Revolution on the roads: Africa’s green future

May 20, 2025

Africa’s transport sector stands at a crossroads. Transport Evolution Africa 2025 will drive urgent conversations around green mobility, carbon reduction, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Africa’s transport sector currently contributes just 3.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, compared to the overall global transport sector’s 14%. Yet, with Africa’s population expected to double by 2050, emissions are set to rise dramatically unless decisive action is taken.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), without intervention Africa’s transport-related carbon emissions could triple by 2050. This challenge also presents a unique opportunity: investment in sustainable solutions can help build economic strength while safeguarding environmental well-being.

Against this backdrop, the 12^th Transport Evolution Africa Forum and Expo, taking place from 17 to 19 June 2025 at Johannesburg’s Gallagher Convention Centre, introduces a major new feature: the Green Transport Evolution section. Co-located with Big 5 Construct South Africa and the South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, the event will showcase innovations in electric vehicle (EV) technology, renewable energy integration, and sustainable logistics practices. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore next-generation transport solutions from leading global suppliers committed to Africa’s green transition.

“Africa stands at a critical crossroads – the decisions made today will shape the continent’s environmental and economic future,” says Josh Low, vice president South Africa at dmg events.
“Sustainable transport is not just about protecting the environment; it presents major economic opportunities, from job creation to public health improvements. The Green Transport Evolution zone reflects our commitment to accelerating this shift.”

A forum for change

The 2025 conference programme features a series of high-level think tanks covering urgent topics, including:

The role of green logistics in sustainable supply chains
Transitioning to electric freight fleets
Green cold chain solutions and efficient last mile delivery
The future of warehousing in an evolving supply chain

These sessions will explore practical strategies to decarbonise transport operations while enhancing competitiveness and infrastructure resilience.

Leading voices from across the sector will share solutions and case studies. The event will spotlight companies pioneering electric vehicle development, renewable energy integration, and intelligent logistics.

Justin Coetzee, founder of GoMetro and a speaker at the event, highlights the transformative potential of electric mobility in Africa: “Africa has a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional models and embrace next-generation transport technologies that are now cost-competitive. We’ll be discussing these innovations at Transport Evolution Africa’s Electric Vehicles Think Tank.”

Driving down carbon emissions

Key strategies to reduce emissions will be explored throughout the event, including optimising routes to reduce travel distances, right-sizing vehicles to specific tasks, multi-use asset strategies, and appointing internal sustainability champions.

Experts will also address the critical role of policy frameworks and financial mechanisms in enabling Africa’s green transport transition.

Greg Cress, principal director: automotive & emobility at Accenture, notes: “There’s a significant gap between ambition and implementation. At Transport Evolution Africa, we’ll focus on how green logistics can unlock genuinely sustainable supply chains across the continent.”

Cross-sector collaboration

With over 100 exhibitors, thousands of visitors, and more than 300 VIPs and delegates expected from across 21 countries, Transport Evolution Africa 2025 will be the continent’s largest and most important transport and logistics gathering yet.

The co-location with Big 5 Construct South Africa and the new Infrastructure & Water Expo offers an unprecedented opportunity for cross-sector collaboration, integrating transport, construction, and infrastructure professionals under one roof.

“This event isn’t just about showcasing technology – it’s about forging the partnerships and dialogues needed to cut emissions and build resilient, sustainable infrastructure,” adds Low. “It’s time to move from ambition to real-world action.”