South Africa has the largest railway network in Africa in 2026, with approximately 30,400 kilometres of rail coverage, according to data from Global Firepower. According to The Vanguard, the country also ranks eighth globally in total rail coverage.
Sudan ranks second in Africa with 7,251km, followed by Egypt with 5,085km. Mozambique and Tanzania complete the continent’s top five, with 4,787km and 4,097km, respectively.
The other countries in the top 10 are Algeria (4,020km), Democratic Republic of Congo (4,007km), Kenya (3,819km), Nigeria (3,798km) and Zimbabwe (3,427km).
Africa’s Top 10 by Total Rail Coverage
1. South Africa — 30,400km
2. Sudan — 7,251km
3. Egypt — 5,085km
4. Mozambique — 4,787km
5. Tanzania — 4,097km
6. Algeria — 4,020km
7. DR Congo — 4,007km
8. Kenya — 3,819km
9. Nigeria — 3,798km
10. Zimbabwe — 3,427km
Nigeria’s 3,798km places it ninth in Africa and 51st globally, highlighting both the scale of its existing railway infrastructure and the opportunity to further expand rail connectivity as the country seeks to improve passenger mobility, freight transportation and regional trade.
