African states are set to invest billions of pounds in upgrading their rail infrastructure as part of an ambitious bold new vision for the continent.

One major project underway is the African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network (AIHSRN).

Its main objective is to connect Africa’s capital cities and major commercial hubs with an interoperable high-speed railway network to boost continental trade and competition.

Egypt has already started to build its high speed rail network that is estimated to cost a whopping £7billion.

Connecting 60 cities, the high speed rail lines will run for 2,000km (1,243 miles).

Once completed it will be the sixth largest high-speed rail system in the world

The German company Siemens is set to provide 41 Velaro eight car high-speed trains, 94 Desiro high-capacity four car regional train sets and 41 Vectron freight locomotives.

In September the company unveiled its first Velaro high-speed train for Egypt at the InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin.

The eight-car high-speed train is 200 meters long and boasts Business and Standard class compartments, along with a restaurant carriage.

The train is designed for comfort and has a capacity of 481 passengers (479 seats and two wheelchair spaces), on-board internet and power sockets.

It can reach speeds of up to 250km/h (155 mph) and is built to withstand the unique environmental challenges in Egypt.

To cope with high temperatures, sand, and dust, the Velaro Egypt train has been equipped with special features.

Exterior gaps have been sealed using covers or brushes, to minimise the ingress of sand and dust.

Advanced filter systems have also been installed in the air guiding components to maintain clean air.

At the unveiling of the train, the CEO of Siemens Mobility - Michael Peter - said: "The presentation of the first Velaro high-speed train is a significant milestone as we work to deliver sustainable rail travel for the Egyptian people.

"The Velaro is one of the most advanced high-speed trains in the world, incorporating the operational experience of over three billion kilometres."