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.
