South Africa targets rail, port growth, aims to move 24M tonnes of freight annually  

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa is accelerating logistics and transport reforms to increase export capacity, improve freight movement, and support long-term economic growth, with plans to shift up to 24 million tonnes of freight annually from April 2027.  

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, said the reforms would help improve the movement of minerals, vehicles, and agricultural products to international markets while strengthening economic competitiveness. 

“This will ensure more South African minerals, vehicles and agricultural produce reach international markets, securing jobs and earning much-needed revenue for our fiscus,” said Creecy. 

Private Sector Participation in Rail and Ports 

The Minister announced that the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) would soon reveal the names of the first 11 private Train Operating Companies expected to help expand rail freight capacity and export volumes.  

Creecy warned that South Africa faced growing competition from neighbouring countries investing heavily in rail and port infrastructure. 

“Consequently, logistics and mobility reform must be at the heart of our programme for long-term, sustainable economic growth. Improved rail and port infrastructure is already increasing throughput on key export corridors, ensuring improved network reliability, and achieving gains in job creation and emissions reduction,” she said. 

Port Infrastructure Projects 

Creecy said significant progress had already been made in unlocking investment and infrastructure delivery through public-private sector partnerships. “The Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 Concession has reached financial close and will increase port handling capacity from 2.0 million to 2.8 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) a year,” she said. 

Through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure, R16.8 billion (US$910 million) in public investment has already been approved and is in execution across coal and iron ore lines and port infrastructure. 

Aviation Recovery and High-Value Cargo 

The Minister said the aviation sector continued showing strong recovery, contributing towards Airports Company South Africa’s target of handling 42 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of air freight by 2029.  

Strategic air cargo infrastructure investment was expected to begin in March 2027, alongside a targeted strategy focused on high-value cargo sectors, including perishables. 

Industry Perspective 

For fresh produce exporters, the reform promises improved rail and port efficiency in moving citrus, grapes, and other perishables to international markets.  

Ultimately, as neighbouring countries invest heavily in competing infrastructure, South Africa’s reforms are critical to maintaining its position as the primary gateway for Southern African fresh produce exports. 

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