On 7–8 July 2026, the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg will host “Africa Rail 2026” – the largest and most established gathering of the rail industry in Africa. The event combines a conference and an exhibition, bringing together rail operators, public administration, investors, infrastructure managers and technology suppliers for the rail transport, logistics and infrastructure modernisation sectors. The potential of the Polish rail sector and Polish businesses will be showcased at the Polish Investment and Trade Agency's (PAIH) stand (G14).
The Polish rail sector: a strong industrial base and export potential
Poland is one of the most important rail markets in Europe. It has an extensive and modern rail infrastructure of nearly 20,000 km, used by more than 400 million passengers every year. Its recent modernisation was one of the largest European initiatives of its kind in recent years. The domestic industry took an active part in this process, gaining expertise in delivering advanced infrastructure projects. Today, it not only supplies a wide range of rail vehicles, components, systems and rail technologies, but also holds the knowledge and experience needed to design and implement key rail infrastructure projects.
Exports are further evidence of the sector’s potential. In 2024, the export value of the Polish rail industry reached nearly USD 2 billion, with rolling-stock parts and passenger carriages being the most important categories. The current offer of Polish companies includes, among others, passenger and freight carriages, locomotives, specialised vehicles, traffic-control and signalling systems, diagnostic solutions and technologies supporting the modernisation of existing lines. Polish products and solutions are exported all over the world, where they are valued by their customers.
Africa: a rail market of growing importance
The African rail market is developing on the back of infrastructure investment, growing logistics needs and the increasing role of rail in freight transport. Its growth is supported by corridor projects, including the Lobito Corridor and the modernisation of the TAZARA railway, which connects the Zambian Copperbelt with the port of Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean.
Of particular importance is the market of the Republic of South Africa, the country hosting the Africa Rail event. Rolling-stock modernisation, the restoration of connections and the gradual opening of the market to new models of cooperation are creating demand for vehicles, safety systems and comprehensive infrastructure solutions – areas in which Polish companies have experience and expertise.
The potential of Polish rail at the PAIH stand
The Polish National Pavilion prepared by PAIH will make it possible to establish direct business contacts between representatives of rail operators, infrastructure managers, transport administration and public and private investors from South Africa and other African markets, and Polish manufacturers and exporters. The stand will provide a space to present Polish solutions for the rail vehicle sector – from rolling stock and control systems to infrastructure components, diagnostics and maintenance technologies.
Participation in the event is carried out under the project “Internationalisation of SMEs – Brand HUB”, financed by the European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021–2027 programme. The project supports the promotion of key sectors of the Polish economy at selected trade events around the world and is linked to the promotion of the Polish Economy Brand under the slogan “Poland. Business Forward”.
On the right track to African Rail Cooperation
The 61 m² Polish National Pavilion will be located at stand G14 in the exhibition hall of the Sandton Convention Centre.2 PAIH invites everyone interested in cooperating with Polish manufacturers and exporters from the rail market to visit the stand and learn about the offer of Polish companies.
