The delegation, led by Mike Salawou, Director of the Infrastructure Plus Urban Development Department, held discussions with government bodies linked to transport infrastructure plus digital connectivity. Talks included engagement with DB Engineering & Consulting (DB E&C), the engineering plus consulting arm of Deutsche Bahn, with emphasis on skills development plus STEM-focused training to support rail modernisation across Africa.
A visit to the DB Railway Academy in Potsdam showcased one of the world’s largest railway training centres, offering more than 2 500 courses plus serving 250 000 participants annually since 1995. A Letter of Intent signed between the AfDB and DB E&C establishes a collaboration framework for a feasibility study on an African Rail Competence Centre, envisioned as a continental hub for knowledge, innovation, and skills development.
Different institutional models, including decentralised, cooperative plus centralised options, will be assessed to identify a suitable structure. Salawou described the partnership as a milestone that can build local capacity, strengthen technical skills, plus support efficient rail systems across Africa. Salawou also highlighted lessons from Germany’s multimodal approach, where integration of rail, tram, bus plus cycling supports transit-oriented development, reduces car dependence, plus strengthens sustainable urban growth.
Further discussions took place with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation plus Development (BMZ), with BMZ confirming support for capacity-building initiatives through implementing agency GIZ. Meetings also included the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs plus Energy, plus KfW IPEX-Bank, with a focus on regional economic corridors, SME capacity building for infrastructure delivery, plus critical minerals plus electric vehicle supply chain initiatives.
KfW IPEX-Bank talks explored co-investment opportunities in projects including the Lobito Corridor, the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor Highway, the Uganda–Kenya Standard Gauge Railway, plus Bishoftu International Airport in Ethiopia.
The mission also included a visit to the EUREF Campus in Berlin, with insights into clean energy, smart mobility, plus urban development models.
DB E&C international business Chief Operating Officer Stefan Geisperger said local expertise remains essential for sustainable rail systems, with long-term training programmes positioned as a core delivery focus.
BMZ Deputy Head of Division Daphne Gross-Jansen said the cooperation supports job creation, climate commitments, plus conditions for private sector investment, including progress toward a fully electrified rail network across Africa.
–AfDB/ChannelAfrica–
