events

Across Africa, rapid motorization, aging vehicle fleets, uneven safety standards, and limited inspection capacity continue to expose road users to preventable risks. Stronger vehicle safety policies, proven technologies, and effective roadworthiness systems are critical to reducing road traffic deaths and serious injuries.

To mark World Car Free Day, the African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA), in collaboration with the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP) and with the International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee (CITA) as technical partner, hosted the third session of the AARSLA Webinar Series on "Safe Vehicles: A Critical Pillar of the Safe System Approach in Africa."

Grounded in the Safe System approach, the webinar examined how effective vehicle regulation, proven safety technologies, professional fleet management, and robust inspection systems can reduce crash risk and protect all road users.

The session convened policymakers, road safety lead agencies, vehicle regulators, inspection authorities, private-sector fleet operators, technical experts, and development partners to discuss practical, scalable measures for improving vehicle safety across African markets.

Key discussion areas included:

• Vehicle safety standards, regulation, and policy implementation
• Institutional capacity and AARSLA–CITA technical cooperation
• Essential and emerging vehicle safety technologies for African markets
• Private-sector fleet management and safety incentives
• Vehicle inspection, roadworthiness, enforcement, and data systems

Short expert presentations and an interactive discussion enabled participants to exchange experience, identify common challenges, and explore practical pathways for strengthening vehicle safety governance across the continent.

Webinar Materials:

• Video recording
• Key takeaways
• Presentations