Advancing Urban Mobility Across Africa

Explore the latest developments in Africa’s public transport landscape with insights from the UITP Africa Conference

From formalising informal systems and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to sustainable innovations and digital transformation.

In December 2024, leaders and stakeholders in public transport gathered in Casablanca for the UITP Africa and MENA Conference. Trapeze Africa, a Modaxo company, participated in the event as a sponsor and exhibitor, showcasing its contributions to digitalising public transport in African cities. Trapeze Africa supports public transport authorities and operators in countries like South Africa, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Egypt, and Mauritania with advanced digital solutions that improve efficiency and passenger experience.

The insights shared here reflect our ongoing engagement in the African public transport sector and highlight key trends shaping the continent’s mobility evolution.

Transforming Public Transport in Africa

Africa’s urban mobility is undergoing significant changes to address challenges such as congestion, informal transit, and sustainability. Institutional reforms have emerged as a cornerstone for effective governance and planning. Authorities such as the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) in Lagos, the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (DART Agency) in Dar es Salaam, and Conseil Exécutif des Transports Urbains Durables (CETUD) in Dakar are driving progress by implementing policies to regulate, integrate, and modernise transport systems.

LAMATA’s leadership in Lagos has resulted in the development of robust urban transport solutions, including the introduction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. Similarly, Dar es Salaam’s DART Agency has transformed East Africa’s urban transport with its BRT network, improving daily travel for thousands of commuters and reducing congestion significantly.

Bus Rapid Transit: Enhancing Mobility and Accessibility

Bus Rapid Transit systems continue to play a central role in improving urban mobility across Africa. Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya BRT system stands as a milestone in South Africa, offering efficient and reliable transport to thousands of passengers daily. Meanwhile, Dar es Salaam’s BRT network exemplifies East Africa’s ability to deliver transformative projects, moving 170,000 passengers daily while reducing travel times by half.

These success stories have inspired cities such as Nairobi and Kigali to explore similar systems, demonstrating BRT’s scalability and cost-effectiveness as a solution to urban transport challenges. Increasingly, BRT projects are integrating electric buses to align with sustainability goals, as seen with Dakar’s fully electric bus route and Nairobi’s e-Matatus pilot program.

Formalising Informal Transport Systems

Informal transport remains the backbone of mobility in many African cities, but its unregulated nature often compromises safety and service quality. Authorities like CETUD in Dakar are leading efforts to formalise informal networks, integrating minibuses and paratransit operators into regulated systems. Such reforms provide safer, more reliable services while improving employment conditions for operators.

In Lagos and Dar es Salaam, similar integration efforts have proven successful, showcasing how collaborative governance can modernise informal transport systems without alienating existing operators.

The transformation of individually owned taxi systems is also gaining importance across Africa. By transitioning these services into formalised and digitised operations, cities can enhance service quality, safety, and operational efficiency, creating better outcomes for both operators and passengers.

Digital Solutions: Revolutionising Public Transport

Technology is playing an increasingly prominent role in improving public transport operations and passenger experiences across Africa. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Automatic Fare Collection (AFC), and real-time tracking solutions are streamlining operations, optimising routes, and providing seamless payment options.

For example, Trapeze Africa is working with cities across the continent to implement advanced ITS and AFC systems that enhance efficiency and reliability. By integrating these digital solutions, African cities are making significant strides toward modern, user-centric mobility systems.

Clean Mobility: The Rise of Electric and Sustainable Transport

Africa is increasingly adopting clean transport solutions to combat pollution and reduce carbon emissions. Electric buses, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and renewable energy initiatives are gaining traction across the continent. Dakar’s 100% electric bus route is a prime example, highlighting the potential for sustainable mobility solutions in urban areas.

Meanwhile, major infrastructure projects in Egypt, such as the new administrative capital and its metro network, demonstrate the continent’s commitment to efficient, sustainable mobility systems that reduce congestion and enhance connectivity.

Transport Solutions for Large-Scale Events

Organising public transport for large-scale events is a growing priority in Africa. The successful hosting of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast highlighted the importance of efficient, scalable transport solutions. Abidjan’s public transport operator, Société des Transports Abidjanais (SOTRA), successfully planned and managed transport operations during the event, providing a reliable and organised system for thousands of visitors.

Looking ahead, Morocco’s role in co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 alongside Portugal and Spain underscores the need for robust mobility systems capable of managing high passenger volumes during global events. Such events provide opportunities for cities to invest in transport infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and showcase innovative solutions to a global audience.

Building Resilience: Preparing for Climate and Urban Challenges

As climate risks intensify, African cities are prioritising resilience in their transport infrastructure. Investments in weather-resistant and energy-efficient systems are helping mitigate disruptions caused by extreme weather events.

By integrating climate resilience into urban planning, African cities are ensuring that their public transport systems remain reliable, sustainable, and adaptive to future challenges.

Conclusion: Africa’s Mobility Transformation

Public transport in Africa is evolving through a combination of institutional reforms, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives. From formalising informal networks and expanding BRT systems to embracing electric buses and digital solutions, African cities are demonstrating innovation and resilience in addressing mobility challenges.

As demonstrated at the UITP Africa and MENA Conference, Africa’s ongoing progress in urban mobility provides valuable insights for the global transport community. With continued investments, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies, African cities are poised to build inclusive, efficient, and sustainable transport systems for the future.

Trapeze Africa, as part of Modaxo, remains committed to supporting this transformation through digital solutions that enable smarter, more efficient public transport systems across the continent.

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