$878 Million Approved For Possible Trans-Saharan Railway
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$878 Million Approved For Possible Trans-Saharan Railway
By
Megaproject
Rail Freight•August 06, 2026•2 min
Railway
The African Development Bank has approved $878 million of financing for the second phase of the ongoing 495-kilometre Laghouat – Ghardaïa – El Meniaa rail infrastructure project in Algeria. This railway could become part of a Trans-Saharan Railway corridor in the future.
The second phase of the project covers construction of the 230-kilometre section from Ghardaïa to El Meniaa, along with support for institutional development and targeted training for young people and women in occupations related to railways, logistics, tourism and handicrafts.
The line to El Meniaa is intended to improve links between the centre and south of Algeria, supporting agriculture and mining by reducing transport costs and times and fostering economic activity and public works by bringing production centres closer to markets.
It is also envisaged as the first phase of a Trans-Saharan Railway corridor. It would ultimately extend from northern Algeria to Tamanrasset and onwards to Niger, in the direction of west Africa.
In November 2025, the African Development Bank approved a €747 million loan to support the first phase of construction works. Mike Salawou, Director for Infrastructure & Urban Development at AfDB, said the latest financing announced on 14 July is supporting Algeria in “delivering strategic railway infrastructure that will drive economic transformation, territorial connectivity, and regional integration”.
Abdoulkader Dileita, AfDB Country Manager for Algeria, said, “this project reflects Algeria’s policy of economic diversification beyond hydrocarbons by connecting its people, mines and ports to optimise the use of its resources and generate wealth. It is also a major asset for regional integration, reinforcing Algeria’s position as a gateway between Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe.”
This article was originally published by our sister publication Railway Gazette International.