The Transgabonais, Gabon’s only railway line, connecting Libreville to Franceville, is about to undergo a major transformation. A modernization and safety program was launched on January 31st in Libreville, under the leadership of the Société d’exploitation du Transgabonais (Setrag), a subsidiary of the Eramet group.
A Massive Investment for a High-Performance Rail Network
This ambitious project is benefiting from financial support from the European Union (EU) and the French Development Agency (AFD), through their Global Gateway program. These institutions have allocated a total of 133.15 billion CFA francs, or 30 million euros (19.67 billion FCFA) for the EU and 173 million euros (113.48 billion FCFA) for the AFD.
Modernization Focused on Several Areas
The modernization work will focus on:
- Replacing 270 km of rails and completing the replacement of wooden sleepers with concrete sleepers.
- Constructing 40 km of bypass tracks to secure unstable areas.
- Installing safety devices such as level crossings, fences, footbridges, and light signals.
- Acquiring new passenger trainsets and renovating the Owendo and Franceville stations.
A Project with Multiple Stakes
This modernization program is part of a drive to strengthen rail transport capacity in Gabon. It will improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the network, while increasing the volume of freight transported. The goal is to increase from 9 million tons of freight per year to 21 million tons by 2029.
A Fruitful Partnership Between Gabon, the EU, and France
This project demonstrates the close cooperation between Gabon, the EU, and France. It falls within the framework of the EU’s Global Gateway program, which aims to develop sustainable and high-quality infrastructure around the world.
The Transgabonais, a Key Player in Gabon’s Economic Development
The Transgabonais is an essential element of the Gabonese economy, ensuring the transport of goods and passengers across the country. Its modernization will strengthen Gabon’s economic development by facilitating trade and improving the mobility of people.
The modernization of the Transgabonais represents an important step for the development of Gabon. Thanks to the financial support of the EU and the AFD, this ambitious project will provide the country with a modern, safe, and efficient rail network, thus contributing to its economic and social development.
