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.
In April 2024, two African cities, Freetown and Kumasi, hosted capacity-building workshops that brought together government officials and public transport operators to collectively address the pressing challenges of urban mobility. Organized by SSATP and featuring a blend of international and local expertise, these workshops focused on public transport improvement with a specific emphasis on the professionalization of paratransit services.
This SSATP report provides a comprehensive analysis of urban mobility organizing authorities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Road traffic fatalities and injuries are a global concern acknowledged in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an African concern acknowledged in the African Road Safety Charter, and a national concern acknowledged in various country policies and laws. Road safety lead agencies (RSLAs) are responsible for leading national efforts to achieve the national road safety goals, bringing all arms of government and society together to improve safety outcomes.
In partnership with the FIA Foundation, the Africa Transport Policy Program hosted a webinar to present concrete urban mobility, road safety, and traffic management guidance that will help city administrators, development practitioners, and their partners address the safety, accessibility, and mobility challenges faced by cities in Africa.
Links to the transnational and summary UTM reports:
This report offers a transnational view of the urban mobility and accessibility context in Africa and focuses on the conditions necessary for implementing urban mobility policies based on good practices and lessons learned globally and in Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Senegal.
In developing cities, particularly small-to-medium size ones, “informal” public transport or “paratransit” is the main means of personal transportation. The informal public transport sector provides irreplaceable and usually affordable mobility and access, particularly for the poor. It is also a significant source of employment, particularly for migrants from rural areas without the skills or connections to get other jobs. At the same time, the sector suffers from many problems.
Within the framework of its Urban Transport and Mobility (UTM) pillar, SSATP launched a diagnostic pilot activity to support eight pilot countries (Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Senegal) in the development of policies to improve accessibility and mobility in urban areas of Africa. Six thematic areas were considered as priorities:
