Transporting Africa Forward: Minister Barbara Creecy Highlights Rail Reform and Continental Integration at SARA Conference
At the 14th Southern African Railways Association (SARA) International Rail Conference and Exhibition, held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 26 August 2025, South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, delivered the keynote address to delegates from across the continent.
Rail as the Artery of African Trade
The Minister reflected on the central role of railways in Africa’s history and future. She noted that global trade disruptions, tariffs, and shifting markets are reshaping African economies, with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) providing new opportunities.
“Railways have been the arteries of African trade and mobility — connecting mines to ports, farms to markets, and people to opportunities,” she said. As population growth and urbanisation accelerate, she emphasised that choices made today will determine whether rail becomes the driving force of African integration and prosperity.
She cited the African Integrated Railway Network, emerging from the 2023 Zanzibar Declaration, as a framework for seamless connections, strengthened manufacturing, and united infrastructure development. Examples highlighted included the Lobito Corridor linking Angola, Zambia and the DRC; the Nacala Corridor in Mozambique and Malawi; the Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway in Zimbabwe; and TAZARA connecting Tanzania and Zambia.
South Africa’s National Rail Policy
Creecy outlined South Africa’s national rail reform agenda, stressing that infrastructure will remain state-owned, while third-party access to operations is now a reality. Eleven private operators have been allocated 41 routes across six corridors for periods of up to ten years.
According to the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), these Train Operating Companies are projected to move an additional 20 million tonnes of freight annually from 2026/27, supplementing Transnet Freight Rail volumes and supporting the government’s goal of 250 million tonnes per annum by 2029.
TRIM, created in late 2024, anchors this framework. Since the last SARA conference, TRIM has published its first Network Statement and Rail Access Tariff. These documents provided stakeholders with information on network condition, infrastructure, operational rules, capacity, and maintenance. The fourth statement, for 2026/27, will be published later this year.
Private Sector Participation and Infrastructure Investment
The Minister acknowledged that Transnet’s rail infrastructure remains a concern, with limited resources for refurbishment. Private sector investment will therefore be critical. A Request for Information process has already been completed, and Requests for Proposals are expected later in 2025 to attract concessionary investment into infrastructure.
She emphasised that this investment will take place within the framework of state ownership of the network. In the meantime, immediate rehabilitation will draw from Transnet’s existing budgets, applications to National Treasury, and collaborative frameworks enabling customers to assist in repairs without adding to Transnet’s debt.
Passenger Rail Recovery
In passenger services, Creecy highlighted PRASA’s progress in restoring operations. To date, 35 of 40 corridors have been revived, achieving 77 million passenger journeys in the last financial year. A Request for Information for further investment in commuter rail will be launched in September.
The target is to reach 600 million annual passenger journeys on PRASA’s network within five years.
Regional and International Cooperation
Creecy noted that South Africa’s White Paper on National Rail Policy (2022) places rail planning at a national level and directs the creation of a National Rail Master Plan. This plan, due for completion this year, will guide transformation over the next thirty years.
Importantly, it will align with the SADC Regional Rail Master Plan, enabling collaboration on institutional assessments, corridor prioritisation, safety, climate resilience, and inclusive investment programmes.
She further pointed to South Africa’s ratification of the Luxembourg Rail Protocol — making it the sixth state globally and the second in Africa, after Gabon, to do so. The Protocol is seen as vital in securing international financing for the sector and advancing the rail open access strategy.
Green Rail and Skills Development
The Minister stressed that future rail must be climate-resilient and sustainable, with electrification, hybrid locomotives, and circular economy practices contributing to decarbonisation goals.
She also emphasised the importance of training engineers, technicians, and logistics professionals to deliver African rail solutions designed by Africans for African needs.
Commitment to Action
Creecy concluded by reminding delegates of the conference theme — Transporting Africa Forward: Accelerating Rail Growth to Boost Mobility and Economic Opportunity Across Africa — framing it not just as an aspiration but as a shared commitment.
Together, we can build an African rail network that powers our economies, connects our people, and secures a better future for generations to come.