UIC eNews

Connecting the continent: UIC launches the Regional Competence Hub Africa

2026-09-15T09:08:25Z

On 8 September 2026, the first workshop of the UIC International Railway Research Board (IRRB) Regional Competence Hub (RCH) in Africa took place online. Previous workshops on a similar vein earlier in the year focused on IRRB RCH Europe and IRRB RCH North America.

The aim of the workshop was to draw up an action plan and set priorities for the African RCH in the period 2026–2028. The event brought together members of UIC's Africa Region and representatives from several universities on the continent to focus on research, knowledge management and innovation in the railway sector up to 2035 and beyond, from the perspective of the African region.

Key challenges identified included infrastructure gaps, the retrofitting of aging rolling stock and infrastructure, the need for digitalisation, a shortage of skilled staff, financial constraints, and difficulties in implementing innovation in operations. The following priorities were therefore decided upon:

Regional connectivity and interoperability
Human capacity building
Knowledge sharing
Support for retrofitting processes
The implementation of digital and artificial intelligence-based solutions
Networking with other regions to share knowledge on best practices

Based on the workshop's findings and a previous survey conducted amongst experts from the African region, a report will be prepared containing recommendations for an action plan for RCH Africa for the years 2027–2028.

The next steps include consolidating priorities within the action plan, launching pilot projects, gathering feedback from a wider range of stakeholders, and discussing the implementation of appropriate measures.

The next opportunity to discuss RCH Africa matters will be within the IRRB Steering Committee meeting, where the Chair of the RCH Africa, Mohamed Ghani (Moroccan National Railways, ONCF) will attend, as well as representatives from the region's academic community: Prof. Khumbulani Mpofu (Solusi University/Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)) and Prof. Tshifhiwa Nenzhelele (TUT). The meeting will take place on 23 September 2026 during the InnoTrans trade fair and will be hosted by the Chair of the IRRB, Zhang Zhifang (China Academy of Railways Sciences (CARS)). Senior representatives from other regions, including RCH North America, RCH Asia & Pacific, RCH Europe and the IRRB Academic Board for Innovation, have confirmed their attendance at the meeting. Further guests, including from South Korea, are also expected to attend.

For further information, please contact us here: Contact us – UIC - International union of railways

UIC Days webinar organised for new UIC member Uganda Railways Corporation

2026-07-16T12:32:27Z

On 7 July, Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) and UIC jointly organised a UIC Days webinar, coinciding with the company's UIC membership being approved four days prior at the 108th UIC General Assembly.

In his opening speech, Benon Kajuna, Managing Director of URC, welcomed the company's admission and highlighted Uganda's priorities in rail modernisation, regional integration, digital transformation, and sustainability. He emphasised the importance of this milestone and the value of collaboration with the international railway community.

Kajuna then outlined key initiatives, including railway rehabilitation and modernisation, development of the standard gauge railway, integration with inland water transport and logistics hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure. He stressed the importance of regional and international cooperation on standards, technology transfer, research, and workforce development, reaffirming URC's commitment to active participation in UIC activities. He also addressed URC's current projects and operational challenges.

A range of UIC experts gave departmental overviews:

Michele Gesualdi outlined the work of passenger services, including working groups on ticketing, high-speed rail, station management, tourism, and commuter services, and emphasised the importance of training and customer-oriented initiatives.
Laura Petersen provided an overview of the UIC Security Platform's working groups on technology, human factors, strategy, sabotage, and crisis management, and introduced tools such as the Network of Quick Responders, and the Rail Security Hub.
Giancarlo De Marco Telese presented Operations and Safety initiatives on safety management, human organisational factors, occupational health, safety culture, peer reviews, and the use of confidential safety databases, inviting URC to participate in relevant working groups.
Joost Overdijkink, from the Freight Department, discussed load safety standards, harmonisation of dangerous goods regulations (such as the Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) and the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR)), wagon use contracts, and digital collaboration tools, recommending regional harmonisation with neighbouring railways for seamless operations.
Isabelle De Keyzer introduced the UIC Sustainability Platform, its working groups (energy, land use, noise, circular economy, and gender equality), the Rail Sustainability Index, energy and CO2 databases, and advocacy initiatives, inviting URC to participate and become the first African member to report its sustainability performance.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

The 26th Africa Regional Assembly meets at the UIC HQ in Paris

2026-07-08T09:16:00Z

On 1 July 2026, the 26th Africa Regional Assembly (ARA) was held in person at the UIC HQ and online, bringing together members from the continent.

The assembly was opened by Mohamed Rabie Khlie, Chair of the Africa Region, Director General of the Moroccan National Railways (ONCF), who highlighted the importance of cooperation among African rail networks to address challenges in mobility, connectivity, the energy transition, and sustainable development. He called on members to deepen their discussions, share their expertise, and promote innovative solutions to make rail a driver of economic and social transformation in Africa.

François Davenne, UIC Director General and interim Coordinator of the Africa Region, then welcomed all of the participants, underlining that the region's work implicates various railway domains and includes cooperation with many different stakeholder, including railway operators, international and regional organisations, and development banks.

The assembly summarised the work undertaken between January and July and looked into the annual programme for the rest of the year, focusing among other things on:

Safety, Security, Rolling Stock, Women in Rail, and Infrastructure Narrow Gauge Taskforces
Regular Africa Railway Thursday webinars on freight, R&I, passenger transport, sustainability and other topics
Training activities
Launch of Africa Regional Competence Hub (RCH) in the fields of research, innovation, and the development of talent and expertise

Finally, an in-person event for the Africa region in 2026 titled “Investment and Financing Solutions for Africa's Railway Future” was highlighted. It will be held on 14-15 October 2026 in Rabat, Morocco.

For further information, please see: https://uic.org/events/investment-and-financing-solutions-for-africa-s-railway-future

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC participates in CETMO GTMO 5+5 Meetings in Rabat, Morocco

2026-07-01T12:50:00Z

UIC was pleased to accept the invitation from the Centre for Transportation Studies for the Western Mediterranean (CETMO) to participate in the 11th Ministerial Conference of the Group of Transport Ministers of the Western Mediterranean (GTMO 5+5), held in Rabat, Morocco on 23-24 June 2026.

