The 23rd Africa Regional Assembly (ARA) was held at the UIC Headquarters in Paris, on 12 December 2024. In the opening speech, Mohamed Rabie Khlie, as the Chair of the Africa Region, and Director General of the Moroccan National Railways (ONCF), emphasised the railway sector’s critical role in facilitating sustainable and inclusive development in Africa. He also highlighted the strategic priorities for the region, including the focus on environmental issues, strengthening stakeholder commitment, fostering sustainability, and encouraging innovation in railway projects.
François Davenne, UIC Director General, then underscored UIC’s commitment to supporting its African members through tangible solutions in standardisation and operational efficiency.
He stated that UIC plays a vital role in providing structured support and a high level of rail advocacy, particularly in the context of Article 6 negotiations at COP 29, to promote this mode of transport as a central pillar of strategies to combat climate change and for development in Africa.
Faced with growing environmental challenges and increasing demand for sustainable transport, UIC has positioned itself as a strategic partner to support Africa in achieving its railway ambitions, showcasing rail as a central solution for facing the 21st century’s challenges.
The keynote speech was given by H.E. Dr Amani Abou Zeid, Commissioner of Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalisation of the African Union Commission (AUC). She explained that the Integrated High-Speed Rail Network for Africa (AIHSRN) programme is a key component of the Programme of Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), and one the flagship projects of the AU Agenda 2063.
She noted:
- An urgent need for railway standards and technical specifications to be incorporated into the design, maintenance, and operation of the AIHSRN in order to achieve network interoperability as well as assure safety systemwide
- The need to establish robust legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks in each member state as well as harmonised railway and transport policies
- The need to reposition and rebrand the Union of African Railways (UAR) to lead the renaissance of the railway transport sector in Africa
Said Chandid, Chief of the Africa Regional Office, gave a presentation of the Africa initiatives over the last 10 years, focusing on training, in-person events, governance system, and intercultural integration.
Maria Lafont, Senior Advisor for the Africa Region, then detailed the activities undertaken in 2024, focusing on cooperation with the AUC, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, various development banks, and the Southern African Railway Association (SARA).
Work in 2025 will focus on the Safety and Security Taskforce, training, as well as the launch of the Africa Rolling Stock Taskforce and Africa Regional Competence Hub for Research and Innovation, as well as other regional projects and initiatives.
