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Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Urban Mobility in Africa

Urban mobility in Africa is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and the pressing need for sustainable solutions. This evolution aligns closely with the Smarter Mobility Africa 2025 vision of “Embracing the new urban era through mobility.”

This vision aims to guide the continent towards a future where mobility is sustainable, inclusive, and a catalyst for urban development. 

Challenging realities: 

• Rapid urbanization is a concern for most African cities because it leads to severe traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, impacting public health and environmental sustainability.  
• Marginalized communities may feels left out due to limited access to affordable and reliable transport options. This inequity is a key challenge that the Smarter Mobility Africa 2025 vision seeks to address by promoting inclusive and equitable mobility solutions.  
• Dilapidated and ageing infrastructure pose a threat to support modern mobility solutions, such as dedicated cycling lanes, charging stations for electric vehicles, and high-quality public transport systems.  
• Implementing and maintaining modern mobility systems requires significant investment, posing a challenge for many African cities. 

Opportunities to transform: 

• Advancements in technology offer innovative solutions such as ride-hailing services, bike-sharing programs, electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and smart traffic management systems.  
• MaaS platforms integrate various transport modes into a single, user-friendly app, providing seamless and convenient travel options for citizens. 
• A shift towards electric vehicles, cycling, and walking promotes sustainable mobility and reduces environmental impact.  
• Utilizing real-time data collection and analysis can optimize traffic flow, improve public transport services, and identify areas for infrastructure improvement. 
• Actively involving citizens in the planning and implementation of mobility solutions ensures that their needs and preferences are considered. 

By embracing these opportunities and addressing the challenges, African cities can create a more sustainable, equitable, and efficient urban mobility system, paving the way for a more liveable and prosperous future for all. This aligns perfectly with the overarching goal of the Smarter Mobility Africa 2025 vision: to “Embrace the new urban era through mobility” and create a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for the African continent. 

About the author

Anazi Zote
Mobility Content & Stakeholder Manager

Anazi Zote

Anazi Zote is a multifaceted woman with a passion for creativity and innovation. With her diverse skill set encompassing creatives arts, technology, and entrepreneurship, she continuously pushes boundaries and explores new frontiers. She is known for their unique perspective and out-of-the-box thinking and strives to inspire and challenge conventional norms.