The GTMO 5+5 format convenes transport ministers from France, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia, as well as observer entities, including UIC, to foster cooperation and discussion on transport in the western Mediterranean.

During the two days of meetings, in-depth conversations were held about challenges and opportunities for the transport systems across the ten countries, and how cooperation grounded in best-practice sharing within the GTMO format can help advance the region's transport systems.

Representing the railway sector, UIC reminded ministers and fellow observer organisations of the vast potential of carbon credit revenues for railways as an additional funding stream, the need for adaptation planning through adopting concrete resilience measures, as well as standardisation being the driving force for harmonising networks within and across borders while decreasing costs.

UIC also took the opportunity to meet representatives from UIC member Moroccan National Railways (ONCF) and participate in a bilateral meeting between UIC Director-General Francois Davenne and Minister of Transport and Logistics H.E. Abdessamad Kayouh.

Beyond its current contribution to CETMO's work on climate change resilience, UIC also stands ready to support the GTMO 5+5 format in light of its newly adopted ministerial declaration.

Stay tuned and sign up for the upcoming UIC x ONCF event on Investment and Financing Solutions for Africa's Railway Future, to be held on 14-15 October 2026 in Rabat, Morocco.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC Africa Rolling Stock Taskforce: Maintenance and optimising freight performance

2026-06-24T07:45:00Z

On 18 June 2026, a UIC Africa Rolling Stock Taskforce webinar was organised as a part of the UIC Africa Region's annual programme.

In his welcome message, Adriano Scapati, UIC Director of the Rail System Department, highlighted that rolling stock is essential for Africa's railway development, as it drives transport capacity, efficiency, and reliability for both freight and passengers. He stressed that modern, well-maintained fleets help reduce operational costs, strengthen trade corridors, and improve regional connectivity. Scapati also emphasised the environmental benefits, noting that rail can lower emissions and reduce road congestion by shifting transport from road to rail and underlined UIC's role in supporting Africa through standards, expertise, training, partnerships, and financing initiatives to modernise rolling stock and build local capabilities.

The programme included a training session on maintenance by Henri Tsukahara, UIC Senior Advisor of Rolling Stock and Labelling. The presentation outlined key rolling stock maintenance principles, emphasising safety, reliability, availability, and cost-efficiency across the railway lifecycle. It explained European regulatory frameworks, notably the role of the Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM) and structured maintenance levels from routine checks to heavy overhauls.

Preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance, supported by data monitoring, feedback systems, and continuous improvement of maintenance rules were also emphasised.

The programme also showcased the UIC project TrainDY, a UIC-developed software that simulates train dynamics to analyse risks, optimise performance, and support the design of longer and heavier freight trains. The presentation was delivered by Andrea Ottati, Chair of the TrainDY group, and Hajar Toumi, UIC Junior Rolling Stock Advisor.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

14th edition of the Africa Railway Safety training course held online

2026-06-22T15:05:58Z

The 14th edition of Africa Railway Safety Training, organised by the Moroccan National Railways (ONCF) and UIC, took place from 8 to 12 June online, joined by participants from North, West, and Central Africa.

The programme included presentations on track maintenance and monitoring, including planning, organisation, monitoring, and control; as well as track geometry, which comprised survey programmes and performance, rail defects classification and monitoring methods, track work safety, human and organisational factors, risk management, among others.

Giancarlo de Marco Telese, Deputy Head of the Operations and Safety Unit at UIC lead a session that focused on the following UIC activities:

Translate4Rail (T4R), which aims to overcome language barriers in cross-border rail operations through standardised predefined messages, improving safety, efficiency, and training.
The Iberian blackout, which highlighted the critical importance of energy resilience, redundant communications, and strong crisis coordination in railway systems.
The Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) as a core innovation enabling automated, digital, and more efficient freight train operations across Europe.
The harmonised DAC Rulebook, which is being developed to standardise operational processes, using clear flowcharts and modular rules to support implementation across stakeholders.

UIC-organised railway training sessions are crucial for strengthening local expertise in Africa, harmonising standards, and supporting the sustainable development of efficient and safe rail systems across the continent. It is also essential to achieve the objectives of the African Union's Agenda 2063 by building skilled human capital that supports safe, efficient, and integrated rail networks to drive economic growth and regional connectivity.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC and South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator sign an administrative agreement to advance rail safety and innovation

2026-06-16T08:04:23Z

On 12 June 2026, UIC and the RAILWAY SAFETY REGULATOR (RSR) of South Africa officially signed an administrative agreement at the UIC headquarters in Paris.

This new cooperation framework will strengthen the partnership between UIC and RSR to support the South African rail sector's modernisation and promote safer, more interoperable and future-ready railway systems.

The agreement will foster cooperation in key areas such as:

Railway safety, security, and standards benchmarking
Digitalisation, signalling, and emerging technologies
Regional harmonisation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region
Participation in UIC working groups and international fora
Training initiatives through the UIC Rail Academy

UIC warmly thanks Brian Monakali, the RSR leadership team, and all participants involved in this important milestone for international railway cooperation.

Together, we continue building stronger global partnerships to make progress on sustainable rail mobility worldwide.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

From climate resilience to mobilising capital: UIC World Environment Day webinar and looking ahead to Rabat

2026-06-11T08:46:53Z

On 5 June, the International Union of Railways (UIC) marked UN World Environment Day by hosting a high-level global webinar dedicated to the critical role of railways in a sustainable future. The session brought together industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the intersection of climate finance, ESG strategies and the urgent need for infrastructure adaptation.

Opening the webinar, François Davenne, Director General of UIC, emphasised the responsibility of the transport sector in the global fight against climate change. Highlighting the significance of 5 June, Davenne noted that as the world seeks to protect vital ecosystems, the railway sector is uniquely positioned to drive this mission forward. Across all continents, railways are recognised as one of the greenest transport solutions, producing far lower emissions than road transport, Davenne stated. He insisted that investing in modern, electrified rail systems is a strategic necessity to reduce congestion and pollution in rapidly growing regions, and that rail must be positioned as the primary driver of a low-carbon future. He underscored UIC's commitment to this transition, noting that UIC supports the railway sector in strengthening resilience to climate change by developing global standards, sharing best practices and advocating for rail to receive the carbon credit revenues it deserves.

A major highlight of the event was the address delivered on behalf of Mohamed Rabie Khlie, CEO of ONCF, which positioned Morocco at the forefront of the sustainable transition. The speech underscored ONCF's role as a leader in the deployment of Green Bonds, demonstrating how innovative financial instruments can be used to fund large-scale, low-carbon infrastructure. By aligning its ESG strategy with global environmental and social objectives, ONCF is not only enhancing its own resilience to climate risks but also serving as a benchmark for African railways.

The webinar featured detailed case studies illustrating how ESG integration drives value across different regions. ADY of Azerbaijan and RENFE of Spain showcased how integrated sustainability management serves as a catalyst for long-term operational excellence, while ONCF provided a blueprint for how a strong ESG strategy is essential to ensure that infrastructure investments are aligned with the global energy transition.

The discussion then pivoted to the physical realities of a changing climate. Representatives from KRC of Kenya and EFE of Chile provided sobering insights into the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Through their case studies, these operators illustrated the direct impacts of climate volatility on rail networks and highlighted the vital work currently underway in infrastructure reinforcement and advanced operational controls. The consensus was clear: to protect the future of global mobility, significant and targeted investment in rail adaptation is essential.

The momentum generated during the World Environment Day webinar will culminate in a landmark event this autumn. UIC, in partnership with ONCF, is proud to announce the upcoming high-level meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on 14 and 15 October 2026. Building on the themes of resilience and finance, the Rabat event will move from dialogue to action, featuring a series of strategic roundtables designed to bridge the gap between climate necessity and financial feasibility. These sessions will focus on mobilising capital for rail and innovative financing mechanisms, urban rail and mobility financing, regional integration and freight corridors, and project preparation and bankability. The event will achieve an historic milestone with the signing of the Rabat Declaration and the official launch of a coalition for carbon credits for rail and public transport, marking a new era of unified action for the global railway community.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this global movement – register here.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Inaugural African edition of the UIC Commuter and Regional Train Services Training Programme successfully concludes in Johannesburg

2026-06-05T15:19:17Z

From 26 to 28 May 2026, Johannesburg hosted the inaugural African edition of the UIC Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS) Training Programme, marking a significant milestone in the development of rail knowledge and capacity-building initiatives across the continent.

Jointly organised by the UIC Rail Academy, the UIC Passenger Department, and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), with support from the Rail Manufacturing Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (RMCERI), the three-day programme brought together more than 70 participants and over 20 expert speakers from South Africa and around the world. The event provided a unique opportunity for learning, knowledge sharing, professional networking, and collaborative discussions on the future of commuter and regional rail services in Africa.

Building on the success of the eight previous European editions, the first African CRTS Training Programme was specifically designed to address the status quo, opportunities, and challenges facing commuter and regional rail systems across the continent, while drawing on varying international experiences and best practices. The programme aimed to equip participants with practical tools, strategic insights, and innovative approaches to strengthen passenger rail services and enhance customer-centric transport solutions.

The training programme opened with welcoming remarks from UIC and TUT representatives, highlighting the growing importance of rail transport in supporting sustainable mobility, economic development, and social inclusion across Africa. Throughout the three days, participants benefited from an in-depth programme involving presentations, panel discussions, and interactive exchanges covering a wide range of topics, including rail infrastructure, operations, safety and security, station management, customer experience, innovation, workforce development, and the future of regional mobility.

A particular highlight of the programme was the Design Thinking Workshop held on the second day. Working collaboratively in multidisciplinary groups, participants explored innovative solutions to better respond to the various needs and expectations of South African rail passengers. The session fostered creativity, collaboration, and practical problem-solving, and produced constructive ideas and perspectives for the future development of commuter rail services.

Leading experts representing railway undertakings, infrastructure managers, manufacturers, academic institutions, consulting firms, and international organisations all contributed to the programme.

Discussions reflected a range of viewpoints and experiences, and encouraged open dialogue and the sharing of lessons learned in different railway environments.

The final day focused on station-related challenges and opportunities, before participants visited the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium manufacturing facility in Dunnottar, which gave the participants an overview of rolling stock production and industrial development within South Africa.

Aside from the technical content, the training programme created an excellent environment for networking and professional exchange, which strengthened connections between railway professionals from across Africa and beyond. Participants repeatedly praised the open discussions, peer learning opportunities, and international perspectives shared throughout the event.

UIC and TUT would like to express their sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, and organising teams whose commitment and expertise contributed to the success of this landmark event.
Special thanks are also extended to the programme sponsors – Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, McKinsey & Company, and RMCERI – whose support was essential to making this inaugural African edition possible.

Following the success of the Johannesburg edition, the UIC Rail Academy and its partners are pleased to announce that the next Commuter and Regional Train Services Training Programme will take place in Barcelona, Spain, from 28 to 30 October 2026. The programme will continue to encourage international dialogue, knowledge sharing, and capacity building to support the development of efficient, appealing, and sustainable commuter and regional rail services worldwide.

The successful launch of the CRTS Training Programme in Africa represents another important step in UIC's commitment to supporting railway professionals through global learning opportunities, and strengthening passenger rail systems for the benefit of communities across the world.

For more information about the UIC Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS) Training programme, its goals, and future editions, please visit UIC CRTS.

