Africa’s transport crunch: Can investment catch up?

May 19, 2025

With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050 and intra-African trade expected to increase by 50% through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), investment in transport infrastructure has become a strategic necessity.

According to the African Transport Industry Insights 2025 report by Moore Africa Advisory, the sector is set to grow at a compound annual rate of 6 to 8% between 2025 and 2040 – growth that will require an estimated $150 billion in annual investment.

Africa’s transport systems are at a pivotal moment. The demand for integrated, resilient, and future-proof infrastructure is increasing, with countries seeking to harness transport investment to drive industrial growth, regional trade, and global competitiveness. Yet meeting these ambitions requires a collaborative approach that unites public and private sector stakeholders, supports policy reform, and encourages technological innovation across the infrastructure lifecycle.

These pressing issues will take centre stage at the 13^th Transport Evolution Africa Forum and Expo, which takes place from 17 to 19 June 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Co-located with Big 5 Construct South Africa and the South Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo, the event will bring together decision-makers to explore bankable projects, successful public-private partnership (PPP) models, and the digital and regulatory frameworks shaping the future of African transport and logistics.

A highlight of the event will be the Transport CEO Forum – an invitation-only roundtable bringing together 30 senior leaders from public and private transport authorities across Africa. Discussions will centre on unlocking long-term investment through effective PPPs, innovative finance mechanisms, and enabling regulatory frameworks.

In South Africa alone, the transport sector is estimated to require between
R1 trillion and R1.5 trillion to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets, highlighting the crucial role of PPPs. Across the region, projects such as Namibia’s £240-million road upgrade and the rehabilitation of Mozambique’s N4 corridor underscore how blended finance and private sector expertise can help overcome infrastructure gaps. Initiatives like the Maputo Port PPP and South Africa’s REIPPP programme also demonstrate how investment models can align with both development and climate goals.

Platform for strategic collaboration

According to Josh Low, vice president South Africa at dmg events, “Transport Evolution Africa 2025 comes at a time when African governments are actively seeking to unlock over $100 billion in private infrastructure investment. Reforms such as the proposed amendments to South Africa’s Public Finance Management Act indicate real momentum towards creating more agile, investor-friendly environments.”

Attendees will also engage with Africa’s growing network of over 300 Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which span 38 countries. These zones are becoming vital engines of industrialisation, offering attractive policies such as tax incentives and simplified regulations. Examples such as Ethiopia’s Hawassa Industrial Park and Morocco’s Tangier Free Zone show the tangible benefits of leveraging SEZs to build manufacturing and logistics capacity.

Digital transformation and regulatory reform

Digitisation will also feature prominently, with sessions examining how artificial intelligence, smart ports, and real-time data tools are reshaping infrastructure development and supply chain visibility. Delegates will gain insight into how digital innovation is being used to reduce inefficiencies, improve safety, and future-proof Africa’s transport sector.

In parallel, the event will explore efforts to streamline regulation – such as proposals from the South African Reserve Bank – aimed at opening markets, encouraging competition, and attracting further private investment.

Industry support and engagement

Kenya Airways has been announced as the official international airline partner for the 2025 forum, with two delegates set to win return tickets to Kenya. All in-person, pre-registered attendees will be automatically entered into the draw.

With over 5,000 expected attendees, including more than 300 VIPs and conference delegates, Transport Evolution Africa 2025 promises to be a key platform for connecting stakeholders with the people, projects, and policies transforming the sector.

As Low notes, “Africa’s development hinges on sustainable, scalable infrastructure. This event is where future-defining conversations and collaborations begin.”