A Strategic Planning Framework for High-Speed Rail Technology in Southern Africa

The African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network is a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. This project aims to promote connectivity and trade across Africa. The project has two deadlines, in 2033 and 2043, in which all the proposed routes are planned to be completed. Literature suggests that no development has yet been conducted or progress made in support of this project in the Southern African region. In this paper a strategic planning framework is presented to assist Southern African role players with considerations and decisions related to the construction of the Southern African phase of this project. To develop the strategic planning framework, the current state of transport in Africa are investigated. The data collected from literature sets the basis for the study and identifies benefits and challenges of high-speed rail. An analysis is included to determine the viability for the construction of the network, particularly in Southern Africa and interviews are conducted with subject matter experts from the rail industry to narrow down strategies for role players who will be involved in the project. The strategic planning framework ultimately provides insight about railway infrastructure requirements, target passengers, the proposed routes, and roll-out consideration. It also highlights the benefits and challenges related to the Southern African phase of the project and the construction’s viability and potential impact for Southern Africa. Key conclusions from the framework suggest that the project is deemed viable and will support a growing economy in Africa, however the proposed routes should be re-evaluated through further research and that consideration should be given to lowering the proposed speeds for the network and aiming to target a diversified passengers base.