Runway to Railway Announces Africa Infrastructure Expo

Runway to Railway has announced plans to hold an infrastructure and technology expo in November 2027, following a Cape Town event that brought together aviation, technology and creative industry representatives to discuss connected infrastructure and passenger experiences.

The event, Runway to Railway: Project Maverick, was held at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town on October 22, 2026, under the theme “Simply Connect Africa”. It explored how collaboration between infrastructure developers, technology providers and other industries could improve transport systems and the services built around them.

The platform was conceived by Anna K Hecart, founder and director of Connected Group, to encourage collaboration across sectors and explore opportunities linking infrastructure, business and economic development in Africa.

“We are pleased to announce the Runway to Railway Expo for November 2027. Our ambition is to bring the people shaping transport, infrastructure and technology together with investors and creative businesses to explore practical solutions and build partnerships that move Africa forward,” Hecart said.

The planned expo will bring together stakeholders from aviation, rail, logistics, infrastructure, technology, tourism and design, alongside investors and public-sector representatives. The organisers say it will provide a platform for showcasing solutions, exchanging ideas and developing partnerships.

At the Cape Town event, a panel discussion titled “Raising the Bar for African Infrastructure” examined how technology and closer coordination between infrastructure developers and service providers could improve airport operations and passenger experiences.

Moderated by Dirk Ackerman, the panel featured Nicholas Ferguson, executive managing director of RSA Aero; Hasnain Motlekar, acting chief executive officer of BCX; and York Ning, director of ICT Marketing and Solution Sales at Huawei South Africa.

The discussion highlighted the importance of considering connectivity, security, information systems and operational requirements during infrastructure planning rather than treating technology as an addition after construction.

Ferguson said airport development needed to account for the wider economic networks surrounding transport facilities, including how passengers reach airports, how businesses connect and how nearby regions benefit.

Motlekar emphasised the role of reliable networks, secure systems and accessible information in improving services and helping organisations respond to changing demand.

“The value of connected infrastructure lies in what it enables people and businesses to do,” Motlekar said. “Reliable networks, secure systems and useful information need to work together. Planning these capabilities from the outset helps organisations improve services and respond as demand changes.”

The discussion reflects a broader infrastructure challenge for African markets: ensuring that investments in physical transport facilities are matched by the digital systems needed to support efficient operations and passenger services. Airports, in particular, rely on interconnected systems spanning communications, operational coordination, security and passenger information.

The event also considered how airport environments could better reflect local cultures and create opportunities for African businesses. In closing remarks, Gavin Rajah highlighted the potential for airport retail spaces to showcase African fashion, food, design and craft.

“An African airport should give travellers a real sense of place,” Rajah said. “Our retail spaces can do far more to showcase the continent’s design, fashion, food and craft. We have the talent and the stories. The opportunity is to present them with imagination and the quality they deserve, while creating space for African creative businesses to grow.”

The proposed November 2027 expo will extend the discussion beyond aviation to include rail, logistics and other infrastructure sectors. Its impact will depend on whether the gathering translates cross-sector discussions into practical partnerships and projects.

For African infrastructure developers and technology providers, closer coordination between transport planning, digital connectivity and commercial services could help improve operational efficiency while creating opportunities for local businesses. The expo is intended to provide a forum for advancing that collaboration.