The transportation sector is crucial to Africa’s economic growth but also contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing this issue, a collaborative study by the InterAcademy Partnership and the Network of African Science Academies explores pathways to decarbonise transportation in Africa. With emissions expected to rise sharply due to urbanisation and increased motorisation, the report calls for a shift towards sustainable transport practices.
Key highlights include adopting electric vehicles powered by Africa’s abundant renewable energy, investing in public transport systems like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT), and promoting non-motorised options such as cycling and walking. The study emphasizes the need for supportive policies, partnerships, and innovation to create a sustainable, low-carbon transport future. With a flexible approach adaptable to diverse national contexts, the report outlines a roadmap for Africa to achieve environmental, economic, and social benefits through decarbonisation in the transport sector.
This study assesses the challenges and opportunities for decarbonising Africa’s transport sector, examining both environmental and socio-economic impacts. It focuses on identifying policies, institutional capacities, and financing needs that would enable the adoption of low-emission transport solutions. Key areas of exploration include:
- Technological and Infrastructure Needs: Evaluating the potential for electric vehicles, renewable energy integration, and mass transit systems such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT).
- Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Reviewing existing policies and identifying necessary reforms to promote sustainable transport and meet Africa’s carbon reduction goals.
- Social and Economic Impacts: Understanding how decarbonisation can improve public health, create jobs, and drive economic development while promoting equitable access to transport.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Highlighting the importance of partnerships among governments, industry, and civil society to support a transformative transition in transport.
- Contextual Flexibility: Acknowledging diverse African contexts and recommending adaptable strategies that cater to the specific needs of different countries.
By focusing on these aspects, the study provides a comprehensive roadmap for Africa to pursue a sustainable, low-carbon transport sector aligned with both climate goals and Agenda 2063.
The study on the challenges and opportunities for decarbonisation of transport in Africa will build on the success of IAP’s European Academy Network (EASAC) 2019 report and the November 2021 workshop on the topic and will explore questions such as the following:
- How can governments in Africa harness the economic, environmental and social benefits of decarbonisation of transport?
- What would it take to accelerate electric vehicle adoption consistent with national climate goals? Will other forms of low carbon fuels and fuel efficiency play a significant role?
- How can planning and urban design help drive transformation of the transport sector?
- What are the best solutions for rural areas, and for maintaining rural-urban connectivity in an environmentally sustainable manner?
- What lessons can be learnt and adopted/scaled-up from regional and global best practices?
- How can non-motorized transport be further utilized (particularly during the pandemic to maintain social distancing)?
- Which transport reforms could COVID-19 help accelerate?
- How can informal bus networks and local rideshare apps (e.g., SWVL in Egypt, Safeboda in Uganda) be incentivized to use electric vehicles? How can digitization help support this transformation?
- How can regulatory mechanisms promote investment in low-carbon transport?
- How can opportunities for local vehicle manufacturing support a long-term vision for sustainable transportation?
Decarbonising transport helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improves public health by reducing air pollution, and can drive economic development. It also aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and contributes to meeting climate goals.
Key challenges include reliance on fossil fuels, underdeveloped infrastructure, limited policy support, and financial constraints for adopting new technologies like electric vehicles.
The study provides flexible recommendations without rigid timelines, allowing countries to tailor their strategies based on unique socio-economic, political, and geographical factors.
Individuals can support decarbonisation by choosing public and non-motorised transport, advocating for policy changes, and raising awareness of sustainable transport practices.
The study considers diverse transport modes, from heavy-duty vehicles to non-motorised options, and explores solutions for infrastructure disparities between urban and rural areas.
EVs, powered by Africa's renewable resources like solar and hydropower, offer a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-based vehicles, which helps reduce emissions and improves energy independence.
Decarbonising transport can create jobs, improve transport accessibility, reduce poverty, and enhance economic growth through sustainable infrastructure and green technology adoption.
