) Krzysztof Maminsky, a meeting was held, which was attended by the Vice President of the UIC Mohammed Hlie and the Director General of the UIC François Davenne. The aim of the negotiations was to get acquainted with the railway situation in the African region, as well as expectations and priorities.

This is reported by the railway magazine Railway Supply with reference to Nakolei Pl.

During the meeting, UIC Chairman Krzysztof Maminsky emphasized the importance of a consistent methodology of activities on all continents in the field of promoting railways, implementing projects and technological solutions, increasing its competitiveness and accessibility.

This is a particularly important issue in the context of Africa, where the rail network is small and freight traffic is only 7% of the total volume of freight traffic in the world by rail, while in passenger traffic this share drops to 2%.

Interpipe has shipped locomotive wheels to Mauritania

The railway infrastructure on the African continent is only 7%. Except, most of the infrastructure is in poor technical condition and does not meet the standards required for the efficient operation of railways.

Consequently, the UIC has developed a strategy for the development of rail transport in Africa. The strategy “New Life for African Railways: 2040 Target” is based on three messages that underpin the shared values ​​of the UIC rail community around the world: unity, solidarity and universality. The aim of this strategy is to create a mode of transport that will serve as a tool for regional integration in Africa.

During the meeting, the UIC Chairman also raised environmental issues and recalled that the fight to reduce CO2 emissions and popularize railways as an effective measure to combat global warming will be one of the organization tasks in the coming years.

“Today, more than ever, rail has a key role to play, especially in meeting climate targets, through effective climate change through decarbonization and digitization of transport services. It is worth emphasizing that rail transport is the most environmentally friendly comparing to other public transport – it has more than 3 times less CO2 emissions than road transport and more than 8 times less than air transport, ”said Krzysztof Maminsky, President of the UIC, Chairman of the Board of PKP SA.

Railway news you may have missed:

Škoda wins a contract for the supply of electrical equipment to Tanzania

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit