Djibouti-Ethiopia rail showcases China's expertise and funding

Djibouti

THE 10.24am train out of Djibouti's capital drew some of the biggest names in the Horn of Africa last month. Serenaded by a chorus of tribal singers, the crush of African leaders, European diplomats and pop icons climbed the stairs of the newly built train station and merrily jostled their way into the pristine, air-conditioned carriages making their inaugural run.

"It is indeed a historic moment, a pride for our nations and peoples," said Hailemariam Desalegn, the prime minister of Ethiopia, shortly before the train - the first electric, transnational railway in Africa - headed toward Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. "This line will change the social and economic landscape of our two countries."