To discover the full range of learning and professional development opportunities offered by the UIC Rail Academy, please visit UIC Rail Academy.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Save the date: “Investment and financing solutions for Africa's railway future”

2026-06-03T13:08:18Z

As African countries continue to expand and modernise their railway networks, securing adequate and sustainable financing remains one of the most critical challenges facing the sector. To address this issue and encourage dialogue among key stakeholders, UIC and Moroccan National Railways (ONCF) are jointly organising the Investment and Financing Solutions for Africa's Railway Future Forum on 14-15 October 2026 in Rabat, Morocco.

The forum will bring together policymakers, railway leaders, financial institutions, investors, development banks, international organisations, and industry representatives to explore innovative approaches to financing rail infrastructure and services across the continent.

The agenda will focus on identifying practical solutions to bring together a range of different sources of funding, strengthen project preparation and delivery, and create favourable conditions for investment.

Opportunities to support strategic railway projects will also be examined, including urban mobility systems and cross-border freight corridors that are essential to regional integration and economic development.

Additionally, emerging financing mechanisms will be focused upon, including the potential role of carbon markets and carbon credits in supporting rail projects and accelerating the transition towards more sustainable transport systems.

By fostering discussions between public and private sector stakeholders, the forum aims to provide the opportunity to share experiences, highlight successful initiatives, and identify concrete pathways to unlock greater investment in Africa's railway future.

Participants will have the opportunity to network with leading experts, decision makers, and practitioners committed to further developing rail as a driver of sustainable mobility, economic growth, and regional connectivity across Africa.

Registration is now open.
Register at: HOME - Investment and Financing Solutions for Africa's Railway Future, 14-15 October 2026 Rabat, Morocco.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Securing Africa's railways: Inside UIC's Security Platform, working groups, and next steps

2026-05-19T13:45:47Z

On 7 May 2026, nearly 100 participants from the Africa Region attended a webinar that focused on UIC's rail security framework, activities, and opportunities relevant to the Africa region, organised as part of the UIC Africa Security Taskforce annual programme.

In his opening speech, Sidi Fadl-Allh Cherkaoui, Director of the Moroccan National Railways (ONCF) Security Department, representing Mohamed Rabie Khlie, Chair of the Africa Region, noted that strengthening railway security in Africa is essential in order to protect passengers, infrastructure, and freight, while ensuring reliable and resilient transport corridors that support economic integration.

Led by the UIC Security team, headed by Grigore Havarneanu, Director of the UIC Security Department, the webinar focused on the distinction and similarities between safety and security, key security challenges in an open rail environment, and the importance of prevention, crisis management, and cooperation with public authorities.

The UIC Security Platform was introduced, including its governance, five working groups (New Technologies, Human Factors, Strategy and Regulations, Sabotage/Intrusion/Attacks, and Crisis Management), and practical tools such as the Network of Quick Responders and the UIC Rail Security Hub which facilitate member participation. The attendees were also invited to nominate experts for each working group, if their company was not already represented.

The session also addressed priority topics such as the protection of vulnerable groups (including women) and combatting human trafficking, ongoing research and innovation projects, and upcoming events such as the UIC World Security Congress 2026 (3-5 November in Dublin, Ireland), with specific opportunities for African railway stakeholders to take part.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC Africa Safety Task Force focuses on risk assessment

2026-05-07T09:01:59Z

As part of its 2026 Work Programme, the UIC Africa Safety Task Force held two workshops, on 25 March and 6 May 2026, focused on railway risk assessment.

These meetings aimed to strengthen a harmonised and structured approach to risk management across African railways, in alignment with international and regional safety frameworks.

The sessions covered, among other things:

An introduction to the European regulatory framework, primarily the CSM-RA under Regulation (EU) No 402/2013, as well as details of the HARMO COSMERA project, which aim to harmonise risk assessment practices in Europe and beyond.
A presentation by ONCF (Morocco) on the mature and structured railway risk management system fully embedded in its Safety Management System (SMS). Risk management is a continuous process based on hazard identification, risk analysis and evaluation, and the implementation of control measures.
An explanation of the operational railway risks along the Transgabonais line by SETRAG (Gabon), highlighting exposure to natural hazards (rain, landslides), track and rolling stock degradation, urban and forest intrusions, and human and environmental risks. These risks are assessed using a risk matrix combining probability and severity, and supported by incident statistics.
The Common Safety Method on Risk Assessment (CSM RA), presented by South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator, which provides a harmonised framework to manage risks linked to technical, operational and organisational changes.
A detailed CAMRAIL case study from Cameroon, illustrating a legally grounded and data driven risk assessment process based on severity and frequency, risk mapping, and a decision-oriented risk matrix.

Overall, these two workshops confirm that risk assessment is a key lever for continuous improvement, supporting safer railway operations and increased cooperation among African rail networks.

The work of the Africa Safety Task Force will continue in 2026 with a focus on:

Railways' resilience and climate change adaptation
Monitoring systems: key to railway safety

UIC is delighted to continue working on these issues, which we hope will help to improve operations and safety in the region over the coming years.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Save the date: Investment and Financing Solutions for Africa's Railway Future Forum

2026-05-06T10:29:00Z

As African countries advance efforts to expand and modernise their railway networks, unlocking finance at scale remains a central challenge. The Investment and Financing Solutions for Africa's Railway Future Forum, co-organised by UIC and ONCF on 14 – 15 October 2026 in Rabat, will convene key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to discuss how to accelerate investment and strengthen the enabling environment for rail development.

The conference will focus on mobilising diverse sources of finance, improving project preparation and delivery, and supporting strategic investments in urban mobility and cross-border freight corridors. It will also explore the potential role of carbon markets and carbon credits in supporting rail projects. By bringing together decision-makers and practitioners, the event aims to foster dialogue, share lessons learned, and identify practical pathways to advance rail investment across Africa.

