With Africa’s population set to double by 2050 and intra-African trade to surge by an estimated 50% through the AfCFTA, investment in transport infrastructure has become both a strategic and economic opportunity. According to the African Transport Industry Insights 2025 report compiled by Moore Africa Advisory, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6-8% from 2025 to 2040 – a growth dependent on infrastructure investment of $150 billion annually.

Africa’s transport infrastructure is at a turning point. As demand accelerates for connected, resilient and sustainable logistics systems, regional economies are seeking to leverage large-scale transport investments for industrial growth, cross-border trade, and attracting global capital. However, realising these objectives requires an ecosystem approach which integrates private and public sector efforts, embraces policy reform, and embeds innovation throughout the infrastructure value chain.

The scale of opportunity across road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors is significant, and the leading platform for engaging with this opportunity is the 13th Transport Evolution Africa Forum and Expo 2025, taking place from 17-19 June at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Co-located with Big 5 Construct South Africa and the inaugural South Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo, the event will unite decision-makers as they explore investment-ready projects, collaborative public-private-partnership (PPP) models and the enabling policy and digital frameworks shaping the future of transport and logistics on the continent.  

The Transport CEO Forum, an exclusive roundtable for 30 CEOs from African Transport Authorities, from both the public and private sectors, will offer top leaders a platform to discuss strategic issues and explore critical enablers of long-term investment. The topics of discussion will focus on successful PPP models, innovative financing structures, and policy frameworks that encourage long-term investments. 

The event focuses on the value of PPP models as these are critical for sustainable development in the transport infrastructure and logistics industry. In South Africa, the transport sector requires R1-1.5 trillion to close its Sustainable Development Goal gap which necessitates PPP investment[5]; Namibia’s £240 million road network upgrade and Mozambique’s N4 corridor rehabilitation show the value of private sector agility alongside public sector oversight[6]; and projects like the Maputo Port PPP and REIPPP showcase how blended finance models can scale infrastructure while meeting climate goals[7]. 

“The calibre of investment-focused conversations at Transport Evolution Africa 2025 are extremely relevant,” says Josh Low, Vice President South Africa at dmg events. “As governments across Africa work to open up more than $100 billion in private infrastructure investment, initiatives such as the new PPP framework and amendments to the Public Finance Management Act are signalling a clear intent to create a more agile, investor friendly environment. This event offers stakeholders the opportunity to engage directly with project owners, financiers, policymakers and technology leaders who are working together to turn intent into action.”

Africa’s network of more than 300 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) spanning 38 countries will be spotlighted at the SEZ Lounge. These SEZs are crucial for transforming regional economies and attracting global investors as they offer favourable policies such as tax incentives, streamlined regulations and advanced infrastructure to attract both local and international investment. These zones are proven engines for industrialisation and allow for African countries to move beyond traditional resource extraction and into sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and technology. Already, countries like Ethiopia, Morocco and Nigeria have leveraged SEZs to achieve impressive results, such as Ethiopia’s Hawassa Industrial Park and Morocco’s Tangier Free Zone[8]. 

Digitisation is also playing a significant role in reshaping Africa’s transport sector through AI, smart ports, real-time tracking and big data analytics. Professionals attending Transport Evolution Africa 2025 will discover extensive insights into digitisation tools and technologies alongside visibility into how these technologies are changing the shape of infrastructure development on the continent.

Additional highlights at the event include the focus on deregulation efforts, such as those proposed by the South African Reserve Bank, as these are widely recognised as essential to supporting and stimulating economic growth. For the transport infrastructure and logistics industry, these measures aim to address systemic inefficiencies, drive competition and attract private investment – all of which will reduce monopolistic bottlenecks, reduce costs and allow for deeper collaborative opportunities. 

This year’s event also marks the announcement of Kenya Airways as the official International Airline Partner. Two lucky attendees stand a chance to win return Economy Class tickets to Kenya. All pre-registered delegates attending in person will be entered automatically into the draw.

With more than 5,000 attendees expected, including more than 300 VIPs and conference delegates, Transport Evolution Africa 2025 offers unrivalled access to the people, projects and perspectives shaping the future of African transport. The 13th edition promises to be the largest gathering of its kind, providing a launchpad for investment, collaboration and transformation across every link of the transport and logistics value chain.

Adds Low, “The continent’s long-term development depends on scalable, sustainable infrastructure that supports trade, industry and inclusive growth. Transport Evolution Africa 2025 is where the next chapter of that journey begins.”