South Africa’s Department of Transport is set to launch the inaugural National Transport Conference, scheduled for 6–8 October 2025 in Gauteng.
Hosted by the Department of Transport, the event will bring together government, State-owned enterprises, private businesses, academia, and civil society in one forum. For the first time, all stakeholders in the transport ecosystem will gather under one roof to exchange ideas, align strategies, and shape the future of mobility across aviation, rail, road, maritime, and public transport.
Transport is critical for economic growth and social connection. It links rural communities to markets, supports trade across borders, and drives development in cities. However, the sector faces mounting challenge,s including infrastructure that requires modernisation, passenger rail restoration, port efficiency, high levels of road fatalities, and the need for sustainable, technology-driven solutions.
Previous transport-related conferences such as the Southern African Transport Conference, Africa Rail, and the Smarter Mobility Summit have provided valuable insights, but discussions have often remained within individual sectors. The absence of a unifying platform has made it difficult to consolidate recommendations into a coherent national strategy.
The National Transport Conference aims to change this by creating a single forum where knowledge converges and where ideas can be translated into policies, partnerships, and solutions. It reflecthe ts government’s commitment to transforming mobility in ways that boost competitiveness, improve safety, create jobs, and advance sustainability. It also aligns with the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy’s priorities, including revitalising rail, expanding air and freight capacity, improving port efficiency, reducing road fatalities, and positioning rail as the backbone of the transport system.
Delegates can expect a programme featuring high-level keynote sessions from government leaders, industry executives, and global experts. Discussions will explore passenger rail restoration, freight expansion, digital innovation, investment through public-private partnerships, road safety improvements, and the implementation of low-emission transport solutions. Breakaway sessions will allow deeper engagement on specific challenges, with exhibitions showcasing technologies such as electric buses, smart ticketing systems, logistics optimisation tools, and green aviation solutions.
The conference is designed to serve all stakeholders in the transport sector. Researchers will present findings that influence policy, businesses will find opportunities for investment and innovation, transport operators will access insights on regulations and funding, and policymakers will strengthen links with global best practice. The event also provides networking opportunities for decision-makers, investors, and innovators.
A central outcome will be the adoption of a National Transport Agenda, a framework that sets out key priorities for the year ahead and aligns with government’s developmental objectives. Delegates will contribute to a formal declaration and an actionable roadmap to ensure commitments are implemented. Outcomes will also inform the October Transport Month campaign.
Capacity-building workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions will strengthen skills and highlight global best practices, while fostering public-private partnerships to unlock investment for large-scale projects.
The goal of the conference is to advance a transport system that is integrated, efficient, and sustainable — one that supports economic growth, enhances safety, and improves accessibility for all. The launch of the National Transport Conference signals a new era of partnership and progress, creating a platform for shared vision and coordinated action.
