Minister Barbara Creecy to Headline Smarter Mobility Africa Summit
The stage is set for Africa’s most influential smarter mobility event of the year, and this time, it’s bigger and more dynamic than ever before.
The 6th annual Smarter Mobility Africa (SMA) summit, happening from 2-4 October 2024, will not only serve as the launchpad for ground-breaking transport initiatives but also underscore Africa’s bold leap into a greener, more sustainable future. A milestone in itself, this year’s event is headlined by the Honourable Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s Minister of Transport, who is set to officially open the summit.
In line with October’s Transport Month, the SMA summit promises to shape the conversation around mobility innovation, sustainable transport solutions, and the practical actions required to transform how we move people and goods across the continent.
Paving the Way for Africa’s Urban Future
The Smarter Mobility Africa summit will once again bring together the brightest minds and key stakeholders from across the transport and mobility sector. This includes industry leaders, innovators, decision-makers, and visionaries from various fields, all converging to tackle the most pressing challenges of urbanisation and mobility in Africa. With a clear focus on “Embracing the New Urban Era Through Smarter Mobility,” this summit will showcase solutions aimed at driving economic growth, creating sustainable jobs, promoting equality, and reducing the carbon footprint across the continent.
But it’s not just about ideas and dialogue; this summit is designed to spur tangible action. As Minister Creecy steps to the podium, she will deliver an address that outlines the South African government’s long-term vision for transforming the nation’s transport infrastructure, highlighting policy shifts, investments, and collaboration opportunities to create a more resilient transport ecosystem.
A Focus on Green Fleets and Public Transport
The 2024 Smarter Mobility Africa summit comes at a critical time when cities across the continent are grappling with expanding urban populations, rising congestion, and environmental concerns. At the forefront of the agenda will be discussions on the development and implementation of green fleet solutions, with a dedicated Green Fleets Stage designed as a ‘How-To Guide’ for fleet managers eager to embrace electrification. The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum globally, and Africa is no exception. The summit will demonstrate practical pathways for electrifying vehicle fleets, aiming to support governments and businesses in meeting their climate goals while reducing operational costs in the long run.
Alongside this, the Expanding Public Transport Stage, sponsored by VISA, will offer strategies for improving public transportation systems, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and efficiency. Public transport plays a pivotal role in addressing urban mobility challenges, and this stage will explore innovations in bus and rail networks, aiming to make public transit systems more attractive and reliable for commuters.
Africa’s Journey Towards High-Speed Connectivity
Rail transport continues to be a cornerstone in Africa’s mobility strategy, and the SMA summit will highlight its importance through the Rail Stage, sponsored by the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium. Rail remains a game-changer for urban mobility, particularly in high-density areas where road congestion is stifling economic growth and air quality. Railways offer a sustainable and scalable solution, and the summit will delve into discussions around expanding rail networks, introducing high-speed rail systems, and modernising infrastructure to meet the demands of Africa’s growing cities.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore the transformative role rail will play in the future of mobility in Africa. Moreover, the Gibela Rail Manufacturing Plant Site Visit promises a behind-the-scenes look at the advanced manufacturing processes driving this revolution, underscoring Africa’s capacity to produce world-class transport solutions.
An Opportunity Worth Billions
One of the most highly anticipated segments of the summit is the Mobility Investment Project Pitches. Set to feature over 35 projects from 18 countries, this session will highlight opportunities worth over $1 billion in potential investments. With Africa’s rapidly growing urban populations and infrastructure demands, the potential for growth and development in the transport sector is immense.
Among the standout projects are those originating from Gauteng Province, where officials will unveil the latest Gauteng Mobility Investment Projects, offering insights into the province’s strategy for future-proofing its transport systems. Investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs will not want to miss this opportunity to engage with some of the continent’s most forward-thinking mobility projects.
Empowering Women in Mobility
Inclusivity is another major theme at this year’s SMA summit, with a dedicated session for Women in Mobility, sponsored by inDrive. This initiative recognises the need for greater gender diversity in the transport and mobility sectors, providing a platform for female professionals to network, share insights, and drive meaningful change.
As women continue to take on more prominent roles in traditionally male-dominated industries, events like these are essential for breaking down barriers and encouraging a more inclusive workforce.
Technical Workshops and Training
For those looking to deepen their expertise, the summit will offer a series of Technical Workshops and Training sessions on key topics such as electric vehicles, fleet management, and building trust in the mobility sector.
These expert-led sessions will provide attendees with practical skills and insights to take back to their organisations, ensuring that the knowledge gained at SMA summit translates into actionable strategies for improving mobility across Africa.
A Gala Dinner to Celebrate Africa’s Mobility Champions
The SMA Summit Gala Dinner, taking place on 2 October, will provide a celebratory end to the first day of the summit, offering attendees the chance to unwind, network, and reflect on the day’s key takeaways.
With industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators all gathered under one roof, the gala promises to be a highlight of the event.
A Bright Future for Africa’s Transport Sector
As the summit draws to a close, one thing will be abundantly clear: Africa is ready to embrace a smarter, more sustainable mobility future. From electric fleets to high-speed rail, the innovations showcased at the SMA summit 2024 are set to revolutionise how people and goods move across the continent.
The collaboration between governments, private companies, and civil society will be key to realising this vision, and the SMA summit will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for this transformation.
With a line-up of influential speakers, industry experts, and policymakers, the SMA summit is more than just an event—it’s a movement toward a brighter, greener, and more connected Africa.
