Did you know that the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) was formalised in 1996, following the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology (PTCM), specifically Article 13.13? This mandated the creation of regional associations for each transport mode.

SARA provides a vital platform for interaction among official regional bodies and stakeholders across different modes of transport. With the sole aim of developing and further supporting the needs of an integrated railway transport system within the SADC region.

Railway Operators you will meet at #SARArail2024

• Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC)
• Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM)
• Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (BBR)
• Botswana Railways (BR)
• Caminhos de Ferro de Benguela (CFB)
• Caminhos de Ferro de Luanda (CFL)
• CFM Moçâmedes Railway (CFM)
• Eswatini Railways (ER)
• National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ)
• Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)
• Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA)
• Transnet Freight Rail (TFR)
• TransNamib Limited
• Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC)
• Nacala Corridor Logistics
• Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL)

What solutions can you provide?

The region’s railway infrastructure stands on the brink of an exciting era of transformation, with extensive modernisation and rehabilitation efforts creating a hotbed for innovation and strategic partnerships. As we usher in advanced technologies, the adoption of digital signalling systems, automated monitoring tools, and upgraded communication tech emerges as essential for catapulting operational efficiency and safety standards into a new age.

In the vibrant African railway sector, the relentless demand for high-quality spare parts presents lucrative opportunities for suppliers and OEMs to provide components that are crucial for seamless maintenance and operations. Simultaneously, addressing inefficiencies in cargo and freight logistics, such as streamlining loading times, refining scheduling, and smoothing intermodal transfers, becomes pivotal for optimising costs and enhancing supply chains, thereby fuelling economic growth.

Moreover, the prevalent aging infrastructure spells out a strong market for refurbishment services, offering a prime opportunity for those who can deliver comprehensive solutions that not only refurbish but also improve the performance and safety of locomotives and wagons. This includes implementing better level crossing systems, theft prevention technologies, and sophisticated emergency response strategies to bolster rail network security and avert accidents and derailments.

Yet, the leap to such heights of operational excellence and sustainable practices is not without its challenges. Attracting adequate funding and investment for large-scale rail projects, especially those leveraging public-private partnerships, remains a formidable challenge that demands innovative financial solutions and persuasive business cases.

This complex tapestry of opportunity and need is what makes the upcoming SARA event an unmissable nexus for industry leaders. It’s a chance to showcase cutting-edge solutions, forge critical partnerships, and ignite conversations that will drive the sustainable development of railways across the continent. Join us to be at the forefront of this exciting industry evolution and contribute to a legacy of impactful change.