Timeline of African Union of Railways

The Timeline of the African Union of Railways presents a chronological overview of major milestones and initiatives undertaken by the African Union of Railways (AUR) a specialized body of the African Union tasked with promoting railway integration across the continent railways. The timeline highlights early efforts such as the proposal for the Dakar–Port Sudan Railway in the 2010 segment, and key network expansion plans from 2007 outlining routes connecting Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It also documents strategic steps toward gauge standardization and digital transformation, including advocacy for triple-gauge tracks and the 2019 UIC African Rail Digital Summit, which advanced continental rail policy and interoperability.

This timeline is part of broader efforts to implement the African Integrated High‑Speed Railway Network, an Agenda 2063 flagship project aiming to interconnect African capitals and economic hubs by 2033 and beyond. It aligns with infrastructure initiatives driven by AUDA‑NEPAD, regional trade goals like the AfCFTA, and the AU’s long-term vision of a unified, efficient rail network supporting economic integration and development.

New lines in East Africa

2010

• Dakar-Port Sudan Railway

2007

According to Railway Gazette International of November 2007, East Africa (TZ, KE, ET and UG) are proposing lines aplenty.^[1]

• Kasese, Uganda to Kisangani, DRCongo
• Gulu to Nimule and Juba in Sudan
• Pakwach, Uganda to Juba and Wau in Sudan
• Garissa, Kenya to Addis Abeba in Ethiopia
• Lamu to Garissa and Juba again
• Masaka, Uganda to Biharamulo, Tanzania

Another seven (eight?) routes include:

• Mbamba Bay on Lake Nyasa to Ligunga via Mchuchuma coal mines.
• Ligunga to Mlimba
• Dar-es-Salaam to port of Mtwara
• Tunduma on TZ-ZM border via Sumbawanga and Mpanda to Kigoma
• Uvinza to Bujumbura, in Burundi
• Bagamoyo to Kidomole
• Isaka Dry Port to Kigali in Rwanda

Gauge unification

Triple gauge for the three main gauges in Africa are a practible solution for mixed gauge tracks.

1000 mm and 1067 mm gauges can be combined as a 4 rail dual gauge with bonus 1435 mm gauge

Triple gauge supports the three main gauges in Africa:
Red: 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in),
Green: 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) and
Blue: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in).
The wide separation or the outer pairs of rails (435 mm and 368 mm) provides space for railclips and suits turnout construction.

Narrow 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) gauge and Metre 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) gauge are too similar (67mm) to allow third rail dual gauge. Four rails must be used, which creates a third gauge, which may as well be 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) gauge.

See also

• Union of African Railways