• The Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG) expects to deliver the first railway stations by end-2026.

• The project includes a 650-km rail network linked to mineral ports in Forécariah to support Simandou iron ore exports.

• Passenger services will launch only after station completion, despite trains and wagons already being available.

Guinea is accelerating the rollout of passenger and freight rail services under the Simandou project, as construction begins on the first railway stations. Barry Mamoudou Nagnalen, Chairman of the Board of the Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), said authorities expect delivery of these stations by the end of 2026.

He stated that contractual commitments grant CTG a maximum period of two years to make passenger and freight stations operational. However, he added that the timeline could move faster. “The trains and the wagons, distinct for passengers and goods, are already available. Some are already in use, but the service will only open to the general public after the completion of the stations,” he explained.

Authorities plan to build a total of 10 stations across various prefectures in the country. They will dedicate some stations to passenger transport and others to freight operations. The project aims to shift traffic progressively from road to rail while structuring a multimodal transport system.

The TransGuinean project represents a cornerstone of Guinea’s economic strategy. It includes the construction of a railway network spanning nearly 650 km, with connections to mineral ports located in Forécariah. The infrastructure primarily aims to facilitate exports from the Simandou iron ore deposit, whose operational phase officially started in November 2025. Project developers have already completed several sections of the network.

In October 2025, authorities and project partners unveiled the first locomotives designated for the line’s operations. According to a recent TransGuinean note, the network should support up to two daily round trips for passenger services, thereby improving domestic mobility.

Despite this progress, the project continues to face several challenges. Stakeholders must coordinate effectively across multiple actors. They must also finalize supporting infrastructure, including technical components and road access. In addition, operators must address issues related to equipment maintenance and workforce training.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum