This video calls on African cities to shift away from car-centric urban planning and instead prioritize people-centered mobility. It underscores the importance of investing in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, multimodal transport systems, and active mobility to build more inclusive, sustainable, and livable cities. 

The video was featured during the plenary session, “Breaking the Silos: Optimizing Movements for People and Goods,” at the 2025 SSATP Annual General Meeting held in Cotonou, Benin, where policymakers and partners explored integrated approaches to urban transport. 

Despite accounting for 17% of the world’s land area, Sub-Saharan Africa has only 6% of the global road network. As motorization increases alongside economic growth, the region’s limited and unevenly developed infrastructure—especially in urban areas—faces mounting pressure. Urban transport networks often struggle with poorly designed roads, mixed traffic, and a growing number of private vehicles, compounding congestion and safety risks. This is particularly critical for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and informal transport operators. 

Walking is an essential part of nearly every public transport journey—serving as the first and last mile—but many African cities lack safe and accessible pedestrian infrastructure. Without addressing these gaps, urban mobility will remain inefficient and inequitable. 

Optimizing the movement of people and goods requires a holistic, multimodal approach—one that integrates land use planning, supports active mobility, and ensures safe, inclusive infrastructure for all. As cities grow, this approach will be key to improving residents’ quality of life, reducing emissions, and supporting economic development. 

Watch the video to explore how African cities can transform their transport systems—putting people first for a more sustainable future.