Online Reporter
Judith Phiri,Zimpapers Business Hub
Zimbabwe is set to participate in Africa’s most influential rail conference, the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition 2025, which kicks off on Tuesday in South Africa.
The 14th rail conference and exhibition, which brings together strategic stakeholders, governments, companies, customers, suppliers and captains of industry, will be held from 26 to 29 August 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
This year’s theme is: “Transporting Africa Forward: Accelerating Rail Growth to Boost Mobility and Economic Opportunity Across Africa.”
Among the Southern African Development Community (SADC) very important person (VIP) speakers will be Zimbabwe’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, who will be represented by the Deputy Minister, Joshua Sacco.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) Board Chairperson, Advocate Michael Madiro, will participate in a panel discussion on Governance and Strategic Oversight: The Role of Railway Boards in Shaping the Future of African Rail. Meanwhile, NRZ acting general manager (GM), Mrs Ainah Dube Kaguru, is among the panellists for the CEOs’ Think Tank.
In an update, SARA president Mr Nixon Dlamini said the event stands as the leading platform for dialogue, collaboration and partnership in shaping the future of the railway industry across the African continent.
“The conference brings together a diverse community of leaders, government representatives, railway operators, financiers, private sector partners and development institutions, all united by a shared commitment to transforming the rail sector into a driver of regional integration and economic growth,” he said.
“As we gather in this conference, we are reminded of the central role that railways play in connecting markets, supporting industrialisation, and unlocking the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Our discussions this year will focus on investment, innovation, safety, sustainability and digital transformation – key pillars for building a modern and competitive railway system.”
He said SARA’s mission remains clear: to champion regional cooperation, facilitate seamless cross-border rail operations, and strengthen partnerships that deliver tangible results for its member states and stakeholders.
Mr Dlamini added that the conference provides the ideal forum to advance the mission and forge lasting connections that will shape the future of transport and trade on the continent.
He said the conference should inspire bold ideas, practical solutions and enduring collaborations that will accelerate the growth of rail in the region.
