UK announces new support to Southern African rail
UK commits to funding research and technical assistance aimed at promoting regional growth by facilitating railway development across Southern Africa.
The UK Government today (20 August 2024) announced key initiatives to support regional development, trade, and investment in rail infrastructure at the 2024 conference convened by the Southern African Railway Association in Johannesburg.
British High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson, announced that new UK funding would support Crossrail International and Transport for London to share their expertise in support of inclusive economic development in Southern Africa.
Crossrail International, formed to share lessons from the £19 billion (R 450 billion) Crossrail project in the UK, will provide technical assistance to SARA, support SARA in implementing regional policies and regulatory reforms, enabling cohesive network planning and sustainable investment under their long-term masterplan. Crossrail International will also assist in developing the business case for the Railway Centre of Excellence. This approach will be underpinned by a research project to benchmark the SADC rail industry for capacity enhancement and information policy reform and management.
Transport for London (TfL), which facilitates 3.3 billion journeys annually, will also provide technical advice to South African local governments to enhance passenger rail services in major metros and share TfL’s experience of delivering decentralised rail operations to increase public transport access and affordability.
Speaking at the event, British High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson said:
We are excited to be part of the effort supporting sustainable development in Southern Africa, fostering collaboration between the UK and SARA to promote regional growth through rail infrastructure development.
Executive Director at Southern African Railways Association (SARA), Babe Botana, welcomed the progress made through the Joint Steering Committee and acknowledged the flagship projects which are intended to kick start the implementation of the LOI signed SADC Railway Regional Strategic Plan 2023 to 2027.
Botana said:
This relationship demonstrates the power of international partnerships, in strengthening the collective capabilities of our organisations to drive our regional railway agenda.
Further information
The Southern African Railways Association (SARA)
The Southern African Railways Association (SARA) is the mandated rail transport body for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Established in 1996 and headquartered in Harare, SARA is dedicated to promoting and advancing rail transport services across the SADC region. It serves as a central hub for railway operators—both public and private—and other rail industry stakeholders in Southern Africa.
SARA provides a platform for collaboration, networking and knowledge-sharing among its members, fostering regional integration and advocating for the rail sector’s interests. The association plays an active role in regional policymaking, holding the mandate for Rail Policy advocacy. SARA’s key focus areas include harmonising regulations across different rail systems, coordinating rail corridors, and promoting infrastructure development. Additionally, SARA is committed to improving rail competitiveness and ensuring equitable intermodal competition within the region.
SARA’s core programmes are designed to enhance various aspects of rail transport, such as operational efficiency including harmonisation, safety in corridors through the development of standards, investment promotion and the adoption of international best practices. These initiatives aim to ensure that rail transport remains competitive, reliable and an integral part of the region’s transport logistics chain. The overarching goal is to develop a robust and efficient rail network across Southern Africa, essential for stimulating economic growth, facilitating regional integration, and improving the socioeconomic well-being of the region’s population.
By driving infrastructure development and enhancing rail competitiveness, SARA plays a critical role in supporting regional economic development and trade.
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