Africa Rail 2026

Africa Rail 2026

Dates: 7–8 July 2026 | Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa | Organiser: Terrapinn

Now in its 26th year, Africa Rail is the largest and most established rail event on the continent — a meeting place for those looking to do business across the rail, freight and transport space. The 2026 edition takes place on 7–8 July at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is free to attend.

Who Attends

The event draws senior representatives from government, rail operators, end-users, technology providers and consultants from across Africa. Delegates attend to gain first-hand knowledge on upcoming projects, investment opportunities and innovations across the industry.

The Exhibition

The exhibition brings together global and local innovators across the entire rail industry. Sponsors and exhibitors confirmed for the 2026 edition include strategic partner the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), diamond sponsor Alstom Southern Africa, and gold sponsors Wabtec Corporation, SSAB Special Steels and Gibela Rail Consortium, alongside a broad field of exhibitors spanning rolling stock, signalling, track infrastructure, engineering and technology.

Conference Programme

The two-day conference programme is structured across two tracks and covers 12 content themes. The event will host over 150 industry-leading speakers across keynote presentations, practical case studies, country spotlights, roundtable discussions and workshops.

The two conference tracks are the Rail Strategy & Investment Leaders Forum and the Rail Technology & Innovation Summit. The 12 content themes are:

• Major Projects & Sector Growth
• Rail Line Infrastructure
• Private Railway Projects
• Depots & Maintenance Facilities
• Trade Corridors & Regional Development
• Maintenance Equipment
• Communication Systems
• Rolling Stock
• Yards and Terminals
• Signalling & Control Systems
• Safety & Security Equipment
• Power Supply Systems

Confirmed speakers include Mehdi Dib, Chief Technology Officer at EPE Rail Electr (an SNTF subsidiary, Algeria); Rudi Dicks, Head of the Project Management Office at the South African Presidency; Dr. Frederick Appoh, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Railways; Nosipho Siwisa Damasane, Chairman of Richards Bay Coal Terminal; Siyabonga Nxaba, VP Business Development and Origination at KfW IPEX-Bank; Yohannes Tesfaye Muleta, Director ICT at Ethiopian Railways Corporation; and Thabo Gabanamotse, Director of Projects at Botswana Railways.

Networking

Networking is built throughout the agenda across both days, with the event attracting senior decision-makers from government, operators and the wider supply chain. A networking reception is held at the close of day one for Premium Networking Pass holders and invited guests.

Registration

Attendance is free. Delegates can register via the Africa Rail website. Enquiries regarding sponsorship or exhibition opportunities can be directed to Jordan Waller at [email protected]. Speaker enquiries should be directed to Jessica Freeman at [email protected].