Runway to Railway links African infrastructure with aviation, tech and design

Runway to Railway: Project Maverick brought aviation, technology and creative leaders together in Cape Town on Oct. 22, 2026 to focus on smarter infrastructure and airport experiences shaped by African identity. Organizers also announced plans for a Runway to Railway Expo in November 2027 aimed at connecting investors, operators and creative businesses.

Why it matters: - The Cape Town gathering focused on how connected infrastructure can improve passenger experience, operations and wider economic opportunity across Africa. - The event also pushed a stronger role for African creativity in airport retail and design, where travelers form first and last impressions of a destination. - Organizers positioned the platform as a way to link aviation, rail, logistics, technology, tourism, design and investment around practical infrastructure solutions.

What happened: - Runway to Railway: Project Maverick took place at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town on Oct. 22, 2026. - The event ran under the theme “Simply Connect Africa.” - Anna K Hecart, founder and director of Connected Group, conceived the Runway to Railway vision. - Dirk Ackerman, chairman of RSA Aero and former Airports Company of South Africa CEO, moderated the panel “Raising the Bar for African Infrastructure.” - The panel included Nicholas Ferguson of RSA Aero, Hasnain Motlekar of BCX and York Ning of Huawei South Africa. - Hecart announced the Runway to Railway Expo for November 2027.

The details: - The Expo is being developed as a meeting place for aviation, rail, logistics, infrastructure, technology, tourism and design professionals. - Investors and public-sector stakeholders are also expected to take part. - Organizers say partners will be able to showcase capabilities and meet potential collaborators. - Attendees will be able to explore innovations, exchange ideas and discuss how better connected infrastructure can support African business and communities. - The infrastructure discussion brought together airport development perspectives and the technology expertise of BCX and Huawei. - The conversation centered on collaboration that can support better passenger experiences, reliable operations and practical delivery of connected infrastructure. - Ackerman said early collaboration between developers, operators and technology partners helps show how infrastructure decisions fit together. - Ferguson said airport development should consider how people arrive, how businesses connect and how the surrounding region benefits. - Ferguson said innovation should improve efficiency and welcome while serving the wider economic role of an airport. - Motlekar said reliable networks, secure systems and useful information need to work together. - Motlekar said planning those capabilities from the outset helps organizations improve services and respond as demand changes. - Gavin Rajah, an award-winning South African designer and creative entrepreneur, delivered the closing remarks. - Rajah extended the discussion to retail experiences at African airports. - Rajah highlighted the chance to bring more creativity and a stronger expression of African identity into airport spaces.

Between the lines: - The event framed infrastructure as more than physical assets, tying airports to business ecosystems, technology systems and cultural expression. - The announcement of a 2027 expo suggests the platform is moving from a single convening event toward a broader industry network. - The design and retail angle points to a view that airport experience is part of economic development, not just passenger service.

What's next: - Organizers plan to build the Runway to Railway Expo for November 2027. - The expo is expected to bring together transport, infrastructure, technology and creative-sector stakeholders with investors. - The next phase will likely focus on turning the Cape Town discussion into partnerships and practical projects.

The bottom line: - Runway to Railway is trying to turn African infrastructure planning into a cross-sector conversation, with airports serving as both transport hubs and showcases for local innovation and identity.