Composite railway sleepers encompass a diverse range of material systems, including polymer‐based composites manufactured from virgin and recycled polymers, as well as hybrid formulations tailored for structural and environmental performance. They withstand deterioration, insect infestations, and humidity, resulting in enhanced durability and prolonged lifespan. Longer replacement intervals, lower maintenance requirements, and reduced life‐cycle costs are all outcomes of these attributes. In addition to offering excellent strength and damping, composites allow for circular end‐of‐life reuse. According to life‐cycle assessments, plastic sleepers can reduce emissions compared to wood, and as recycling and carbon prices increase, they can become more affordable. This review synthesizes recent (2018–2025, with projections to 2026) global advances in composite sleeper technology. We compile innovations in materials (fiber‐reinforced plastics, rubber blends, and biodegradable formulations). We integrate findings on track performance, durability testing, and emerging standards, illustrating how composite sleepers are entering service in sustainable rail programs. Recent developments include bamboo‐based composites for enhanced bending resistance and recycled formulations from Biatec Group (2023), with global market growth projected at an 8%‐9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to USD 2.5 billion by 2033. Despite these developments, a significant gap persists in West Africa: regional policy frameworks do not address the deployment of composite sleepers, and no published studies assess them in tropical environments. As evidenced by Ghana’s first concrete sleeper plant inauguration (in 2017) and JICA safety studies, infrastructure deficits persist amid timber dominance. The social and economic advantages of rail are noted by African governments, but so is the fact that there is a significant financial and infrastructure deficit on the continent. There is an urgent need for research and policy in West Africa, as seen by the lack of standards or pilot programs for composite sleepers. This review lays the groundwork for future studies and policy creation in tropical and Sub‐Saharan railway contexts by highlighting sustainable, scalable track solutions. Engineers and legislators look for long‐lasting, environmentally sustainable sleeper solutions to update African rail networks and promote economic growth.
Quansah et al. (2026) studied this question.