The 12th edition of Transport Evolution Africa concluded its 2025 edition at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, bringing together the public and private transport sectors under one roof to drive connected trade, sustainable logistics and inclusive infrastructure across the continent.

“Transport Evolution Africa continues to serve as the regional anchor for infrastructure cooperation,” said Sandra Barrow, Event Director - dmg events. “This year’s edition built strong momentum for green fuels, smarter border frameworks and inclusive multimodal systems aligned with long-term objectives.”

High-impact turnout, international engagement

This year’s edition welcomed more than 4,000 attendees, including transport authorities, cargo owners, port operators, logistics platforms, SEZ representatives, development financiers and multilateral partners from across 20 countries. The event facilitated focused networking, high-level content sessions and practical learning across transport’s evolving value chain.

International participation from the SADC region, UAE, Ghana, Kenya, and Ethiopia further elevated the platform’s strategic reach and reinforced South Africa’s role as a continental logistics and investment hub. 

Energy transition, green corridors and fuel innovation

As the sector prepares for future-ready mobility, Transport Evolution Africa 2025 highlighted the critical role of new fuels, clean energy and transition policy.

Corrie de Jager, CEO of Hydrox Holdings, introduced a South African breakthrough in hydrogen electrolysis that could lower production costs by over 30% and enable decentralised fuel generation in remote corridors.

“Africa cannot wait for perfect conditions, we’ve proven the hydrogen technology works, we just need to build it at scale,” said de Jager. “We have the wind, we have the solar and now we have the local IP.”

CSIR’s Thomas Roos outlined the IMO’s regulatory roadmap for maritime decarbonisation, noting that port-based shore power and alternative fuels could transform South Africa into a green bunkering hub.

“Shipping’s net zero transition is a springboard for green hydrogen development and our ports can lead the way,” he said.

Road safety, AI-led planning and data-driven logistics

Sessions on transport technology and risk reduction demonstrated the role of AI, historic data and fleet management platforms in shaping safer, cleaner supply chains. Speakers from Zutari, Optix, SeaTrack, CCBSA and Envirosure showcased case studies across mining, retail and FMCG, where predictive tools and compliance tech are already delivering ROI through reduced downtime and claims mitigation.

“For us, the link between efficiency and safety is non-negotiable,” said Clay Colgate, Chief Business Development Officer at Optix. “You can’t scale responsibly without knowing what the data is telling you.”

Inclusive transport, SEZ integration and corridor planning

A major theme across sessions was the need to design transport systems that are both commercially viable and socially inclusive. The Tshwane Automotive SEZ, City of Durban and Zutari shared examples of community-centred planning and multi-use infrastructure.

Vishal Pooran of GIP spoke on bridging historical inequality in public transport access: “We cannot solve exclusion with engineering alone. Equity must be factored into policy, investment and project delivery from the start.”

The session also addressed minibus taxi integration, informal economy enablement, and the case for shared freight-passenger infrastructure in both rural and urban corridors. With more than 90% of Africa’s trade moving by sea, maritime sessions explored fuel-switch readiness, port competitiveness and regulatory reform.

Bruggeman International’s Edwin Bruggeman presented shore power case studies from Miami and Rotterdam and outlined how port-side electrification could improve air quality, noise control and carbon compliance in Durban, Cape Town and Ngqura. “It’s not just about emissions, it’s about people. Shore power makes ports cleaner, safer and better neighbours to the communities around them,” he said. 

The Transport Evolution Africa CEO Forum, a highlight for attendees, convened 30 leading CEOs representing African ports, rail, and road authorities for a dynamic two-day event focused on fostering collaboration and innovation across the continent’s transport and logistics sectors. Through keynote addresses, in-depth discussions on technology, security, regulatory challenges, and infrastructure investment, as well as interactive networking sessions and a VIP exhibition tour, participants developed actionable strategies to drive integrated, multi-modal growth. The forum concluded with a collaborative action planning session and celebrated outstanding leadership at the Transport Awards Dinner, reinforcing a shared commitment to Africa’s transport future.

Celebrating Excellence at the TEA Awards 2025:

The Transport Evolution Africa Awards recognised outstanding contributions to infrastructure innovation, sustainability, and industry advancement. Winners were announced at a gala ceremony hosted at Gallagher Convention Centre.

“This year’s winners reflect Africa’s growing capacity to lead, adapt and design its own transport future,” said Josh Low. “From hydrogen to road safety to regulatory frameworks, these projects show what’s possible.”