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Embracing the New Urban Era Through Smarter Mobility

It's the greatest prize of the 21st century for any African city.

A Movement With A Purpose

African cities face significant challenges today and in the coming decades due to rapid population growth and large-scale industrialisation. Many people lack access to safe, reliable, and affordable mobility, impacting how we move people and goods.

This situation has clear negative consequences for economic development, public health, job opportunities, and the environment. We refer to this as the 'Old Urban Era.' The human, environmental, and economic impacts of this era are profound, fuelling our passion to help cities across Africa transition to the 'New Urban Era' through smarter mobility solutions.

We are dedicated to uniting every element of the mobility industry to tackle these challenges head-on, creating an environment where social, environmental, and economic opportunities are exponentially amplified.

Our Passion

We’re passionate about improving how people and goods move. Our global team and advisory board have witnessed the extremes of mobility in Africa and around the world, seeing firsthand how outdated mobility systems of the 'Old Urban Era' can hinder freedoms while innovative solutions of the 'New Urban Era' can empower them.

We are committed to embracing the New Urban Era, where people, economies, and environments can achieve their full potential. By integrating every element of the mobility industry—from public transport and urban logistics to automotive and active mobility—we ensure that mobility serves the people, the economy, and the environment effectively. This holistic approach is key to transitioning from the 'Old Urban Era' to the 'New Urban Era,' where opportunities are exponentially amplified.

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SMARTER MOBILITY AFRICA SUMMIT 2024 SHOWREEL

Experience Africa's most influential mobility conference & exhibition

Statistics That Matter

The African mobility challenge is enormous, but through collaboration and innovation, we can make a difference. Already we are seeing change, and with your help tomorrow’s future can be bright.

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Car Ownership

Car ownership rates in Africa are relatively low, with only 44 cars per 1,000 people, compared to 553 cars per 1,000 people in North America. The number of cars on African roads is expected to double by 2040, which creates many opportunities, however could also exacerbate congestion, emissions, air pollution, and road fatalities

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Informal Transport

In many African cities, informal transport systems like minibus taxis, boda bodas, and matatus play a significant role in providing mobility for citizens. However, these systems are often unregulated, unsafe, and not fully integrated, with high accident rates and poor working conditions for drivers.

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INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

Inadequate infrastructure and a lack of funding funding is holding back the full integration of smarter mobility solutions. Annually, there is a funding gap of up to $100 billion for infrastructural development in Africa.

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Public Transport

According to the World Bank, public transport accounts for more than 80% of all trips in urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the quality and reliability of public transport systems vary widely across the continent, with many cities lacking formal transit systems.

But change is coming...

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Mobility Solutions

A number of mobility solutions are becoming commonplace in Africa, such as ride-hailing services and bike-sharing programs in cities like Lagos and Cape Town. Additionally, several African countries are investing in public transport infrastructure, such as light rail systems and bus rapid transit.

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Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles (big & small) are becoming more popular in Africa, largely due to their cost saving advantages for businesses and homes, and integration with the electricity grid. These vehicles are lower cost to operate and maintain than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, which could help to reduce the overall cost of mobility.

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Bike-sharing & battery swapping

Bike-sharing & battery swapping schemes are popping up in cities across Africa, providing an affordable, healthy, and eco-friendly way to get around and move goods. These schemes are particularly popular in countries like Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa.

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Smart Public Transport

Some African cities are investing in Smart Public Transport systems that use technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of buses and trains. For example, in Lagos, Nigeria, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system uses technology to optimise routes and reduce wait times.

“Cities across Africa are embracing the greatest prize of the 21st century, the New Urban Era``

Ben Pullen
Group Director of Mobility
VUKA Group

What We Believe

The mobility industry is changing at a rapid speed, which is creating new opportunities for both existing and new businesses.

We believe in a smarter mobility Africa for all (hence our social handles of #smaforall) which leaves no one behind.

For all areas of the vast mobility industry, we welcome you all and give you the ability to take advantage of all of the opportunities that the New Urban Era has to offer.

Let’s win the greatest prize of the 21st century together, the New Urban Era.

EVENT ELEMENTSWHAT THE EVENT OFFERS

Enhance your career and business opportunities and maintain professional standards in the fast-paced mobility industry with Smarter Mobility Africa's mix of activities.

