As reported by BBC News, Joe Biden has been mocked over his supposed plan to build a railway that would connect West Africa to East Africa “across the Indian Ocean.” Many people expressed skepticism and disbelief over the feasibility of such a project. Some even pointed out that the ocean is over 4000 miles wide and that it would be extremely expensive and challenging to build a railway that spans such a distance.
Despite the criticisms, the idea of connecting Africa by rail is not a new proposal. In fact, there have been attempts to build a railway linking various parts of the African continent for more than a century. One notable example is the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, which was built in the 1970s and connects landlocked Zambia to the Indian Ocean.
While there may be challenges to building a railway across the Indian Ocean, it is worth noting that infrastructure development is essential to the economic growth and development of many nations in Africa. The lack of adequate transportation options has been a major impediment to the African continent’s economic integration, and projects like this could help to overcome that obstacle.
In conclusion, while the idea of building a railway across the Indian Ocean may seem far-fetched, it shouldn’t be dismissed outright. The proposal is an example of big thinking that could pave the way for necessary infrastructure development in Africa. By connecting the continent through rail, Africa can foster economic growth and improve the lives of its citizens.
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