Embracing Informal Transport: A New Paradigm for Urban Mobility

Knowledge Bases May 22, 2025 Urban Transport & Mobility Ghana South Africa Senegal Rwanda Mozambique Kenya Sierra Leone Mali Madagascar Zambia Lesotho Mauritania Botswana Uganda

Fatima Arroyo-Arroyo, Brendan Finn and Philip van Ryneveld

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities with Practical Tools and Strategies
Embracing Informal Transport: A New Paradigm for Urban Mobility

This SSATP technical report calls for a paradigm shift in how Sub-Saharan African cities approach informal public transport (IPT), recognizing its central role in meeting urban mobility needs. Based on case studies from 14 African cities, the report examines the complexities of the sector, the challenges of reform, and the potential for improvement through collaboration rather than replacement. It identifies five key reform levers—regulation, organization, vehicle financing, operations and maintenance, and infrastructure—and offers practical strategies and tools for policymakers and practitioners. With strong leadership, sustained trust, and inclusive engagement, the report shows how IPT can evolve into a more efficient, reliable, and integral part of urban transport systems across Africa.

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