Opening Ceremony

The whole mobility industry plays a vital role in Africa realising its 2030 visions - from public transport and rail to automotive and micromobility - it is the participation and integration of all these elements that will ensure mobility truly serves the people, the economy, and the environment. The Opening Ceremony stages present insights and visions from Africa’s leaders who are responsible for improving how we move people and goods to embrace the new urban era.

ADVANCING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Public transport plays a critical role in providing reliable and safe mobility in cities. In Africa, informal public transport is mostly used to get around. However, a lack of investment, integration, and infrastructure have held it back. This stage explores the opportunities presented within public transport through paratransit, rail, integrated infrastructure and reduced congestion to bring about safer, affordable and efficient mobility for all.

NEW ENERGY VEHICLES

Transitioning fleets to new energy vehicles comes with a huge amount of opportunity to reduce costs and emissions, whilst improving user experience. However, the speed at which this change is happening provides some level of challenges, which would make even the most focused fleet operator feel somewhat anxious. The Green Fleet stage will simplify some of the must know information when embracing this inevitable transition to electric vehicles, which will make your fleets more efficient and more enjoyable to manage.

GALA DINNER

Join us on the evening of the 7th of October for the Smarter Mobility Gala Dinner, a prestigious event celebrating the advancements and fostering connections within the dynamic world of smarter mobility in Africa.

The Gala Dinner is more than just an evening event; it's a platform to strengthen partnerships, spark new ideas, and collectively propel Africa towards a more sustainable and connected future. Join us and enjoy a magnificent dinner experience while immersing yourself in an atmosphere of progress and collaboration.

WOMEN IN MOBILITY

At Smarter Mobility Africa summit, we will bring attention to gender disparities whilst giving women the power to lead change in mobility. The Women in Mobility Breakfast will ensure no woman stands alone against inequality, safety and lack of access. This event will create a support structure for women to empower and learn from each other.

It will also foster networking opportunities, knowledge exchange, and mentorship amongst women professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders in various sectors of the mobility industry. It’s all about Women in Mobility – Leading the Way to enhance opportunities for younger women who aspire to build a career in the futuristic and dynamic mobility sector.

MOBILITY INVESTMENT PITCHES & VILLAGE

Launched at SMA summit 2024, this NEW initiative is to support innovative mobility projects across Africa. Our goal is to improve access, safety, affordability, and sustainability of mobility in Africa by embracing the new urban era through smarter mobility funding. Showcasing smarter mobility initiatives seeking support and funding is a key pillar of Smarter Mobility Africa, strongly driven by a passion for improving how we move people and goods to embrace the new urban era.

Through live project pitches, showcases and digital listings, we are able to connect projects to a network of global and local investors 365 days a year

Gibela site Visit

A Gibela site visit, in partnership with Smarter Mobility Africa, offers a unique opportunity to explore the forefront of rail manufacturing. Witness the intricate process of crafting modern, high-speed trains designed to shape Africa's sustainable future. Marvel at cutting-edge technology and skilled craftsmanship. Gain insights into the positive impact on local communities and the continent's mobility landscape.

Exhibition

Join us at Smarter Mobility Africa 2025, the premier platform for shaping the future of urban mobility in Africa. Book your stand or sponsor. You’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Pick your positioning: Get first dibs on the sponsorship and exhibition packages that align perfectly with your goals.
  • Exclusive networking opportunities: Take advantage of the Gala Dinner, Women in Mobility and on floor networking sessions to network with key decision-makers
  • Shine bright like a diamond: Our 365 days targeted marketing campaigns will put your brand in the spotlight
  • Maximize your product launch and and reach your ideal customers.

Training & Workshops

The SMA Summit offers two tailored workshops and training sessions that you can choose from to enhance your knowledge and skills. This flexibility allows you to focus on the areas most relevant to your professional needs.

Attending a workshop at the SMA Summit offers a multitude of benefits for professionals in the mobility sector:

  • Skill Up: Gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience.
  • Network: Connect with industry leaders and peers.
  • Advance Your Career: Develop new skills and certifications.
  • Stay Updated: Learn about the latest trends and technologies.
  • Solve Problems: Find solutions to real-world challenges.
  • Get Inspired: Discover innovative ideas and fresh perspectives.

Expert knowledge is paramount

Smarter Mobility Africa summit's programme is developed in close collaboration with its Advisory Board, a group of dedicated and diverse experts, intimately involved in the most critical areas of building an integrated smarter mobility Africa.

