On 27 January 2025, the Republic of South Africa, which is already a Party to the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment and to its the Protocol on Matters specific to Aircraft Equipment, officially deposited its instrument of ratification of the Luxembourg Rail Protocol to the Cape Town Convention on Matters specific to Railway Rolling Stock.
The Luxembourg Rail Protocol therefore welcomes its second African State after Gabon, which is a promising step toward the development of important rail infrastructure in the region.
Her Excellency Ms Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of South Africa in Italy, and Minister Plenipotentiary Ms Mmathari Mashao, visited UNIDROIT to formally deposit the instrument of ratification of the Luxembourg Rail Protocol.
The delegation was received by the UNIDROIT Secretary-General, Professor Ignacio Tirado, Deputy Secretary-General Professor Anna Veneziano, and Principal Legal Officer and Treaties Depositary Ms Marina Schneider.
On this occasion, Professor Ignacio Tirado made the following statement: “South Africa’s ratification of the Rail Protocol to the Cape Town Convention represents a cornerstone in the implementation of the Treaty. South Africa is a key player and a market leader in the region. The importance of supporting the development of international financing in the railway sector for the entire African region cannot be overestimated, and South Africa’s ratification is a truly important step in that direction.
“We are convinced that the Rail Protocol will play a pivotal role in reaching the ambitious goal of strengthening the rail infrastructure in Africa, until all african capitals are connected by rail. a dream closer than ever before”.
South Africa’s ratification of the Rail Protocol to the Cape Town Convention represents a cornerstone in the implementation of the Treaty. South Africa is a key player and a market leader in the region.
The importance of supporting the development of international financing in the railway sector for the entire African region cannot be overestimated, and South Africa’s ratification is a truly important step in that direction. We are convinced that the Rail Protocol will play a pivotal role in reaching the ambitious goal of strengthening the rail infrastructure in Africa, until all african capitals are connected by rail. a dream closer than ever before
Her Excellency Ambassador Jezile remarked: “South Africa has long acknowledged the importance of the Rail Protocol for the enormous potential it affords for development in the African Region, having been a signatory State since the Minister of Transport signed it on 22 March 2022. The ratification of the Treaty is an important step in facilitating financing in the rail industry, which is a key element for social development and economic growth in the whole continent as recognised by the African Union agenda”.
The Rail Protocol will enter into force for South Africa on 1st May 2025.