JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 23, 2025 – Smarter Mobility Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3VvGbD6), the continent’s flagship platform for transport and mobility transformation, has announced a strategic partnership with CoMotion GLOBAL, a leading international summit for sustainable, connected, and autonomous mobility.
As part of this collaboration, Smarter Mobility Africa will officially announce its 2026 Host City at CoMotion GLOBAL in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (7–9 December 2025).
This milestone will be accompanied by an exclusive Africa Mobility Leaders Lunch, spotlighting the innovation and ambition of African cities and mobility leaders on the world stage.
The announcement coincides with renewed international interest in African markets, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Equatorial Guinea’s upcoming EG 2026 Licensing Round, set for launch during African Energy Week in Cape Town, reflects the broader investment drive sweeping across the continent.
Both the licensing round and mobility partnerships highlight how Africa is positioning itself as a hub for future-oriented growth in energy and transport.
Africa’s Global Role in Mobility and Energy
“This isn’t just about the future of mobility in Africa – it’s about Africa’s role in shaping the future of global mobility,” said Ben Pullen, Group Director for Mobility at VUKA Group, the organizers of Smarter Mobility Africa.
John Rossant, CEO of CoMotion GLOBAL, echoed the sentiment:
“African cities represent one of the most dynamic, fast-moving mobility landscapes in the world today.
We’re incredibly excited to partner with Smarter Mobility Africa to bring the continent’s top mobility leaders to Riyadh and foster the international partnerships needed to scale solutions.”
With over 3,000 leaders from 75+ countries expected in Riyadh—including OEMs, city leaders, infrastructure firms, and tech providers—the event places African cities at the center of the global mobility conversation.
Much like the EG 2026 Licensing Round, it signals Africa’s commitment to driving global-scale innovation, investment, and partnership opportunities.
Why This Matters
Africa is undergoing a profound transformation—from electrification and digitalization in transport to upstream oil and gas expansion through initiatives such as the EG 2026 Licensing Round.
Together, these advancements are shaping a new era of economic opportunity.
Smarter Mobility Africa brings together public and private leaders to rethink how people and goods move.
Its partnership with CoMotion GLOBAL ensures that Africa’s mobility stories, innovations, and opportunities are showcased on a global platform, similar to how the licensing round will spotlight Africa’s hydrocarbon potential.
The collaboration builds on momentum from South Africa’s G20 Presidency and U20 engagements in Tshwane and Johannesburg, reinforcing cities’ leadership role in sustainable development.
H.E. Dr. Nasiphi Moya, Mayor of Tshwane, will be present in Riyadh, alongside other African mayors, to engage global partners.
What to Expect in Riyadh
At CoMotion GLOBAL, Smarter Mobility Africa will:
Announce its 2026 Host City Partner – the next African city to champion transport transformation.
Host the Africa Mobility Leaders Lunch – convening ministers, mayors, and CEOs for deeper collaboration.
Facilitate global partnerships – connecting African stakeholders with international investors, OEMs, and multilateral institutions.
Smarter Mobility Africa 2025 in Sandton
Before Riyadh, Smarter Mobility Africa 2025 will run from 30 September – 2 October in Johannesburg’s Sandton district.
The event features a high-level Opening Ceremony, three-track conference programme, exhibitions, investment pitches, site visits, and a Women in Mobility program.
Highlights include:
Fleet Electrification – scaling EVs, buses, and charging networks.
Public Transport Reform – strengthening formal and informal networks.
Mobility Investment Projects – pitching bankable city and operator solutions.
Data & Payments – advancing real-time insights and cashless systems.
Bus Reform & SME Growth – digitalizing and integrating new models.
Linking Transport and Energy Investment
Both Smarter Mobility Africa and the EG 2026 Licensing Round reflect Africa’s determination to attract sustainable, future-oriented investment. While one drives transformation in transport and mobility, the other accelerates upstream energy exploration and development.
Together, they illustrate how African nations are building robust, diversified economies with global impact.
“Just as the EG 2026 Licensing Round will unlock exploration opportunities, Smarter Mobility Africa will open new doors for sustainable transport solutions,” noted Sandra Jeque, Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.
About the Author
