Trans-Gabon Railway Modernisation Gets EUR 203M Boost for Capacity Upgrade

Libreville, Gabon – The crucial Trans-Gabon railway line is set to undergo a significant modernisation, having secured EUR 203 million in funding. This substantial investment, comprising a EUR 173 million sovereign loan from the French Development Agency (AFD) and a EUR 30 million grant from the European Union, was formalised on November 24, 2025, during a high-level ceremony attended by the Presidents of Gabon and France.

Modernisation Programme Set to Transform Vital Gabonese Corridor

The 648 km Trans-Gabon railway, Gabon’s sole rail artery, connecting the capital Libreville to Franceville, is poised for a comprehensive upgrade following the landmark funding agreement. This vital infrastructure underpins national connectivity and economic development, transporting over 300,000 passengers and millions of tonnes of freight annually. The line serves as a critical link between the port of Owendo and the nation’s interior mining and forestry sectors.

Strategic Impact of the Modernisation

Upon completion, the modernisation programme will dramatically enhance the railway’s operational capabilities. The corridor is projected to accommodate an increased transport capacity of up to 16 train paths per day, with eight trains operating in each direction. Beyond capacity expansion, the initiative aims to significantly improve the reliability and safety of passenger services through the modernisation of stations and the development of enhanced services. Furthermore, the project will bolster the security of the railway infrastructure itself by upgrading critical structures and addressing unstable geological areas. A key component also includes strengthening the implementation capabilities and institutional capacity of both the Gabonese State and SETRAG, the national railway company.

This ambitious project directly supports Gabon’s national economic diversification strategy. By facilitating improved access for the mining, timber, and agribusiness sectors, and by enhancing connectivity to previously isolated regions, the Trans-Gabon railway’s upgrade is expected to unlock significant economic potential and foster broader development across the country.

Historical Context and Future Vision

The Trans-Gabon railway modernisation and security programme (PMS) represents the next critical phase in the evolution of this strategic national asset. It builds upon the foundations laid by a previous Upgrading Programme (PRN) initiated in 2016, also with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD). The overarching objectives remain consistent: to guarantee the long-term reliability and security of the entire railway network, augment its capacity and overall performance, elevate the quality of passenger transport, and reinforce the institutional strength of the railway sector. This endeavour also aligns with the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, underscoring a shared commitment to investing in high-quality, sustainable infrastructure projects on a global scale.

Industry Context

For railway operators, infrastructure investors, and technology providers, the Trans-Gabon railway’s substantial modernisation signals a renewed focus on developing and revitalising critical rail infrastructure in emerging markets. The scale of the investment and the comprehensive nature of the planned upgrades—spanning capacity, safety, reliability, and institutional strengthening—offer valuable insights into effective public-private partnership models and the deployment of advanced rail technologies. Companies poised to contribute to such projects should monitor this development closely, as it indicates potential opportunities for supplying rolling stock, signalling systems, track maintenance equipment, and consulting services, particularly in regions prioritizing sustainable transport solutions.