The 20th Africa Regional Assembly and AD-HOC Task Force united the members of the region at UIC HQ Paris and online.

In the welcome message, Mohamed Rabie Khlie, the Chairman of ARA, highlighted the 11th UIC World Congress on High-Speed Rail, Marrakech, among the phare events of 2023, including organization during the congress of a round table dedicated to the future of railways in Africa, with a focus on the flagship project of Agenda 2063, the Africa Integrated High-Speed Network (AIHSN) as well as of a 1st Worldwide Rail Hackathon on the African continent.

François Davenne cited the importance of installing a rail network and revitalising lines in Africa, stressing the importance of rail investment in Africa and assuring that the railway will become the backbone of sustainable mobility in Africa. He noted the significance of the 11th UIC World Congress on High-Speed Rail being held in Africa.

The main topics of the diverse Africa region 2023 program included Collaboration with the African Union Commission, which joined the ARA; the launch of a Safety Task Force for Africa; a security program including the analysis of needs of the members of the Africa region; as well as Sustainable Development.

The next major event of the region for 2023 will be an International Symposium on the Financing of Rail Projects in Africa which will be held in Dakar from 19-21 October 2023.
International Forum: Financing rail projects in Africa