Transport Evolution Africa Shaping Infrastructure Growth
As Africa’s population hurtles towards doubling by 2050, the continent’s transport infrastructure faces an urgent need for expansion and modernisation. According to the African Transport Industry Insights 2025 report by Moore Africa Advisory, Africa’s transport sector is poised to grow at an impressive compounded annual rate of 6-8% from 2025 to 2040.
Achieving this ambitious growth hinges on securing approximately $150 billion in annual infrastructure investments.
South Africa alone is taking bold steps, with plans to inject over R940 billion into infrastructure projects between 2025 and 2028. This ambitious financial commitment includes R375 billion from state-owned enterprises, bolstered by an additional R100 billion from international and local investors.
Such investments underscore the strategic importance of robust infrastructure in enabling economic growth and development.
Fuelling Growth through Cross-Border Trade
The African transport sector serves as a lifeline for the continent’s trade and economic vitality, set to experience significant growth due to escalating cross-border trade. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) predicts a massive surge in intra-African commerce, pushing demand for efficient transport networks to unprecedented levels. By enhancing connectivity between ports, railways, roads, and aviation, the transport sector will play a pivotal role in propelling the continent’s economies forward.
Jeff Blackbeard, Moore Global’s Director of Sectors, highlights: “The transport sector is on the verge of significant expansion, driven by digital innovation, climate-conscious infrastructure, and strengthened public-private partnerships. Addressing regulatory reforms, embracing new technologies, and overcoming operational hurdles are critical to capitalising on this growth.”
Uniting Transport and Construction
The upcoming 12th Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo, co-located with Big 5 Construct South Africa and the newly established South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, offers a unique convergence of expertise. Scheduled to host over 5,000 industry professionals, the event represents Africa’s largest gathering of stakeholders from transport, logistics, construction, and infrastructure sectors.
Anthony Low, organiser of the event, emphasises the significance of integrated sectoral discussions: “This gathering is vital for enhancing the efficiency of rail, port, and road systems, significantly improving the flow of goods and services across Africa. It’s about driving tangible progress through collaboration and strategic investment.”
Cross-border Integration & ESG Investment
Key topics at the strategic conference this year include facilitating cross-border integration and optimising trade acceleration, addressing critical investment strategies for ports, railways, roads, and aviation through meaningful public-private partnerships. Further, discussions will spotlight climate resilience, sustainable green infrastructure, and emerging technological innovations transforming logistics and supply chains.
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment considerations, particularly climate resilience, underpin these strategies. Adapting to climate challenges by integrating sustainability and digital solutions, such as intelligent traffic management systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, is no longer optional—it is imperative for future-proofing African transport.
Private Sector Engagement & Regulatory Reform
South Africa’s recent policy shifts, which include enabling private operators to access freight rail networks previously monopolised by Transnet, highlight a transformative trend. These regulatory reforms aim to revitalise the logistics sector, reduce inefficiencies, and attract private-sector expertise and investment.
Josh Low, Vice President South Africa for dmg events, emphasises these moves, stating: “With substantial private sector involvement, we’re seeing rapid improvements in freight rail efficiency and port operations. These developments mark a critical turning point, creating opportunities to unlock Africa’s full economic potential.”
Powering Investment and Development
Transport Evolution Africa’s SEZ Lounge will spotlight Special Economic Zones, key to developing Africa’s transport infrastructure.
With over 300 SEZs in 38 countries, this segment provides a platform for stakeholders, governments, financiers, and private-sector players to explore investment opportunities, strengthen networks, and advance logistics infrastructure developments.
Exclusive Insights for Decision Makers
The event’s Transport CEO Forum offers an exclusive roundtable discussion, gathering industry leaders to address pressing issues such as labour development, operational efficiency, emerging technologies, international competitiveness, and stringent environmental standards.
Conducted in an intimate setting, the forum serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and strategic decisions among transport’s top decision-makers.
The Transport Evolution Africa Awards
Highlighting industry achievements, the prestigious Transport Evolution Africa Awards celebrate outstanding contributions by industry leaders and innovators. Categories include Leadership Excellence in Transport and Logistics, ESG commitments, and recognitions for advancements in port and rail efficiency.
The awards underscore excellence and innovation within Africa’s dynamic transport and logistics sector.
Uniting Sectors for a Sustainable Future
Ultimately, the combined strength of this event lies in its comprehensive approach, seamlessly integrating transport with broader infrastructure and construction developments. By providing the ideal environment for networking, knowledge exchange, and showcasing ground-breaking projects, the 12th Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo is where the blueprint for Africa’s transport future is being drawn.
As Anthony Low, Managing Director of Highways Today, aptly puts it: “Africa’s transport and logistics sector is on a remarkable trajectory, fuelled by visionary investments, innovation, and collaboration. The opportunities are immense, and this forum is an essential gathering that will shape not only the transport industry but Africa’s broader development agenda.”
