Transcontinental Railroad

Africa is one of the biggest continent in the world, consisting of many countries all varied in their cultures and economic activities. In order to improve this continent, there should be a transcontinental railroad that runs throughout Africa, transporting people, products, and cultures. A good railroad should avoid problems such as diseases, famine/poverty, natural disasters, and geographical features. I chose to focus on avoiding natural disasters, geographical features, poverty, and conflicts. The railroad should be able to connect many major cities and powerhouses in Africa together, as well as to natural resources of the continent. I am in charge of the southern region of Africa, including countries of Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia,
Gold, natural gas, and oil are three of the resources that bring the most money to the country that possesses it. Having a railway connecting natural resources sites can decrease the transportation cost and lead to more demand. In addition, the railway should connect to major ports, that allow products to be shipped to countries internationally through waterway. By connecting through ports, it can expand the transportation limit from transcontinental to international. The railway can transport goods to these ports, which will be ship through a waterway. Major cities with a large population and/or great economic activities also should make a connection with other cities by a railway. This can create jobs for the people and transport manufactured products. Lastly, growing cities should also be included, since this can further the growth of the city, creating more economic
Connecting to Indian Ocean, as well as many oil fields, having a railroad crossing through the area is beneficial. Although it has the population of less than 1 million people, it is the second-most important manufacturing city in South Africa. The port are able to expand the shipping network to many countries internationally. The city contributed to 20% of the $725.9 billion GDP in South Africa. A railroad can decrease the cost of transportation even more, creating more jobs and improve the economy.
Johannesburg is another country in South Africa, the powerhouse of South Africa. It contain 17% of Africa’s wealth. The population of just little over 1 million, this city excel in manufacturing products, retail, technology, and services. The city also contain a major world bank. With railroad connecting to the city, it can further the growth, as well and spreading the wealth across the continent.
Zambezi River, Limpopo River, and the Orange River are the three major river running across the Southern part of Africa. Zambezi River is the 4th longest river system, running East through 6 countries. Limpopo River is 1,087 miles long, running through 4 countries. Orange River, 1,367 miles long. These three major rivers should be connected with railroad, which can help with shipping of products through