Draft Agenda

Wednesday 14 October 2026
08:30-09:30: Registration and welcome coffee
09:30-11:00: Official opening session and Introductory Speech
11:00-11:30: Official visit of the exhibition area
11:30-13:00: First session: Roundtable: Mobilizing capital for rail and innovative financing mechanisms
13:00-14:30: Lunch break
14:30-16:00: Second session: Roundtable: Urban rail & mobility financing
16:00-16:30: Coffee break and booth visits
16:30-18:00: Third session: Roundtable: Regional integration & freight corridors
20:00-22:00: Official dinner & Awards

Thursday 15 October 2026
09:00-09:30: Welcome coffee
9:30-11:00: Fourth session: Roundtable: Project preparation & bankability
11:00-11:30: Coffee break and booth visits
11:30-12:30: Closing Ceremony: Rabat Declaration and Launch of Coalition
12:30-13:30: Lunch break
13:30-14:30: B2B meetings

Registration here.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Railways celebrating World Environment Day 2026: A global call for climate action

2026-05-06T09:15:00Z

On 5 June 2026, from 11:00 to 12:30 (GMT+2), railway leaders, sustainability experts, and international stakeholders will come together for a global webinar marking World Environment Day.

Organised by UIC, this event will highlight the critical role that railways play in shaping a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

The webinar will focus on climate change adaptation and resilience, aiming to:

Recognise the significance of World Environment Day and the railway sector's contribution to sustainability
Encourage cross-regional knowledge sharing on climate challenges and solutions
Highlight vulnerabilities in rail systems and explore the action needed to strengthen resilience globally

Programme

Introduction:
- Mohamed Rabie Khlie, Chair of the UIC Africa Region and CEO of the Moroccan National Railways (ONCF), will share the company's experience and action on resilience.
- A representative from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) - TBC
- Lucie Anderton, UIC Head of Sustainability, delivering the introductory keynote speech

A dedicated presentation from ONCF, which will further emphasise the importance of a strong Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) strategy

International case studies from Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), and the Chilean State Railways (EFE)

The webinar will be held in English and French.

Registration

Participants are invited to register on the dedicated page here: Railways Celebrating World Environment Day 2026: A Global Call for Climate Action

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Register now: International Creativity and Innovation Day 2026 in the Africa Region

2026-04-15T08:30:00Z

On 21 April 2026, the dynamic world of innovation ecosystems within the railway sector will be explored, focusing on how collaboration and research drive sustainable mobility. The webinar is titled “Innovation Ecosystems for Sustainable Mobility” and will be held from 11h-13h GMT+2. It has been jointly organised by the Moroccan National Railways (ONCF), a UIC member, and the UIC International Railway Research Board (IRRB), which is responsible for the Regional Competence Hubs (RCHs) for innovation and education across the six UIC regions, including Africa, and provides support, grounded in scientific rigor, through the IRRB Academic Board for Innovation.

Bringing together key industry leaders and academic experts, the session will discuss open innovation models, the integration of startups into the transport landscape, and the vital role of universities in developing the skills and technologies of the future. Participants will gain insight into global partnerships and technological transfers that are shaping smarter, more sustainable transport systems.

More information on the agenda and registration here: https://uic.org/events/international-creativity-and-innovation-day-2026-in-africa-region-innovation

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC meets with the Director General of ANESRIF during an official visit to Algiers

2026-04-15T08:20:00Z

On 7-8 April 2026, UIC Director General François Davenne met with Azzedine Fridi, Director General of the National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investment (ANESRIF) during a visit to the agency's premises, providing a valuable opportunity to further strengthen cooperation between the two organisations.

Discussions focused on prospects for future collaboration in several key areas, including UIC Rail Academy training programmes, standardisation, telecommunications, the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), and digital transformation. It also emphasised the strategic importance of UIC's International Railway Solutions (IRSs), which are already used in Algeria and represent a solid foundation for deeper alignment and enhanced interoperability.

Both parties are looking forward to translating these constructive discussions into concrete action and building strong, long-term partnerships in support of railway development.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC Africa Freight webinar “Rail freight: What is the situation and what does the future hold?”

2026-04-15T08:19:42Z

On 9 April 2026, over 200 participants joined the UIC Africa Freight webinar entitled “Rail freight: What is the situation and what does the future hold?”. The session focused on international rail freight development in Africa, with presentations from various railway companies and UIC representatives.

François Davenne, UIC Director General, opened the session, discussing the importance of safe international traffic between African countries, followed by Bertrand Minary, UIC Director of Freight and Passenger Departments, Coordinator of Middle East and Latin America Regions, who emphasised that rail freight must be integrated into global supply chains and highlighted UIC's support for operations, safety, and digitalisation.

Hakan Gunal, Senior Freight Advisor, then presented UIC's freight corridor approach using the Middle East region as a case study, demonstrating the need for harmonised rules, faster border processes, and digitalisation to create effective cross-border rail freight networks.

Mounir Mhaji, Commercial Director of Freight and Logistics, Moroccan National Railways (ONCF) which holds the UIC Africa Region chairmanship, discussed the importance of freight for the Africa region within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering an vital opportunity to stimulate economic growth and sustainable development across the continent. The company also shared its successful experience in operating corridors for phosphate and automotive traffic, showing how they handle shared infrastructure between passenger and freight services.

The Uganda Railways Corporation presented their role in connecting Uganda to global trade through the Northern and Central Corridors, linking to ports in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.

The webinar concluded with discussions about the challenges of harmonising technical and legal standards across borders, with participants noting the importance of data collection and stable legal frameworks for successful rail freight development.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC participates in the 5th edition of the Africa Training Session on Rolling Stock Maintenance in Rabat

2026-04-13T13:55:27Z

On 3 April 2026, Henri Tsukahara, UIC Rolling Stock and Labelling Expert, participated in the 5th edition of the Africa Training Session on Rolling Stock Maintenance in Rabat, Morocco.

He introduced UIC's role and presented key principles of railway rolling stock maintenance, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, availability, and lifecycle cost optimisation.

The training session focused on maintenance levels, planning cycles, preventive and predictive maintenance approaches, and the importance of feedback from operations. It also covered the European Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM) regulatory framework and highlighted future trends such as digital diagnostics, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and data-driven maintenance in a context of increasing competition and outsourcing.

