Opening Economies?

An interesting development, which probably will amount to little, is the East African Community's decision to upgrade and expand to a vast multi-national rail network. (A big shift is the conversion to standard gauge, from metre gauge which is common throughout the region. Necessary? On the "probably" side.)

It is most interesting because the economic and social centers of Kenya, Tanzania, and so forth are centralized along colonial railroads; Nairobi proudly admits its origins as a railway station.

If history dictates, an infrastructure upgrade of this sort could stimulate increased regional trade. The original system was built to give the British access to the Nile and to bring goods out of the colonies to the motherland. A regional network could promote growth within the region, as well as providing new infrastructure to greater portions of each country.

I'm skeptical as to whether it ever gets built. Rumour has it the plan is to build across the deserts of northern Kenya — not the most economically viable location. I remain excited all the same.