On 3-4 June 2025, the 3rd Annual Railway International Cycle of Technical Conferences (ANGOLA RAIL 2025) was held in Luanda, with UIC Director General François Davenne officially opening the event online. This year, Angola celebrates 50 years of independence, and the Technical Conference took place as part of this milestone.

The conference was organised by the Angolan Railway Technician’s Association (ATECFA) in close partnership with the Luanda Railway Company (CFL), supported by the Benguela Railways (CFB) and the Mocamedes Railways (CFM). This marked the third time that UIC participated in the event, albeit remotely.

Davenne highlighted key UIC and UIC Africa Activities, including projects such as the Safety and Security Taskforce, and the Narrow Gauge Taskforce, which brought together representatives from the Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific regions, as well as the launch of the Women in Rail in Africa Taskforce, and various training initiatives.

A special emphasis was placed on the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), a 5G-based communication system for railways developed by UIC under the guidance of railway operators. Davenne noted that FRMCS is designed for global applicability and is open to worldwide adoption.

The Angola Rail Conference coincided with two important international awareness events: International Rail Trespass Awareness Day (TRESPAD) on 4 June 2025, and International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), held this year on 5 June in York. On this occasion, Isabelle Fonverne, UIC Senior Advisor, underscored the importance of ILCAD and the need for continued vigilance and education around level crossing safety.