China and the United States are both seeking to expand their influence in Africa, with railway construction as a key strategy.

China has been investing in African infrastructure for two decades, while the United States is now trying to catch up45. This competition focuses on securing access to Africa’s vast mineral resources and enhancing trade routes63.

China’s Railway Initiatives
China has been a dominant player in African infrastructure development, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)5. This initiative involves funding and constructing railways, highways, ports, and power dams across the continent5.

Examples of railway projects with Chinese involvement:

1. Tanzania-Burundi Railway: A consortium of Chinese companies secured a $2.15 billion deal to construct a railway connecting Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port with Burundi’s nickel mines18. This 282km (175 miles) line, built by China Railway Engineering Group and China Railway Engineering Design and Consulting Group Co, is expected to transport 3 million tonnes of ore annually1. The project is financed through a concessional loan from the African Development Bank1.
2. Kano-Kaduna Railway (Nigeria): The China Development Bank (CDB) granted a $254.76 million loan for the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria2. This 203.8km standard-gauge railway, constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, will link Kano to Abuja and connect with the Lagos-Ibadan and Kano-Maradi lines2. The Nigerian government has invested $917 million in the $1.2 billion project, expected to open by the end of 20252.
3. Tazara Railway (Tanzania-Zambia): China has pledged $1 billion to rehabilitate the Tanzania-Zambia railway, also known as the Tazara line5.

U.S. Railway Initiatives
The United States is increasing its focus on African infrastructure, primarily through the Lobito Corridor project5. This initiative aims to establish trade routes and counter China’s influence in the region4.

Key aspects of the Lobito Corridor project:

1. Lobito Corridor Railway: The U.S. is investing approximately $1 billion in a railway line that will connect the Copperbelt region in central Africa to a port in Angola on the Atlantic coast4. This project involves upgrading a 1,300 km rail line connecting Angola to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and constructing an additional 800 km of rail line linking Zambia to the network4.
2. Trans-Africa Corridor Extension: The U.S. government plans to extend the Lobito Corridor to the Indian Ocean through Tanzania3. This expansion aims to connect African countries to global markets and promote regional trade and economic growth3.
3. Financial Support: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation has allocated $250 million for upgrades to the Benguela Railway, a crucial part of the Lobito Corridor5. The African Development Bank will help raise $1.6 billion in financing and contribute approximately $500 million4.

Strategic Importance and Competition
The competition between the U.S. and China in African railway development is driven by the strategic importance of the region’s mineral resources61. Sub-Saharan Africa holds an estimated 30% of the world’s proven critical mineral reserves56. The U.S. aims to secure access to these minerals to support its clean energy and renewable energy industries4.

1. Access to Critical Minerals: The Lobito Corridor is designed to serve as a strategic route for sourcing materials from Africa’s Copperbelt region for producing electric vehicles, batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines4.
2. Countering Chinese Influence: The U.S. investment in the Lobito Corridor is an effort to counter China’s dominance in infrastructure investment in Africa4. The U.S. and EU have imposed tariffs on Chinese EV imports due to tensions over the Chinese EV industry’s overcapacity5.
3. Economic Development: The railway projects are intended to enhance trade among African countries and promote sustainable development in resource-rich regions34. Improved transportation networks can reduce the cost of goods traded among African countries, fostering private sector development3.

Potential Benefits for Africa
The rivalry between the U.S. and China could offer Africa more options and encourage better practices in infrastructure development5.

1. Increased Investment: Competition between the two powers is driving increased investment in strategic export-focused railway infrastructure in Africa7.
2. Transcontinental Transport Route: Connecting the Lobito and Tazara railways could create a comprehensive African infrastructure project, establishing a transcontinental transport route5.
3. Economic Integration: These railway projects are set to transform trade in Eastern and Central Africa, boosting economic integration and regional connectivity8.

Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential benefits, there are challenges and considerations associated with these railway projects5.

1. Colonial-Era Business Model: Concerns exist that the railway projects may perpetuate a colonial-era business model, focused on exporting raw materials rather than adding value within Africa3.
2. Repayment Issues: China’s Belt and Road Initiative has faced challenges related to debt repayment, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of these projects5.
3. Geopolitical Considerations: Geopolitical considerations may prevent the interconnection of railway lines, limiting the potential for a unified African railway network7.

Conclusion
The railway competition between China and the U.S. in Africa is reshaping the continent’s infrastructure landscape. While China has established a strong presence through its Belt and Road Initiative, the U.S. is now investing in strategic corridors like the Lobito Corridor to secure access to critical minerals and promote economic development. This rivalry presents both opportunities and challenges for Africa, with the potential for increased investment, improved infrastructure, and enhanced trade. However, it is crucial to address concerns about debt sustainability, the perpetuation of colonial-era business models, and the need for projects that prioritize African interests first and foremost.