In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean sits down with Martin Vaujour, recently appointed President of Alstom’s AMECA region (Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia) and new member of Alstom’s Executive Committee.

Martin shares insight into Alstom’s strategic ambitions across a vibrant and diverse region, covering key rail projects in South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and beyond. From the landmark PRASA Gibela commuter train project in South Africa to the monorail in Cairo and the high-speed rail project in Morocco. This conversation explores the transformative role Alstom is playing in the development of passenger and freight rail across the continent.

Key discussion points include:

1. Alstom’s expanding footprint across Africa and the Middle East
2. Local manufacturing and industrialisation
3. Addressing infrastructure challenges and funding models
4. The future of hybrid trains for non-electrified lines
5. Progress on the PRASA and Transnet projects in South Africa
6. Supporting operators through technical partnerships and long-term maintenance
7. Leveraging climate finance and signalling technologies to optimise rail operations

Martin also reflects on the importance of building relationships with local stakeholders, ensuring long-term impact through capacity-building and creating ecosystems that sustain innovation and efficiency in rail transport.