A Letter of Intent (LoI) has been signed today, Thursday, 26 October, by Rail Forum (RF) and the Southern African Railway Association (SARA) that aims to encourage collaboration between the two organisations.

Besides encouraging collaboration between Rail Forum and the Southern African Railway Association, the agreement seeks to promote long-term cooperation in the development of rail infrastructure that will be of mutual benefit to both organisations in their respective markets.

As well as RF and SARA, organisations involved in the collaboration are the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), UK Export Finance (UKEF), and the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN).

Their intention is to work together to support the development of international rail hubs in both Southern Africa and the Midlands in the UK, whilst at the same time providing access to the expertise of the wider UK supply chain.

Today’s signing ceremony took place on the second day of the Southern African Railways Association Conference and Exhibition that is being held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Among those witnessing the signing were DBT, FCDO, UKRINN and Rail Forum, Transport Ministers and railway CEOs from the region, and delegates who are keen to develop the railway sector in southern Africa.

Babe Botana, Executive Director of SARA said; “Embodying our motto, ‘Together We Are Better,’ we at SARA are elated to sign this Letter of Intent with our international cohorts today. This initial signing is just the beginning of a more expansive collaboration, destined to bolster our regional railway members.

“As we steer towards realising the ambition of a seamlessly integrated region by rail.  Essential to augmenting inter-regional trade, it becomes imperative to unlock the much-needed investments for railway infrastructure, technology, and rolling stock assets. Moreover, nurturing our human capital to hone our skills is crucial.

“By leveraging the legacy and expertise in railway development, and digitalisation, among others, of the UK partners involved in this LoI, we are poised to accelerate the agenda for a reliable, efficient, and predictable regional railway network.”

Elaine Clark, Chief Executive, Rail Forum added; “We are delighted to sign this Letter of Intent with SARA with a view to establishing a long-term relationship for mutual benefit. There are some great opportunities for collaboration between the UK supply chain and Southern African rail companies that can help not just with modernising the railway but that can also leave a lasting legacy through local skills development and knowledge transfer.”

Ian Harrison, DBT’s Head of Export Development, Midlands says, “The opportunities that Southern Africa presents in the rail sector, play well to both our regional strengths and sectoral expertise. This Letter of Intent between the Rail Forum and Southern African Railways Association is yet another invaluable milestone towards greater collaboration and insight between UK rail and Southern Africa and another step forward in our DBT’s trade strategy – Made in the UK.”