Transport infrastructure investment has emerged as a strategic lever to drive economic growth at the Transport Evolution Africa Forum and Expo.

The three-day gathering, which got under way today in Midrand, aims to unlock the continent’s transport potential and drive industrial growth.

[WATCH] Delegates at the Transport Evolution Africa Forum 2025 explore the future of transport and logistics on the continent. The three-day event kicks off in Midrand today. SABC News Economics Reporter Nosipho Radebe has the story. pic.twitter.com/zNwRJEsdxT

— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 17, 2025

CEO of the Road Freight Association Gavin Kelly says that while South Africa has some of the most strategically positioned ports globally, their competitiveness has been undermined by years of stagnation in part due to outdated technology.

“It’s understanding that we’re playing against the world. We’re no longer playing just against Maputo to the right of us, Kampala to the north of us and Walvis Bay to the left of us. We’re playing against the whole world and shipping companies are saying, well, if I want to move goods into Africa, I want to get in and out for want of a better word of a port as quickly as possible.”