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SEI is collaborating with regional and local partners to develop safer, more inclusive, and sustainable transport systems in Africa. This collaboration is dedicated to empowering changemakers to drive advancements in sustainable transport across the continent.
Transport is pivotal in shaping societies and economies, and Africa is no exception. The continent’s vast size, diverse landscapes and limited resources make it a complex environment for transportation development.
With rapid urbanization and a growing population that is expected to double by 2050, the demand for reliable and inclusive mobility solutions is only set to increase. The ability to travel safely and efficiently is crucial for accessing jobs, education, healthcare and other essential services. These issues disproportionately affect the most vulnerable – including women, young children, older people and people with disabilities – who often contend with hazardous road conditions, overcrowded vehicles and a lack of accessible infrastructure.
The changing climate further impacts mobility through the destruction of roads, pavement and bridges due to flooding and heat exhaustion.
Many African countries are pursuing economic development while facing the dual challenge of ensuring efficient, safe and affordable mobility, while also minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from increased motorization.
This task is complicated by Africa’s vulnerability to climate change, which is intensified by the environmental challenges caused by transportation practices. Specifically, transportation in Africa accounts for about one-third of the continent’s energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with motor vehicles emitting 346 million tons of CO2 annually. These emissions contribute significantly to both global and regional environmental challenges, such as air pollution.
Globally, transportation accounts for 64% of oil consumption, 27% of all energy use and 23% of the world’s energy-related CO2 emissions. The repercussions are severe, with transport pollution linked to around 300,000 deaths annually. Additionally, road crashes claim over 1.1 million lives each year, of which 92% occur in lower-income countries.
Due to inadequate motorized transport systems, a significant portion of Africa’s population relies on non-motorized means of transport. Over a billion Africans use walking and cycling for their daily commutes, representing about 90% of the population. To improve these conditions, various policies and programmes have been implemented at regional and national level to improve road safety and promote sustainable transport solutions.
Addressing these challenges requires a concerted, multifaceted approach that considers the complex social, economic, and environmental factors at play.
SEI plays a vital role in this effort through a project supported by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office’s High Volume Transport (HVT) Applied Research Programme, in collaboration with UNEP’s Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM).
At the heart of this project is the understanding that transport is not just about infrastructure and logistics – it is a critical factor in social equity, environmental sustainability and economic development for Africa and its people. It is essential to review and learn from both global and local solutions, adapt them to regional contexts, and implement them at national and local levels.
Gary Haq, senior research associate at SEI York, leads the project with his expertise in low-emission mobility and transport policy. “We are working closely with local actors to identify how best to integrate and apply research findings to support sustainable transport solutions,” explains Haq. The focus is on increasing awareness, equipping transport planners with climate risk assessment skills, and securing financial resources to prioritize investments in inclusive and climate-resilient transport infrastructure.
In February 2024, SEI, HVT, PAAPAM and partners launched a series of masterclasses for transport stakeholders to enhance their capacity for integrating sustainable transport solutions into transport plans and promoting low-carbon mobility options. This initiative is part of a year-long regional masterclass series on inclusive transportation across Africa. The series began with a successful event in South Africa, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, urban planners, civil society organizations and transport experts. The southern African masterclass provided a platform for participants to share experiences, identify best practices, and develop actionable strategies for promoting more inclusive mobility solutions.
“It is difficult to separate what we are doing and our aspirations. In Mozambique, the absence of non-motorized transport regulations underscores the pressing need for forward-looking guidelines. Essential steps must prioritize social awareness and institutional capacity building, shedding light on the fundamental needs of our citizens. Despite its historical significance, Downtown Maputo has become synonymous with challenges such as inadequate parking, waste accumulation, and informalities. We cannot allow these obstacles to normalize, hindering walkability and impeding progress. It's imperative to instill in citizens a deep appreciation for the significance of walkability, recognizing its critical importance for our collective well-being.”
City official from Mozambique
SEI's Steve Cinderby training Southern African city officials on active mobility.
Photo: Constant Cap / UNEP.
The Southern Africa masterclass, held in Cape Town from 7 to 8 March 2024, brought together participants from various Southern African countries. It provided comprehensive guidance for governments and stakeholders on developing and implementing action plans for active mobility, with a particular focus on pedestrians and cyclists.
The masterclass addressed crucial topics such as turning research into action, linking active mobility to climate resilience, and including the voices of disadvantaged groups, exemplifying a collaborative effort to advance inclusive and climate-resilient transport planning across Africa.
Participants gained valuable technical knowledge and skills in active mobility planning through interactive workshops and training sessions. They explored successful case studies of inclusive and resilient transportation solutions, drawing on best practices. The masterclass fostered collaboration and networking, building a committed community focused on enhancing active mobility in the region.
Building on the success of the Southern Africa masterclass, SEI is now preparing to host an online version for a wider Southern African audience in July 2024. The webinar will focus on policy, planning and enabling the environment. Further in-person events will be held in Central, West, East and North Africa, culminating in a final event at the World Urban Forum.
This regional approach allows the programme to tailor the content and activities to the specific contexts and needs of different African countries, while also fostering cross-country collaboration and knowledge exchange, and creating a network of champions.
Project / The University of York SEI Centre implements customized capacity-building programs on active mobility in African transport structures on the HVT project.
Project / Meeting the mobility needs of disadvantaged groups in a changing climate.
Project / Accelerating low carbon transport policies and plans that meet the mobility needs of marginalized groups in Indonesia.
Tool / Unlock inclusive urban mobility with the Digital Mapping Toolkit, designed for participatory planning and equitable transport solutions.
Journal article / Expanding accessible mobility solutions and improving the climate resilience of transport can help address issues of inclusion and equity in African cities.
Perspective / This perspective highlights three major solutions to address the challenges faced by low-income and vulnerable transport users in African cities.
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