Africa rewrites its route: The Cairo to Cape Town highway
An analysis by journalist Kadria Kassem, from Global South Voices, on a continental road reshaping trade, movement, and connection across Africa.
A major shift is underway across Africa. The Cairo to Cape Town Highway, stretching over 10,000 kilometres from Cairo to Cape Town, is the continent’s longest road and a growing symbol of integration. More than a transport link, it is emerging as economic and diplomatic infrastructure connecting regions long separated by distance and inefficiency.
Historically, much of Africa’s infrastructure was designed to move resources outwards rather than connect the continent internally. This route began as a nineteenth-century colonial vision that was never completed and faded after Sudan’s independence. Today, it has been reclaimed and is being developed by African states and institutions such as the African Union.
Linking eleven countries, the highway could eventually reduce travel time across the continent to around five days. Its importance is clear in the context of trade, with intra-African commerce still accounting for only about 15 percent of total trade, far below levels seen in other regions. By improving connectivity, the corridor helps bring markets closer together in practical terms.
Progress is already visible, with Egypt completing its section in 2024 and most of the route now in place. Beyond trade, the highway is also encouraging greater coordination in areas such as customs and border management. In doing so, it is not only moving goods, but also strengthening connections across the continent.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
