The UK Government has committed to funding research and providing technical assistance to promote regional growth through the development of railway

infrastructure across Southern Africa.

During the 2024 Southern African Railway Association conference held in Johannesburg on 20 August 2024, the British High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson, outlined several initiatives aimed at supporting regional development, trade, and investment in rail infrastructure.

The UK will provide new funding to facilitate the involvement of Crossrail International and Transport for London (TfL) in supporting inclusive economic development in Southern Africa.

Crossrail International, established to share insights from the UK's £19 billion (R450 billion) Crossrail project, will offer technical assistance to the Southern African Railway Association (SARA). Their support will focus on helping SARA implement regional policies and regulatory reforms, fostering cohesive network planning, and encouraging sustainable investment as part of their long-term masterplan. Additionally, Crossrail International will assist in developing the business case for the proposed Railway Centre of Excellence. This initiative will be backed by a research project aimed at benchmarking the Southern African Development Community (SADC) rail industry to enhance capacity and reform information policy and management.

Transport for London, which oversees 3.3 billion journeys each year, will provide technical advice to local governments in South Africa to improve passenger rail services in major metropolitan areas. TfL will share its expertise in delivering decentralized rail operations to increase public transport access and affordability, further contributing to the region's transportation development.

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”. Photo by Franciscus3668, Wikimedia commons.