Representatives from transport operators, funders, urban planners, regulators, startups, and other industry, government, and academic stakeholders take part in this group, bringing their visions and day-to-day experiences to the discussion before, during and post the live event.

VUKA Team VUKA MOBILITY TEAM

Ben Pullen

Group Director of Mobility

Ben lives and breathes smart mobility and is passionate to play his part in building a better world for the future. He has enjoyed running projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa over the last 10 years.

Anazi Zote

Mobility Content & Stakeholder Manager

Anazi is an experienced media professional who has worked as a TV producer and journalist in business news at top media outlets such as BBC and CNBC Africa. Recently, she has been in conference management and production assembling large conferences in South Africa and Dubai, focussed on smarter mobility and renewable energy.

David Sazfir

Business Development Manager

With experience in logistics & sales, David is driving forward an integrated and smarter mobility Africa. He's committed to understanding the market trends and clients needs to ensure they can scale their solutions across Africa.

Sindi Buthelezi

Delegate Sales Manager

Experienced in fostering and nurturing connections within the events management industry. I'm passionate about my role, as it enables me to convene prominent industry figures, policymakers, and thought leaders for meaningful dialogues aimed at addressing pressing challenges and crafting effective solutions.

Matt Wilson

Business Development Manager

With extensive experience in exhibition and sponsorship sales, I am dedicated to driving impactful partnerships. I strive to connect brands with strategic opportunities that enhance visibility and engagement. My commitment to fostering valuable relationships ensures that exhibitors and sponsors achieve their objectives while contributing to the vibrant dialogue around innovation in all sectors.

Warda Jakoet

Customer Experience

A passionate leader with a determined focus to ensure that the touchpoints across the client’s journey are engaging, efficient and effective. Attention to customer experience has led to Enlit Africa consistently scoring a high NPS score from attendees.

Rue Limekhaya

Registration

With over 20 yrs experience, her focus and attention is to ensure a smooth, enjoyable visitor and delegate experience both online and from the moment the entry badge is collected at the venue. Understanding that we have only one chance to make a good impression she is dedicated in her belief that the customer always comes first.

Chanelle Benjamin

Head Of Operations

Having delivered a full scope of African projects over 13 years demonstrating a proven ability to manage all aspects of event planning; from conception to execution, while ensuring that events are aligned with our brand.

Mobility Case Studies Customer Success

How VUKA Group has helped businesses access new mobility opportunities in Africa

  • Huawei
  • Spiro
  • Nissan

“It was definitely a fruitful event, and a positive experience for us. Having attended and participated numerous events, Smarter Mobility Africa summit certainly stands out as one to remember. Everything ran smoothly, from offloading to build, without any unexpected surprises. We had a really positive experience, are very pleased with the results and happy with the event as well as being connected with the right people in the right way.”

Wesley Scott Regional Marketing Manager, Huawei Digital Power Southern Africa

Company: Huawei

Objective:

Huawei’s participation and attendance at SMA summit was primarily for exploration purposes, to assess interest and anticipation ahead of their product launch.


Solution:

By means of securing a platinum sponsorship, which included exhibition space, allowed Huawei Digital Power to showcase, for the first time, its FusionCharge Liquid-Cooled Distributed DC Charging Solution. In collaboration with the Smarter Mobility Africa team, we formulated a comprehensive package that included brand promotion, product placement, thought leadership positioning, communication and media through ESI Africa physical and digital publication. The Smarter Mobility Africa team ensures a seamless end-to-end process, guaranteeing that individuals are connected appropriately and engaged in meaningful conversations. This proved highly fruitful as it enabled us to foster engagement with essential industry stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.


Results:

Considering the experimental nature of our experience and our aim to gather feedback, the favourable response we received from the event signals a clear and genuine interest and enthusiasm. As a result, we are now confident about the potential for the official rollout in the future.

2024 Sponsors & Exhibitors

Hosting Partners
g-Fleet
Gauteng Province
Gauteng Transport Authority
Platinum Sponsors
Visa
Mobility Partner
Gautrain
Gold Sponsors
Gibela
GIZ
IDC
Silver Sponsors
Circular Energy
Johannesburg Roads Agency
Gala Dinner Sponsor
Uber
Women In Mobility Sponsor
inDrive

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