Transport and Logistics: Strengthening South Africa’s Role as a Regional Hub
Efficient transport and logistics systems are essential to South Africa’s ability to trade, attract investment and serve as a gateway to the wider African market.
The country is now undertaking significant reforms to its rail and port systems. In 2026, the first 11 private train operating companies were approved to access the national freight rail network, with operations expected to begin in April 2027. Collectively, these operators could move up to 24 million tonnes of freight a year.
Government is also pursuing greater private-sector participation in ports and logistics infrastructure, with the objective of increasing capacity, improving efficiency and reducing the cost of moving goods.
These reforms matter well beyond the transport sector. More efficient rail and ports can reduce costs for manufacturers, exporters, agricultural producers and mining companies while strengthening South Africa’s position within regional trade corridors.
There is already a French connection to this transformation. French companies have an established presence in South Africa’s transport and logistics sector, while French development finance is supporting the modernisation and decarbonisation of the country’s freight system. In 2026, the French Development Agency committed €300 million to Transnet to support freight-sector decarbonisation.
The opportunity is, therefore, both operational and strategic: improving how goods move while developing a more sustainable logistics system.
For businesses attending the France–South Africa Business Forum, the question is not simply how to fix existing bottlenecks. It is how improved infrastructure, private investment, technology and new operating models can position South Africa as a more competitive regional and continental trade hub. Forum registrations for companies in South Africa close on 25 September.
Continue the conversation at the Team France Gala Dinner on 30 September - the grande finale to the Business Forum! Buy your tickets here.
Title image generated by FSACCI using AI with OpenAI.
