BY – FAISAL IQBAL | PARIS | 11 JULY 2026
PARIS — President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Martin Sion, Chief Executive Officer of Alstom, on the margins of his Official Visit to France to discuss deepening cooperation in South Africa’s rail sector.
Alstom is one of the world’s leading rail transport companies and has a significant manufacturing footprint in South Africa through the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium and Alstom Ubunye.
The company is currently delivering South Africa’s largest-ever rolling stock programme: the manufacture of 600 X’Trapolis Mega commuter trains for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). The project also supports local manufacturing, supplier development, skills transfer and job creation.
South Africa’s rail sector is undergoing its most significant reform in three decades. Government’s rail liberalisation programme and major investments in passenger and freight rail were reaffirmed by President Ramaphosa in the 2026 State of the Nation Address. The Presidency said these reforms present opportunities to deepen cooperation with Alstom in rolling stock manufacturing, signalling, localisation and investment.
The engagement forms part of President Ramaphosa’s business programme during the Official Visit to France. The programme aims to strengthen bilateral economic relations and expand trade, investment and industrial cooperation between South Africa and France.
Government said partnerships with global rail manufacturers like Alstom are key to modernising commuter rail and improving freight efficiency.
Source: South African Government
