Rail Forum announces Africa collaboration

The Rail Forum has announced a collaboration with counterparts in Africa aimed at encouraging and promoting long-long term co-operation in rail infrastructure development.

The organisation, which represents rail-related companies across the UK, and the Southern African Railway Association (SARA) have signed a ‘Letter of Intent’ to work together for mutual benefit in their respective markets.

The collaboration is backed by the UK Department for Business and Trade, UK Export Finance and the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network.

They intend to work together to support the development of Southern Africa and the UK Midlands as international rail hubs, while also providing access to wider UK supply chain expertise.

The signing ceremony recently took place during the Southern African Railways Association Conference and Exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Elaine Clark, chief executive of the Rail Forum, said: “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, head of export development (Midlands) at the UK Department for Business and Trade, said: “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 forwards in our trade strategy – ‘Made in the UK’.”