CILT Global Rail Group Appoints First Regional Chair for Africa
The CILT Global Rail Group has reached another important milestone with the appointment of Genet Atile as Regional Chair for Africa.
Since its launch in September 2025, the Global Rail Group has grown rapidly into a genuinely international forum for rail professionals, now connecting 422 members across 85 countries. With members represented across every region of the world, the Group continues to build momentum as a platform for knowledge exchange, professional connection and collaboration across the global rail sector.
Genet’s appointment marks an important step in strengthening that regional engagement and ensuring the Group continues to reflect the breadth of expertise, opportunity and development taking place across Africa’s rail industry.
Supporting Africa’s Growing Rail Agenda
Africa is home to 28 of the Global Rail Group’s 85 member countries, making it the largest regional representation in the Group by country count.
Across the continent, rail development is advancing at considerable scale and pace. This includes new freight corridors, urban metro systems and regional connectivity projects of strategic national and cross border importance.
Dedicated regional leadership will help the Global Rail Group better support African members, encourage participation across the region and create stronger links between local expertise and the wider international rail community.
About Genet Atile
Genet Atile Asefa is a railway professional based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, specialising in rolling stock, training and capacity development within the Ethiopian rail sector.
She is also the founder of the Afri-Rail Excellence Awards, an emerging platform created to promote excellence, innovation and leadership across Africa’s railway industry.
Her vision is to advance a connected, skills driven and sustainable African railway system through collaboration, knowledge sharing and regional integration.
Building Regional Leadership
Genet’s appointment as Regional Chair for Africa marks the beginning of a broader regional leadership structure for the Global Rail Group.
Regional Chairs will play an important role in representing the Group within their region, engaging local members, supporting future events and contributing to the Group’s strategic development.
As planning continues for future Global Rail Group activity, including an event in Africa, Genet’s regional leadership will help support stronger engagement with members across the continent and contribute to the Group’s continued growth.
Looking Ahead
The CILT Global Rail Group looks forward to working with Genet as she supports the development of the Group across Africa and helps strengthen opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional exchange.
Members and rail professionals interested in finding out more about the Global Rail Group can visit the Global Rail Group page and apply to join.