Afrail Inc., a premier infrastructure and smart mobility company pioneering eco-friendly transit systems across Africa, the Middle East, and the United States, has announced the appointment of Dr. Helvi Meke Petrus (PhD,FCILT), to its Global Advisory Board.
Dr. Petrus is a prominent transportation economist, currently serving as the Transportation Commissioner of Namibia. She is also a Senior Lecturer and Transport Economics Specialist at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). With over a decade of experience in transport policy, road financing, and sustainable mobility, she brings invaluable expertise to the Afrail mission.
Dr. Petrus joins a distinguished team of experts already serving on the Global Advisory Board, including Dr. John Steytler, PhD, former CEO of the Development Bank of Namibia and Economic Advisor to the late President, HE Dr. Hage Geingob, and Dr. Smart Dumba (Ph.D), an urban transport specialist and Associate Professor at NUST.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Petrus to our Global Advisory Board,” said Radhey Verma, Afrail Inc. Incoming CEO”. “Her work in transport economics and infrastructure development will play a critical role in shaping our mobility systems across Africa.”
Dr. Petrus completed her PhD at Stellenbosch University, where she focused on national road network funding in Namibia—particularly on sustainable financing models and road user charges. Her contributions have supported policy reform and regional transport planning, including active participation in AU-led infrastructure and energy initiatives.
In her advisory role, Dr. Petrus will help guide the development and implementation of AfrailX in Northern Namibia, support the launch of ArailX in South Florida, and contribute to the infrastructure strategy surrounding Afrail’s 150 MW solar power plant and Tier-4 data center in the Oshakati area.