To transport products from the interior of Africa to docks, from where they were exported, and to move imported machinery and domestic goods to towns, mines and farms within the continent, the British had to construct a sophisticated transport and communications infrastructure. This collection presents rare and difficult-to-access documents relating to the development of various forms of communication. The first four volumes will concentrate on the continent's railway system, investigating the proposed reasons for building lines, their finance and construction, the rolling stock used, and the operation and economic impact of completed works. The final volume will consider the construction of Africa's road network, river navigation, harbour construction, shipping, and the arrival of aviation and postal, telegraph and telephone services.