THE African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced the signing of a letter of intent with German Rail (DB) subsidiary DB Engineering & Consulting (DB E&C). This will establish the framework for the partners to work together on examining the feasibility of creating an African Rail Competence Centre.

AfDB says that the proposed centre will serve as a hub for knowledge, innovation and skills development in railway systems, supporting the modernisation and expansion of rail infrastructure in Africa. Studies will include exploring options for the organisational structure of the new body, including decentralised, cooperative, and centralised models, to identify the most suitable option for its work across the continent.

An AfDB delegation led by director of infrastructure and urban development, Mike Salawou, met with Berlin-based DB E&C during a visit to Germany last year. Discussions were held on supporting the modernisation of the rail sector across Africa through skills development and training. The delegation also visited the DB Railway Academy in Potsdam.

Further discussions were held with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which confirmed its support for capacity-building initiatives through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), as well as the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV).

The AfDB delegation also met with KfW IPEX-Bank, exploring opportunities for strengthening cooperation and co-investment in major infrastructure projects in Africa. AfDB reports that discussions focused on cross-border and national projects including the Lobito Corridor and the construction of new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) lines to connect Uganda and Kenya.

“By leveraging DB’s expertise and experience, we are laying the foundation for a centre that will build local capacity, enhance technical skills, and support sustainable and efficient rail systems across the continent,” says Salawou.

“Together with the African Development Bank, we are ready to create long-term, collaborative training programmes that empower local professionals with the technical know-how needed to design, operate and maintain modern rail infrastructure,” says Stefan Geisperger, chief operating officer (COO), international business, at DB E&C.

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