The Southern African Railways Association (SARA) is proud to announce its 13th annual International SARA Conference and Exhibition, a premier event in the SADC region. This year’s conference will take place from 20 to 22 August 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Under the leadership of the SARA Board, Secretariat, and newly elected SARA President, Mr. Hishaam Emeran (Group CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa), alongside SARA Vice President Mr. Nixon Dlamini (CEO of Eswatini Railways), SARA continues to drive the transformation of rail transport across Southern Africa. SARA plays a pivotal role in advancing and modernising railways, not only within Southern Africa but across the continent.
This year’s conference, themed “Boosting Continental Trade via Rail: Investments in African Railways for Sustainable Development,” will spotlight the crucial role of railway infrastructure investment in accelerating the SADC region and the African continent’s economic growth and integration.
Keynote addresses will be delivered by SARA President Mr. Hishaam Emeran and South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Hon. Barbara Creecy, setting the stage for pivotal discussions on shaping the future of rail transport.
“SARA is honoured to host this 13th annual conference, an event that unites industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa and the global community. Together, we will explore strategies to elevate rail transportation as a driver of sustainable economic growth on the continent,” said Mr. Babe Botana, SARA Executive Director.
The conference will also feature a high-level panel discussion with SADC Ministers of Transport, including Hon. Barbara Creecy (South Africa), Hon. Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirós Viegas de Abreu (Angola), Hon. Jacob Hara (Malawi), Hon. Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe (Eswatini), and Hon. Frank Tayali (Zambia), focusing on the future of rail in enhancing regional connectivity.
Attendees can look forward to impactful discussions led by Board Chairpersons from SADC Rail Operators in South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia, alongside panels on Rail Infrastructure Investment, featuring key financial institutions such as DBSA, ECIC, IDC, AFREXIM, GGDA, and UK Trade.
Moreover, regional bodies like the African Union, NEPAD, and major rail operators will contribute their expertise through industry-led presentations covering topics such as Integrated Railway Networks, Rolling Stock Manufacturing, Railway Safety and Security, and more. Private sector engagements will include discussions with private railway operators and industry leaders.
“As SARA President, it is both an honour and a privilege to host this landmark conference alongside my Vice President, Mr. Nixon Dlamini. We look forward to engaging in industry-shaping discussions and gaining insights from regional and international rail experts. Investment in rail infrastructure is key to unlocking sustainable development, job creation, and realising the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” stated Mr. Hishaam Emeran, SARA President and PRASA Group CEO.
“The development of key rail corridors such as the Maputo Corridor, Lobito Corridor, and Beira and Nacala Corridors is transforming critical freight routes, enabling the transport of essential raw materials and strategic minerals while unlocking landlocked regions. These initiatives are vital for connecting South Africa to Port Maputo and driving regional integration and economic collaboration,” added Mr. Nixon Dlamini, SARA Vice President and CEO of Eswatini Railways.
