South Africa Eyes $34 Billion Bullet Train: Africa’s First High-Speed Rail Could Become Reality

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled plans to introduce the country’s first high-speed rail system. The proposal envisions a bullet train covering about 500 kilometres, which could become the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.

The project, called the Limpopo–Gauteng Speed Train, is designed to connect key cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Polokwane, and Musina, as well as eThekwini. Ramaphosa said, “The Department of Transport is preparing to introduce high-speed rail services linking metropolitan areas.” The initiative aims to reduce travel times, improve regional connectivity, and stimulate economic growth.

Trains are expected to reach top speeds of over 200 km/h, with average speeds between 170–180 km/h depending on terrain and stops. This would reduce the Pretoria–Polokwane journey from several hours by road to roughly 90 minutes. While slower than the world’s fastest bullet trains, it would mark a major improvement for passenger rail travel in Africa.

The proposal also highlights plans for supporting infrastructure, including stations, tracks, and stormwater management along the route. The project could create thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, and operations while easing road congestion and promoting sustainable transport.

Currently, Africa has only one operational high-speed rail line: Morocco’s Al Boraq, linking Tangier and Casablanca. Egypt is building a larger network spanning about 2,000 kilometres to connect its Mediterranean cities, Cairo, and Red Sea ports, with Siemens’ support.

If implemented, Ramaphosa’s plan could transform regional travel, strengthen trade routes, and inspire future infrastructure projects across the continent.