Latest advances in sustainable transport in Africa
The African continent faces a major challenge in terms of urban mobility. With rampant urbanization and an expected increase in the urban population in the coming decades, finding efficient and environmentally friendly transportation solutions is crucial. Fortunately, more and more African countries are committing to the transition to sustainable transport. In this article, we will examine the latest advances in clean urban transport in Africa.
Senegal recently made headlines by inaugurating a 100% electric bus network in Dakar, the country’s capital. These buses will run on a reserved lane, which will significantly reduce travel time between Dakar and surrounding suburbs. The goal is to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for climate change.
The transport sector is one of the main emitters of greenhouse gases, contributing significantly to global warming. In Africa, where urbanization is booming, this contribution to climate change is constantly increasing. However, experts point out that Africa also has the advantage of not already being car dependent, unlike many Western countries.
Around 80% of African city dwellers do not have a personal car, which means that these cities could move directly to clean modes of public transport, without having to go through the step of combustion engine vehicles. This presents a unique opportunity to build more sustainable transport infrastructure and reduce the carbon footprint of African cities.
Of course, such a change requires political will and significant investments in public transport. Some African cities have already taken steps in this direction. Dar-es-Salaam and Johannesburg have developed bus networks with reserved lanes, Casablanca has installed a tramway, and Abidjan and Lagos are building a metro. These initiatives show that sustainable public transport is feasible in Africa.
However, there are still many challenges to overcome. The absence of public transport authorities in many cities, the need for training of drivers and operators, corruption and the lack of long-term planning are all obstacles to overcome. Nonetheless, the potential benefits are many, including better air quality, improved health, increased safety and reduced greenhouse gas emissions..
To further encourage the transition to sustainable transport in Africa, it is essential to raise awareness among citizens about the benefits of clean public transport modes and create the necessary infrastructure to make them accessible to all. Governments and local authorities must also play a key role by putting in place favorable policies, providing financial incentives and supporting the development of sustainable public transport.
In conclusion, the transition to sustainable transport in Africa is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and promote more efficient urban mobility. Although significant progress has been made, much remains to be done. It is time to invest more in sustainable transport infrastructure, strengthen the capacities of the actors involved and promote collective awareness of the importance of environmentally friendly urban mobility.