CONFERENCE DAY 2
Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Theme: Supercharging Regional Connectivity: Driving Intermodal Transport and Logistics Growth in Africa
08:00 Registration, early morning refreshments
09:00 Plenary Keynote
Department of Transport, Gauteng
Dr Bheka Zulu, Tshwane Special Economic Zone
CEO, Transnet
09:30 Senior Representative, Gautrain
10:00 Panel discussion – Designing Inclusive Transport Systems for both Passengers and Goods to Enhance Regional Connectivity
- How transport modes facilitate the movement of passengers and goods
- How enhanced infrastructure reduces costs
- Decarbonizing mobility
Moderator: Senior Representative, Gautrain
Speakers
- Peter Varndell, CEO, NEPAD Business Foundation
- Hendrik Malan, Senior Partner and CEO, Frost and Sullivan
- Dr Bheka Zulu, Tshwane Special Economic Zone
- Vishaal Lutchman, Group CEO, GIBB
- Altus Moolman, Technical Director: Transport, Zutari
11:00 Opening of Exhibition and Networking Lunch
12:30 Open debate: The future of SEZ’s in South Africa
Senior representative, Tshwane Automotive SEZ
13:30 Think Tank - International Integration: Linking African Markets to the Global Supply Chain
- Cross-Boarder Connectivity: The importance of regional transport corridors, transnational highways, and regional railway networks in connecting markets.
- Trade Blocs and Agreements: The role of regional trade agreements in fostering infrastructure development
- Regulatory and Political Hurdles: Addressing issues related to bureaucracy, corruption, and political instability that hinder infrastructure projects.
- Policies and incentives: Aimed at promoting sustainable logistics (e.g., tax breaks, green certifications)
Confirmed Speakers:
- Meluleki Nzimande, Partner, Webber Wentzel
- Lubabalo Stemele, Chief Parliamentary Officer, Western Cape Provincial Parliament
- Sharon Modiba, Chief Economist, International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa
- Sihle Ngcamu, CEO, Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal
- Lwazi Mboyi, Chief Executive Officer, Cross-Border Road Transport Agency
14:30 Infrastructure Industry Report
Senior Representative, SAICE
18:00 Gala Dinner – Pre-booked guests
CONFERENCE DAY 3
Thursday, 19 June 2025
Theme: Financing Transport Infrastructure Projects
Chairperson and Moderator
Yusuf Chothia, Senior Client Coverage Banker, Nedbank
08:00 Registration, early morning refreshments
09:00 Think Tank - Public vs. Private Funding
- Examine how public funding, private equity, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are shaping the transport infrastructure landscape.
- Success Stories and Case Studies: Explore successful PPPs in transport projects, focusing on railways, airports, and highways.
- PPP Risk Management: Managing financial, operational, and political risks in long-term infrastructure investments.
Speakers
- Nangamso Matebese, Executive: Economic Development Coordination and Sector Support & Special Advisor to the Deputy President of Republic of South Africa, Eastern Cape Development Corporation & The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
- Alastair Herbertson, Managing Director, Emerging Market Fixed Income, Ninety-One
- Dirk van den Berg, Country Head South Africa and other Southern Africa Countries, UK Export Finance
- Gloria Mamba, Chief Executive: Asset Management SBU, Trade and Development Bank
- Senior representative, Transnet
- Claire Barclay, Partner, Pinsent Masons, South Africa
10:30 Think Tank: Innovative Financing Mechanisms
- Green Bonds and Sustainable Financing: The role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in financing sustainable transport projects.
- Blended Finance: Combining public, private, and philanthropic capital to reduce risk and attract private sector investment in transport infrastructure.
Speakers
- Witness Mokwana, Director: Green Economy, Department of Economic Development (Gauteng Province)
- Alessandro Scalco, Blended Finance Lead, RMB
- Zizile Ndziba, Investment Principal, African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM)
- Zakhele Mayisa, Co-Head: Africa Infrastructure Finance, Nedbank
- Senior representative, Tshwane Special Economic Zone
Global Infrastructure Trends and Their Impact on Logistics and Security
Chairperson and Moderator
12:00 Panel discussion: Key Enablers of International Trade
- Port Infrastructure: Meeting the demands of growing trade.
- Aviation Hubs: Connecting Africa to the rest of the world.
- Rail infrastructure: Harmonising ports and road connectivity.
Speakers
- Conrad M. Lutombi, Chief Executive Officer, Roads Authority, Namibia
- Edwin Briggeman, Director, Briggeman International (Pty) Ltd
- John Rammutla, Principal Associate: Highways, Transport & Infrastructure, WSP
- Itodo Silas, Chief Port Engineer, Lagos Port Complex (Nigerian Premier Port)
- Nikita Reddy, Commercial Manager, DCP
13:00 Social and Economic Impact of Transport Infrastructure
Speaker:
Senior Representative, Zutari
Session Sponsor:
13:30 Networking Lunch
14:30 Combatting Trade Insecurity due to Illicit Border Activity
- Factors influencing illegal border activity
- How to curb illicit activities at borders
- Methods of protecting cargo from its point of origin to its destination
Andy Mashaile, Special Operations Strategists & Cyber Security Advisor and Ambassador, International Cyber Security & Investigation Committee and Interpol
15:00 Freight related matters in SADC
15:30 Topic TBC
Frost and Sullivan
16:00 Closing remarks
