The Departmental System of Railway Construction in British West Africa, 1895–1906

The article explains why the Crown Agents, Colonial Office and consulting engineers adopted the departmental system and demonstrates that all the parties involved in constructing the West African railway network from 1895 to 1906 acted in their own self-interest. The final cost of the lines far exceeded initial expectations and receipts were less than expected. Many of the railways were badly built, which greatly increased running costs. (Original abstract - amended)