Transport Evolution Africa 2025: Event Highlights, Key Stats, and What to Expect in 2026

Transport Evolution Africa 2025 successfully brought together leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from the transport industry for three days of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business development at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. This annual event remains a crucial platform for showcasing Africa’s transport sector’s current achievements and charting the future direction of growth and sustainability.

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Event Highlights and Participation

The 2025 edition welcomed 4,002 attendees representing 19 countries, symbolising the continent-wide interest in transport innovation and infrastructure development. Industry experts included 70 speakers, with 30 CEOs from key public and private transport organisations sharing insights and shaping discussions.

More than 40 specialised sessions covered critical topics such as special economic zones (SEZ), technical advancements, and sector forums. The Transport Evolution Africa Awards celebrated 25 finalists for their contributions to the sector, with five winners recognised for excellence in innovation and impact.

Industry and Innovation Focus

Transport Evolution Africa 2025 showcased transformative trends driving Africa’s transport evolution.

Key themes included:

• Digitalisation
• Climate-resilient infrastructure
• Green logistics
• Sustainable mobility solutions

Industry leaders emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships, regulatory reforms, and investment strategies required to meet the projected compounded annual growth rate of 6–8% in African transport from 2025 to 2040.

Integrated transport systems encompassing road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors were deeply explored. With the goal of optimising trade networks and economic integration across the continent. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was highlighted as a key driver for boosting intra-African trade by an estimated 50%, which requires robust, efficient transport networks for success.

Significant Economic Commitments

Africa’s transport sector demands immense infrastructure investment estimated at around $150 billion annually to meet current growth and connectivity needs. South Africa alone plans infrastructure spending exceeding R940 billion between 2025 and 2028, supported by state-owned companies, government funding, and private-sector investments.

Such financial commitments underline the role of transport infrastructure as a backbone for Africa’s economic development, regional integration, and job creation.

Digital Innovation and Smart Infrastructure

Among the innovation highlights were sessions on artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, blockchain, and smart infrastructure integration. Experts discussed how these technologies improve logistics efficiency, transparency, and operational resilience across ports, railways, road networks, and urban transport systems.

For example, AI-driven traffic management and predictive maintenance models represent advances bringing transformative change to Africa’s transport ecosystem.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

A major feature was the SEZ Lounge, spotlighting Africa’s more than 300 SEZs across 38 countries as vital engines for regional industrial growth and foreign investment. Speakers showed how successful zones in Ethiopia, Morocco, and Nigeria facilitate economic diversification… Especially beyond resource extraction toward manufacturing, logistics, and tech sectors.

SEZ discussions emphasised infrastructure development as foundational for SEZ success, reinforcing the importance of transport networks as supply chain lifelines.

Community and Capacity Building

The event also highlighted efforts on skills development, safety advancement, and gender inclusion within the transport industry. Workshops and forums addressed workforce challenges, aiming to create equitable opportunities and improve sector professionalism continent-wide.

Transport Evolution Africa 2026: Summary and Booking Details

SHOW DATES:

• 9 June 2026 | 10:00 – 17:00
• 10 June 2026 | 10:00 – 17:00
• 11 June 2026 | 10:00 – 16:00

LOCATION:

Gallagher Convention Centre, 19 Richards Drive, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

CONTACT DETAILS:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 11 867 5420
Website: www.transportevolution.com

EXHIBITOR BOOKING & SPONSORSHIP:

Exhibitors and sponsors interested in participating at Transport Evolution Africa 2026 are encouraged to secure their stands and sponsorship opportunities early. Booking can be done by filling the exhibiting enquiry form available on the official website or by contacting the organisers directly via email at [email protected]. Early registration ensures priority location and maximised visibility among Africa’s leading transport industry stakeholders.

The 2026 edition promises to build on the success of previous years… Featuring thought leadership, business networking, innovation showcases, and critical discussions on Africa’s transport development and integration.

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Up Next: Transport Evolution Africa 2026

Building on 2025’s achievements, organisers and stakeholders eagerly anticipate next year’s edition, set for 9-11 June 2026, again at Johannesburg’s Gallagher Convention Centre. The 2026 event will continue fostering dialogue, showcasing innovation, and presenting investment opportunities within Africa’s ever-evolving transport landscape.

Exhibitors and sponsors interested in joining Transport Evolution Africa 2026 can secure their participation through the official enquiry form or by contacting the organisers directly.