SARA LEADERSHIP

Mr. Raymond Shoniwa

SARA Executive Director

Mr. Nixon Dlamini

SARA President
Chief Executive Officer
Eswatini Railways

Mr. Okitanye Gaogane

SARA Vice President
Caretaker General Manager
Botswana Railways

SARA Rail Conference & Exhibition

The SARA Rail Conference & Exhibition is Africa’s only railway event hosted by railway operators from Africa. Organised by the Southern African Railways Association (SARA), the event brings together railway operators, government authorities, suppliers, financiers, logistics providers, and development partners to explore strategies for advancing rail and intermodal transport.

This high-level conference features keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, and focused breakaway sessions addressing critical themes such as corridor development, infrastructure investment, digital transformation, climate resilience, and regional connectivity.

Alongside the conference is a dynamic exhibition showcasing cutting-edge technologies, products, and services across the rail value chain. With over 100 exhibition stands, the event offers opportunities for networking, business development, and knowledge exchange.

The SARA Rail Conference & Exhibition serves as a strategic platform for collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders committed to transforming transport and logistics across the SADC region. It is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the future of rail in Africa.

Vision

To be the leader in the promotion of trade, movement of goods and passengers, social and economic growth in the SADC region and Africa as a whole.

Mission

To facilitate the creation of an environment where the railway industry is a top performer in the transport sector and make rail the mode of choice.

Guiding Principles and Values

SARA through its members strives to jointly provide cost effective seamless services in an ethical business conduct prescribed by the following:

Principles

Accountability, Convergence, Efficiency, Excellence, Interoperability, Innovativeness, Predictability, Timeliness

Values

Ethics, Equity, Honesty, Integrity, Loyalty, Professionalism, Transparency, Safety

Objectives of SARA

As a regional association of railways in the SADC region and some of their associates (customers, suppliers and other interest organisations) whose mission is to promote effective performance of railways, SARA’s mandate intends to achieve the following:

Levelling the playing field between surface transport modes to allow for fair competition
Development of adequate capacity to cater for demand
Improved operational efficiency and effectiveness of regional railways