Driving Africa’s Mobility Revolution at Smarter Mobility Africa Summit
Africa’s biggest stage for future transport is set to return in 2025. The Smarter Mobility Africa Summit (SMA) will once again take over Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre from 1–2 October, gathering the brightest thinkers, boldest innovators, and most influential decision-makers to redefine how the continent moves.
Hosted by VUKA Group, the Summit is far more than another industry event. It is designed to be a catalyst for action, setting Africa at the forefront of the global mobility transition. From electric vehicles and charging infrastructure to public transport reform and smart cities, SMA has built a reputation as the one place where conversations spark collaborations and ideas quickly evolve into tangible solutions.
Ben Pullen, Group Director of Mobility at VUKA, captures the spirit of the event: “Smarter Mobility Africa is where ideas turn into action, and action turns into transformation. From start-ups pitching breakthrough solutions to global CEOs committing investment, this Summit is a catalyst for Africa’s mobility revolution.”
Why Africa Matters in the Mobility Transition
Africa is uniquely positioned in the global mobility story. With its rapid urbanisation, youthful population, and growing demand for cleaner, more affordable transport, the continent represents both a challenge and an enormous opportunity. The push for sustainable transport systems here is not just about meeting environmental goals, it’s about shaping inclusive economic growth and improving everyday life for millions.
The Summit reflects this urgency. It provides a platform where government leaders, financiers, and private sector innovators align on strategies to accelerate adoption of low-carbon transport. The aim is to build systems that are scalable, resilient, and tailored to Africa’s diverse landscapes.
What’s New for 2025
SMA 2025 promises a packed agenda with sessions designed to go beyond discussion and into delivery.
Workshops & Training (30 September)
- Introduction to Green Transport led by the University of Johannesburg
- Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Awareness featuring live demonstrations from ChrisnelSA
Main Event (1–2 October)
- Mobility Investment Pitches: Over 20 startups showcase breakthrough ideas to potential investors
- Public Transport Transformation: Exploring fleet electrification, integrated planning, and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)
- NEV & Infrastructure Hub: Tackling charging networks, resilient power grids, and financing strategies
- Women in Mobility: Empowering leadership through networking breakfasts, panel debates, and mentorship opportunities
- Networking Function: A signature evening for deal-making and collaboration
- CEO High-Level Dialogue: Behind closed doors, Africa’s top leaders will set the agenda for transport transformation
Voices That Carry Weight
Over the years, SMA has welcomed an impressive mix of global brands and African innovators. The 2025 edition is no different. Participants will include Nissan, Huawei Digital Power, Spiro, Bolt, Uber, Siemens, Aramex, and other heavyweights, alongside trailblazing local enterprises.
Testimonials from past attendees highlight the event’s impact:
- Huawei: “A fruitful event… a really positive experience and very pleased with the results.”
- Spiro: “The event was well organised… they just kept connecting us to the right people.”
- Nissan: “Driving EVs 2000 km from Cape Town was a major highlight.”
Building Momentum Through Partnerships
One of the Summit’s defining strengths lies in its ability to foster collaboration. International organisations, regional governments, and private investors converge on Sandton with a shared goal: to unlock Africa’s mobility future. This creates fertile ground for partnerships that can drive innovation across borders.
What sets Africa apart is its ability to leapfrog outdated infrastructure. For example, while legacy markets wrestle with phasing out entrenched systems, Africa can adopt cleaner, smarter technologies from the outset. That’s why investment in areas such as electric buses, renewable-powered charging networks, and data-driven traffic management is gaining traction across the continent.
Why You Can’t Miss It
SMA 2025 offers opportunities for every level of engagement:
- Expo Pass – FREE: Explore the exhibition floor, watch live startup pitches, and join networking drinks.
- Delegate Passes: Unlock exclusive access to premium conference sessions and high-level discussions.
- Workshops: Add-on training available from R4,500 (VAT exclusive).
For those serious about shaping Africa’s transport future, this is the place to be.
A Platform for Action
The Smarter Mobility Africa Summit has become the continent’s flagship platform driving collaboration across public and private sectors. By showcasing innovations, accelerating investment, and amplifying voices from across Africa, it is paving the way for a transport system that is inclusive, connected, and sustainable.
The stakes are high, and the momentum is undeniable. Spaces are limited, and Africa’s mobility transformation won’t wait.
A Road Towards a Smarter Future
The journey toward sustainable mobility in Africa is well underway, and SMA 2025 is set to accelerate the pace.
By creating an environment where innovation meets investment, the Summit is helping to ensure that Africa not only participates in the global mobility revolution but helps to lead it.
