SA’s inaugural National Transport Conference sets the agenda for growth and innovation

Thedepartment of transportwill host its inauguralNational Transport Conference(NTC) from March 16 to 18 in Johannesburg, under the theme “Transport: The Driver for Growth, Job Creation, Inclusivity and Sustainability.” The conference offers a platform for decision-makers, investors and innovators to interact, engage and network, bringing key players together to discuss how to build a sustainable transport system that drives economic growth and job creation. Led by the minister of transport Barbara Creecy and her deputy Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the conference will be opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa,who will speak on the role of transport in enabling socioeconomic development. Various international and local speakers — including ministers, CEOs, researchers and government officials — will explore global and regional risks, as well as strategies to mitigate them.

In addition, they will unpack emerging trends in smart, green, integrated and automated transport, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things and real-time data to optimise logistics. Discussions will also focus on leadership and governance, and the role of public-private partnerships in the resolution of funding constraints in SA and the SADC region. Given the role of transport as a facilitator of economic growth and an enabler of social development, the conference will tackle the sector’s most pressing issues such as: Addressing these challenges requires bold thinking and collaboration.

It calls for a shared national agenda where every role-player — government, industry, academia and investors — work together to ensure the transformation of the transport industry. The conference is therefore open to all stakeholders who want to invest their ideas in improving SA’s and the SADC region’s transport systems. Academics can find networks for collaboration, while researchers gain a platform to present studies that influence national policy.

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Businesses will discover opportunities to partner on infrastructure projects or introduce new technologies. Transport operators can access critical insights on regulations, funding models, and innovation and policymakers and officials can share ideas with international counterparts on best practices. The conference will deliver tangible outcomes, including: The conference will feature expert-led breakaway sessions exploring various subjects. These include:

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