Efficient ports are essential to Africa’s economic connectivity and trade facilitation. Yet in many countries, ships still face fragmented reporting requirements, paper-based procedures, and duplicative controls across maritime administrations, port authorities, customs, and border agencies. These fragmented processes add time and uncertainty to port calls and complicate vessel clearance.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP), and the World Bank, together with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Transport, are hosting a sub-regional workshop in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, from 9 to 12 December 2025 to advance the implementation of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) across 12 French-speaking African countries. 

Urban mobility in Sub-Saharan Africa is at a crossroads. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and limited formal transport infrastructure have made informal public transport (IPT)—including minibuses, shared taxis, motorcycle-taxis, and other locally adapted modes—the backbone of daily mobility for millions. Despite its critical role, IPT is often marginalized in policy and planning, viewed as a temporary solution until formal systems can be expanded.

Strengthening the financial sustainability of Africa’s road networks is essential to maintaining regional connectivity and supporting inclusive growth. As part of this effort, the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP) and its partners are taking steps to modernize the continent’s road funds and embed resilience, transparency, and equity in their management systems.

Africa continues to face the highest road traffic fatality rate in the world—19.6 deaths per 100,000 people. Every year, an estimated 260,000 people lose their lives on the continent’s roads, accounting for 24 percent of global road deaths despite Africa having less than 4 percent of the world’s vehicles. Pedestrians, cyclists, and users of two- and three-wheelers make up more than half of these fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for data-driven and evidence-based solutions.

Lusaka, Zambia, June 26, 2025 – Road safety leaders from across Africa are gathering today in Lusaka for the inaugural General Assembly of the African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA), a new regional platform aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting coordinated action to reduce road traffic fatalities across the continent.

February 6, 2025  |  Washington DC, 9-10am  |  Abidjan, 2-3pm  |  Paris, 3-4pm