SARA 2024 Rail Conference and Exhibition Kicks Off in Johannesburg
South Africa Minister of Transport cuts ribbon at the 13th SARA Conference. Image/X@Dotransport
Today marks the beginning of the Southern African Railway Association (SARA) 2024 Rail Conference and Exhibition, an event set to redefine the future of rail transport across Africa. Running from August 20 to 22, the conference has already attracted top industry leaders, government officials, and key stakeholders who are gathering under the theme “Boosting Continental Trade via Rail: Investments in African Railways for the Sustainable Development of the Continent.”
The 13th Annual International Conference and Exhibition for the Southern African Railways Association (SARA), the premier rail event in Africa is being hosted by regional railway operators with the facilitation of Africa Trade and Investment Center. Decision-makers, business owners, captains of industry and investors will exchange knowledge, showcase products and solutions, as well as, explore partnerships that could reshape the continent’s railway landscape.
The conference was inaugurated this morning with a keynote address from South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Honorable Barbara Creecy. Attendees include an impressive lineup of SADC Ministers of Transport, such as those from Angola, Malawi, Eswatini, Zambia, and Namibia. These leaders are expected to share valuable insights on the ongoing and future developments in their respective national railway programs and enhancing intra-African trade and integration.
This conference is expected to leave a lasting impact, providing a roadmap for the future of rail transport in Africa. By fostering collaboration and attracting investment, the event aims to catalyze the development of a robust and sustainable rail network that will drive economic growth across the continent for years to come. With such strong participation and a comprehensive agenda, the future of Africa’s rail industry looks brighter than ever.
Ongoing Discussions and Panels
As the event unfolds, participants are engaging in a series of high-level discussions and panels designed to tackle the most pressing issues in the rail sector. Today’s sessions have already featured:
- Future of Rail in Regional Connectivity: A panel discussion led by SADC Ministers of Transport.
- Strategic Leadership in Rail: A panel discussion by Board Chairs from leading rail companies, including PRASA, Transnet, and Zambia Railways.
- Finance Infrastructure Investment
- Rolling Stock Manufacturing and Supply Chain Development. These discussions will bring together financial experts from institutions like the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), to delve into sustainable funding models and investment strategies for rail infrastructure. Additionally, the spotlight is on opportunities for local manufacturing and supply chain enhancements to support Africa’s expanding rail network.
Exhibition and Networking Events
Alongside these discussions, the conference features an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge rail technologies and innovations. The exhibition will continue to be a hub of activity throughout the conference, providing attendees with the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in rail technology and forge valuable partnerships.Delegates will also gather for the gala dinner, a highlight of the event that will offer further networking opportunities and the chance to celebrate the progress made in the rail sector.
As the SARA 2024 Rail Conference and Exhibition progresses, the focus will shift toward the future of Africa’s railways. The final day will see discussions on integrating rail services with other transport modes, developing human capital, and enhancing safety and customer service standards in the rail industry.
