Keynotes to share global perspective at road conference

Keynote speakers

Four prominent keynote speakers have been confirmed for the to share global October 2022 gathering of the 7th Regional Conference for Africa, hosted by perspective at the South African Road Federation (SARF) in collaboration with the International international Road Federation (IRF) and the World Road Association (PIARC). road conference

The event takes place from 18 to 20 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre under the theme ‘Connecting Africa through Smart, Safe and Resilient Roads: Stimulating Growth and Trade on the Continent’.

“Our conference this year truly reflects an international perspective. We are bringing together best practice from across the world,” says Basil Jonsson, operations director, SARF.

This international focus has enabled the organisers to secure keynote speakers such as Anouar Benazzouz, the first African president to stand at the helm of the IRF. He is also the director-general of Moroccan Highways.

Nazir Alli, president of PIARC, is also a keynote. A World Bank consultant and civil engineer, he is well known to the South African industry, having been the founding CEO of Sanral.

Renowned local speakers also join the international keynotes, notably Professor André Roux, head: Futures Studies Programme, University of Stellenbosch Business School; and Dr Pierre Voges, CEO of the Atlantis Special Economic Zone Company and former CEO of the Mandela Bay Development Agency.

The enormous international interest in the event is also reflected in the high volume of papers submitted from all four corners of the world – not only from those countries that usually participate, but also from a number of countries attending for the first time. The event is anticipated to draw more than 420 delegates, and ECSA accreditation has been secured by SARF with 1 CPD Point in Category 1 for each of the three days of the conference.

“Our Regional Conference has become a pivotal ‘space’ in which road specialists and decision-makers come together to collaborate and discuss ways to expand and improve our road network, specifically in Africa, but then, in addition, to take the lessons learnt here further abroad,” says Jonsson.

Specialist seminars

The conference will also host two specialist seminars, the first focusing on ‘Safe and efficient transport by road’ and the second on ‘The role of low-volume roads in rural connectivity’ – two topics of vital concern around road networks throughout the continent. This seminar will be presented jointly by PIARC.

Other topics on the three-day programme include: - Determination of roads needs and financing mechanisms - Preserving Africa’s road assets - Innovative practices to optimise road networks - Roads and the environment - Capacity development in the roads sector. With delegate registration now in full swing, those wishing to participate are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible and take advantage of the earlybird registration, open until 9 September. Special accommodation rates for out-oftown delegates have also been secured at various Southern Sun hotels close to the conference venue.

For more information contact SBS Conferences & Exhibitions on +27 (0)71 348 1780, email info@sbs.co.za or visit sbs.co.za/sarf2022

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Anouar Benazzouz, directorgeneral of Moroccan Highways and first African president of the International Road Federation

Nazir Alli, president, World Road Association

Dr Pierre Voges, CEO, Atlantis Special Economic Zone Company

Professor André Roux, head: Futures Studies Programme, University of Stellenbosch Business School