Introduction

In a quest to ease connectivity from south to north, the Cape to Cairo railway system was a vision drawn which remained unfinished to date. Connecting major cities, with a predicted line length of 10,489km, this system was to transform participating African countries, easing trade and communication lines. This vision remains untapped with massive potential but the idea has been brought to life most recently (https://capetocairo.africa/) This report will walk readers tracing the dream route and providing insights on the potential and how this idea has evolved.

  1. Section a: Navigating from Cape to Cairo
  2. Section b: Wrap up
  3. Section c: Plot tracing the route

Section a: Navigating from Cape to Cairo

Connecting 8 African countries, each with a unique and rich biodiversity and lucrative gross domestic margins, this system was to be groundbreaking. Navigating through the destined route was not going to be an easy task, with some parts lacking the much needed infrastructure. The South has been described to have developed its connectivity since time immemorial, and it could have been easy to travel by rail from Cape Town, South Africa to Dar es Salam, Tanzania. Literature has unearthed how countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt have railway networks but which are not linked leading to the disjointment in the quest. It is relieving to find out how Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia are on the trajectory to upgrade their railways to meet international standards

Section b: Wrap up

It is encouraging to note how some countries are making investments towards improving the transportation sector, thereby improving chances of connectivity. Despite disjointed paths which have made the vision not possible to complete, the vision remains strong to ensure that one day, the link is created and sustained. Bold initiatives with young entrepreneurs are being put in place to realise part of this vision.

Section c: Plot tracing the route