The UIC Africa training sessions are organised as part of a regular annual programme focusing on safety, infrastructure, and rolling stock.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Upcoming CRTS Africa: Strengthening commuter and regional rail services

2026-03-25T08:36:31Z

UIC is continuing to support the development of passenger rail worldwide through initiatives dedicated to Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS), which are key for improving sustainable mobility and accessibility in urban and regional areas.

Following the success of the previous eight editions, the CRTS programme is expanding its activities in Africa, aiming to strengthen technical capacity and promote knowledge sharing among railway stakeholders across the continent. The upcoming CRTS Africa event will be organised by UIC in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 26 to 28 May 2026.

A strategic programme for regional mobility

Commuter and regional train services play a crucial role in public transport systems, connecting urban, suburban and regional areas efficiently. These services provide a sustainable alternative to road transport while helping to reduce congestion and emissions.

The CRTS programme aims to:

Facilitate the sharing of experiences and best practices among railway operators
Address challenges in the planning and operation of regional and commuter services
Promote innovative solutions to improve the passenger experience and multimodal integration
Support the development of sustainable and resilient rail systems

CRTS Africa 2026 in Johannesburg

The event will bring together railway operators, transport authorities, mobility planners, universities and international experts to discuss the key challenges and opportunities for the development of commuter and regional rail services in Africa.

The first two days will feature technical sessions, case studies, and insights into different experiences, while the final day will include a technical visit, offering participants the opportunity to discover local railway initiatives and discuss practical solutions relevant to the African context.

Sharing knowledge to support rail development in Africa

UIC's training and cooperation initiatives are increasingly engaging African railway stakeholders and contribute to strengthening expertise across the continent. Through events such as CRTS Africa, UIC aims to promote international collaboration and the development of efficient, passenger-focused regional rail services.

More information

For further details and to register, please visit: https://uic.org/events/crts-africa-web.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

UIC Women in Rail Africa Taskforce marks International Women's Day with a global webinar on strengthening the security of women in the rail sector

2026-03-18T09:26:38Z

On 12 March 2026, the Women in Rail Africa Taskforce held a webinar as part of the International Union of Railways (UIC) Africa Programme. The event also reflected the worldwide celebration of International Women's Day on 8 March and brought together rail stakeholders to discuss progress and challenges in advancing gender equality across the sector.

In his opening remarks, François Davenne, UIC Director General, acknowledged the recent progress made while highlighting that women remain underrepresented in technical, operational, and leadership roles across the rail sector. He also emphasised that there are considerable opportunities available to advance gender equality by strengthening regional cooperation, promoting inclusive organisational cultures, and ensuring that rail systems reflect the needs of all users.

Within UIC, gender equality has emerged as a priority for the African region, recognising that fairness in representation is also essential for innovation, resilience, and sustainable sector development.

Nompumelelo Ekeke, Chair of the UIC Women in Rail Africa Taskforce and Chair of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSF) in South Africa, underlined the importance of creating more inclusive and safer rail environments worldwide. She also highlighted the launch of Women in Rail South Africa (WIRSA), a major milestone in transforming the gender landscape of the sector, where women currently represent only 21% of the workforce.

The webinar also featured a keynote presentation by Laura Petersen on the UIC Security Platform and initiatives related to women's security in rail systems, including examples of measures implemented by railway companies. Participants were also introduced to UIC's ongoing activities on gender equality, through its project Train2BEqual.

The session concluded with an interactive training session led by Stand Up Against Street Harassment, which focused on responding to public harassment. The training provided participants with practical tools and guidance to help foster safer, more secure, and ever more inclusive spaces for passengers and railway staff alike.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

South Africa: Rail reform moves ahead, RSR reinforces cooperation with UIC

2026-02-24T10:36:05Z

The rail industry in South Africa is undergoing significant transformation, including a new rail reform that makes it possible to have private operators on the network. These developments mean that the South African Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) will need to introduce additional regulatory and operational tools and thereby further enhance cooperation with UIC.

The RSR team, led by CEO Brian Monakali and the UIC team, led by Director General François Davenne met to advance discussions on strengthening regulatory cooperation, knowledge sharing, and alignment on rail safety and interoperability standards. Both parties agreed to continue having structured meetings toward a formal framework of collaboration.

The RSR delegation's visit to UIC also included discussions with the Safety, Security and Standardisation teams.

Cooperation will also focus on signalling and telecommunications, as well as developing regulatory standards for operations, telecommunication, signalling, asset management, rolling stock, and infrastructure.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

UIC and ITF strengthen cooperation on advocacy and gender equality

2026-02-18T12:30:00Z

On 12 February 2026, François Davenne and Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), met to further strengthen cooperation between ITF and UIC.

Since signing the Memorandum of Understanding in 2007, both organisations have continued to work together by participating in key events such as the 46th ITF Congress in Marrakech in 2024 and ITF meetings in Geneva in 2023.

The discussion focused on reinforcing joint advocacy efforts and enhancing collaboration on gender equality in the rail sector. ITF will join UIC's gender activities at both global and regional levels, including initiatives such as Women in Rail in Africa.

Both organisations expressed a shared commitment to improving their cooperation at regional level, starting with Africa and Asia-Pacific. Particular attention was given to safety and security, as well as ensuring decent work for women in the rail sector. As rail is a sector capable of providing high-quality, skilled, and long-term employment, increasing women's participation is not only a matter of equality, but also a strategic response to labour shortages faced by the sector in many regions.

UIC looks forward to having this strengthened partnership with ITF in a spirit of constructive discussion and shared drive for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable rail sector.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

UIC participates in the AfDB webinar on Mobilising Climate Finance for African Transport

2026-02-11T09:42:09Z

On 3 February 2026, UIC joined a Knowledge Management Session organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) entitled “Mobilising climate finance for African transport: from concept to implementation”. The webinar focused on Africa's urgent need to develop low-carbon, climate-resilient transport infrastructure to support urban growth and reduce emissions.

