The African Rail Industry Association (ARIA) will join a delegation of nine leading South African companies on an Outward Selling Mission to Madrid, Spain, for the prestigious Rail Live international exhibition and conference, taking place from 26–28 November 2025. Led by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), the mission aims to strengthen South Africa’s presence in the rapidly evolving global rail sector.
ARIA will participate as the unified voice of the Southern African rail sector, championing the development of a reliable, integrated, and efficiently governed rail network across the continent. The Association was established to address the need for stronger industry alignment, policy support, regulatory responsiveness, and improved export competitiveness.
The Chief Executive Officer of ARIA, Ms Mesela Nhlapo, explains that the association’s mandate and vision focus on developing a reliable, efficient rail network that seamlessly connects Africa, boosts regional trade, and drives sustainable growth.
“Our mission is to showcase South African rail solutions, highlight the high standards of local manufacturing and innovation, and forge international partnerships. Through these engagements, we aim to expand export opportunities, create collaborative continental and global projects, and reinforce South Africa and Africa as a growing hub of rail manufacturing excellence,” she says.
Nhlapo adds that a key milestone for the sector is South Africa’s ratification and ongoing domestication of the Luxembourg Rail Protocol, which provides legal certainty and strengthens export competitiveness for rail assets. With the Protocol now in effect, the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) of South Africa has introduced a risk premium discount for rolling stock exports, giving local manufacturers a competitive advantage in international markets.
“This Protocol is a game-changer for South African rail companies. It reduces financial risks, boosts confidence among international partners, and directly supports our objectives in Madrid to showcase capabilities, form new partnerships, and expand South Africa’s rail exports,” says Nhlapo
ARIA’s participation in the mission is also aimed at promoting South African rail innovation and fostering strategic international partnerships.
“Through these engagements, we seek to expand our export footprint, unlock opportunities for collaborative projects, and reinforce South Africa and Africa as a hub of rail manufacturing excellence aligned to international standards,” adds Nhlapo.
Rail Live brings together global rail operators, policymakers, innovators, and manufacturers, providing a platform for South African companies to showcase their capabilities and position themselves competitively in a sector defined by technological advancement, supply chain collaboration, and efficient network management.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
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E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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