While current barriers to this include fragmented policies, limited financing, and a lack of standardised greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, new programmes aim to integrate carbon credits and climate finance into transport and logistics projects. Key goals are to unlock climate finance, build institutional capacity, and promote a modal shift to rail and waterways.

The initiative will help generate African transport carbon credits for use in voluntary and compliance markets, while supporting policy alignment with national climate goals and encouraging private investment through blended finance and public-private partnerships (PPPs). To this end, innovative tools include green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and results-based climate finance.

The essential components for success include standardised emissions methodologies, data systems, and strengthening regional competition through institutions like AfDB and African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).

During the webinar, UIC gave a presentation on “Carbon Credits 101: How the Voluntary and Compliance Markets Work for Transport Projects” as well as detailing the outcomes of UIC studies on climate finance and rail, including

Bridging the finance gap: Challenges and opportunities for low and lower-middle-income countries
cop28_rail_lmics_a4_32pp_a-w_6_web_29112023.pdf
Carbon markets and rail: How to overcome missed opportunities
carbon_credits_white_paper.pdf

Additionally, the Indian Institute of Technology, a partner of the Asia-Pacific region, shared insights from one of the UIC's most recent regional studies, titled “Well-to-Wheel Analysis of Road and Rail Transport: Lessons for Sustainable Transport”.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

Algeria inaugurates the new Béchar–Tindouf–Gara Djebilet railway line

2026-02-04T14:00:00Z

Algeria has inaugurated the 950-km-long Béchar–Tindouf–Gara Djebilet railway line, a major strategic project intended to open up the mining region of Gara Djebilet and stimulate national and regional development. The line will transport both freight and passengers, thus guaranteeing industrial growth while also providing a source of social progress for the communities located along the corridor. One of the partners in the construction of the line is the Algerian National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investment (Agence nationale d'études et de suivi de la réalisation des investissements ferroviaires – ANESRIF), a leading UIC member in Africa.

The project follows the corridor development model, an approach that has proven itself worldwide and is strongly encouraged by UIC, and which ensures integrated and sustainable economic transformation. It also illustrates the crucial role played by inland railway corridors in supporting ports, mining areas and industrial centres by providing effective logistics and low carbon emissions.

UIC welcomes this example of major industrial players adopting rail as part of a global and environmentally-friendly development strategy. The rapid progress of the project once again showcases what it is possible to achieve when all stakeholders work effectively together towards a common vision.

The train on the longest viaduct in Africa, spanning 4.111 kilometres over the Oued Dawra riverbed. A capacity of 32.5 tonnes per axle facilitates the transport of large volumes of freight, as well as passengers. The Algerian National Rail Transportation Company (Société Nationale des Transports Ferroviaires – SNTF), a UIC member since 1929, is currently operating two passenger trains departing from Tindouf and Béchar.

For further information, please contact us at: https://uic.org/about/contact.

The 25th UIC Africa Regional Assembly appoints 2 Vice-Chairs

2026-01-16T09:28:27Z

On 3 December 2025, the 25th UIC Africa Regional Assembly (ARA) held in Rabat appointed two Vice-Chairs for the region.

Congratulations to Saeid Meelad, Chairman of Libyan Railroads, and Cheikh Ibrahima Ndiaye, Director General of SEN-TER, Senegal.

In his speech during the ARA, Ndiaye stated that it was with honour, gratitude, and a sense of great responsibility that he accepted his appointment as Vice-Chair of the UIC Africa Region.

“Together, we will continue to promote rail transport in Africa and worldwide to effectively respond to current and future challenges related to mobility and sustainable development,” he said.

Unable to attend the meeting in person, Meelad formally expressed his heartfelt thanks in writing to all UIC Africa members for their confidence and trust, affirming his commitment to, “Strengthening regional cooperation, promoting sustainable railway development, and enhancing the role of African railways within the international railway community”.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Conclusions of the 20th World Security Congress

2025-12-17T14:33:41Z

The agenda of the Congress was structured around four main topics:

New governance and challenges in railway security: analysis of current and emerging threats and sharing experiences on the prevention and management of risks.
Innovation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence serving security: exploration of technological tools capable of improving the effectiveness of interventions and preventing incidents.
International cooperation and partnerships: highlighting collaboration initiatives between operators, institutions and public authorities to standardise practices and enhance the resilience of the global rail network.
Security of high-speed rail: human, technological and organisational factors: case studies, feedback and recommendations to ensure the protection of users, staff and infrastructure.

Key points put forward at the Congress:

The need for an integrated approach combining human and technological expertise for an effective and sustainable security strategy.
Appreciation of the work of the UIC Security Platform and the specialist working groups, underlining the importance of research and continuous innovation in the sector.
The proposed creation of a Security Group Africa, aimed at developing a regional platform for consultation, sharing good practice and technical cooperation between African railway undertakings.
A focus on training and professionalism, calling for the implementation of joint programmes and the pooling of educational resources to strengthen the competencies of teams.
The adoption of a coordinated approach for the management of major events, involving railway operators, public authorities and institutional partners in order to anticipate risks and guarantee the safety of users, staff and infrastructure.

These structural guidelines, which indicate the strategic significance of this meeting, were reinforced by the commitment of fully mobilised stakeholders. UIC and ONCF would like to take this opportunity to express their extreme gratitude for their sponsors, whose vital support contributed to the success of this event: Huawei, Honeywell, SITE S.p.A., Maghrebnet, Bosch Security Systems B.V., ICF-Imngeniería y Control Ferroviario, ALOMRA, DDM, Neweracom and CID.

To conclude, the 20th edition of the World Security Congress reaffirmed the determination of participants to strengthen international cooperation, to promote sustainable partnerships and to develop coordinated initiatives to secure the global rail network as a whole.

The event enabled the consolidation of a collective momentum vital for the anticipation of risks, the improvement of operational performance and the encouragement of innovation in the rail sector.

For further information please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

25th Africa Regional Assembly held on 3 December 2025 in Rabat

2025-12-09T10:50:50Z

The 25th Africa Regional Assembly (ARA) was held on 3 December 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, and chaired by Mohamed Rabie Khlie, CEO of ONCF (the Moroccan National Railway Office). The meeting was organised as part of the 20th UIC World Security Congress held in Rabat from 2 to 4 December 2025.

Khlie delivered an opening message presenting an inspiring 2026 action plan:

Continued deployment of sustainable actions
Development of new specific initiatives
Definition of the roadmap for 2030
Adaptation of the statutory framework for developments

François Davenne, UIC Director General and interim Coordinator of the Africa region, presented the UIC programme for 2026-2028, including regional plans, objectives and expected impact, and explained that UIC would leverage its current achievements by creating a more operationally driven roadmap that amplified both technical and advocacy efforts, thereby enhancing its capacity and strengthening its resources.

The highlights of the Africa activities for 2025 included:

Training sessions and interregional activities which attracted active attendance by African railway networks, including:
- UIC Rail Academy training sessions: Human and Organisational Factors (HOF) and Safety Culture
- Training sessions on safety, track and rolling stock maintenance organised by ONCF and UIC at the Rabat training centre and online
- Rail Turnout Maintenance Expertise Training Programme, organised by the Middle East region at the training centre of TCDD in Ankara in November 2025
- Commuter and Regional Train Services Training (CRTMS) organised at UIC headquarters in Paris in October 2025

Ongoing activities of the Africa region:
- The main axes of the work of the region, notably the Safety, Security, Infrastructure Narrow Gauge, Rolling Stock and Women in Rail in Africa Task Forces, as well as the regular Africa Railway Thursday webinars organised for the Africa Railway Community
- Collaboration with the African Union Commission and Regional Economic Communities

The ambitious 2026 programme will be advanced through:
- The continuation and expansion of existing initiatives
- Launch of the Africa Regional Competence Hub
- Organisation in Morocco of an in-person event on Financing railway projects

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

Rolling Stock Africa Task Force kick-off

2025-12-04T09:22:58Z

The Rolling Stock Africa Task Force officially launched on 27 November 2025, bringing together key railway stakeholders from across Africa, representing standard, narrow and Cape track gauges.

Adriano Scapati, UIC Rail System Director, opened the session with an overview of UIC and its Rail System Department, highlighting:

The development of technical and operational standards to foster interoperability and international cooperation, including technical leaflets, specifications, labels and guidelines widely adopted by UIC members
Strengthening partnerships with core standardisation bodies
Activities within the Rolling Stock sector, as well as the Infrastructure, Energy and Train-Track Interaction (TTI) sectors
The ambitious plan for the full migration and modernisation of UIC's standardisation system by 2029, through IRSs (International Railway Solutions), supported by systematic surveys and global member engagement

Following this, Mohamed Es-Sahbi, Director of Engineering & Projects Platform within ONCF's Equipment Division (Morocco), presented ONCF's Rolling Stock sector initiatives.

The webinar also featured presentations on UIC Africa activities (Maria Lafont), UIC Rolling Stock & Energy activities (Laurent Frechede), and Labelling (Henri Tsukahara), setting the stage for future collaboration.

2026-2028 Rolling Stock Task Force Work Programme highlights

Following discussion with Africa experts, UIC Rolling Stock experts identified the following key areas of interest for the Task Force:

1. Operational challenges and safety issues related to rolling stock
2. Interoperability between countries – exploring the legal framework
3. Rolling stock refurbishment and new procurement strategies

The Task Force will convene twice a year, with a major milestone being the launch of a project focused on rolling stock refurbishment and new procurement.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

12th Training cycle on track maintenance for the Africa region held in Rabat

2025-12-04T09:19:39Z

The 12th Training cycle on track maintenance was held at the training centre in Rabat, Morocco, from 17 to 28 November 2025, bringing together 20 participants from 9 countries all from railway operators in North, West and Central Africa.

The annual training session organised by ONCF, the UIC Africa Regional Office and the UIC Africa region was organised as part of the UIC Africa regional programme. Other training courses organised annually within this programme include Safety training and Rolling stock maintenance.

The 2-week training cycle was composed of technical visits, case studies and courses delivered by experts from ONCF.

The UIC session was led by Geremy Bourgois, Infrabel, a UIC member and participant of the UIC Track Experts Group within the Infrastructure and Train-Track Interaction (TTI) sectors. The session focused on maintenance objectives, sleepers, fastening systems, rails, level crossings, and switches and crossings.
Training plays a vital role in strengthening railway expertise across Africa, ensuring safety, efficiency and sustainability in operation, and remains a key focus of the region's activities.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact

UIC Rail Academy delivers safety culture training for the Africa Region

2025-11-21T09:18:39Z

On 4 and 5 November 2025, the UIC Rail Academy delivered two safety culture training sessions specifically tailored for the Africa region. This new module, jointly developed by the Institute for an Industrial Safety Culture (ICSI) and UIC, is targeted at railway professionals wishing to deepen their understanding of safety culture.

Delivered in both English and French, this training initiative brought together participants from 12 UIC Africa member countries. It is part of the Africa Safety Task Force's ongoing initiatives and reflects one of the four strategic pillars of its 2024-2025 programme. This module offered participants a solid grounding and practical understanding of the key attributes of safety culture within an organisation.

Key takeaways for participants:

1. Gain a clear understanding of what safety culture represents within an
organisation
2. Identify and understand factors that influence behaviours and habits
3. Acquire the skills needed to strengthen safety culture in an organisation
4. Learn how to incorporate human and organisational factors effectively
5. Develop leadership and change management capabilities to make safety
culture a driver of overall performance
6. Adopt a new perspective on how to build a successful and sustainable safety
culture

To learn more about the modules, please visit: https://uic.org/expertise-development-training/uic-rail-academy/uic-rail-academy-human-and-organisational-factors-hof-section.

For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact