Rapid urbanisation across Africa is bringing opportunity and economic growth but is also putting increased pressure on transport infrastructure. Pervasive congestion, inadequate public transport, safety concerns and growing pressures from climate change are just some of the challenges transport planners are facing yet with the rapidly growing cities and economies come opportunities to transform transport for the long term.
This series takes a deep dive into the opportunities in urban and transport planning for African cities – considering the need to understand the vital role of active mobility and informal transport as well as exploring the challenges to develop transport that creates a just transition to greener transport solutions.
Episode One: Oluwaseun Sonoiki, Legal Counsel at The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA)
In the first episode of our fifth series of Reimagining Motion we talk with Oluwaseun “Seun” Sonoiki, about the challenges of coordinating and expanding transport in one of Africa’s most rapidly urbanising cities.
Episode Two: Simon Saddier, Senior Urban Transport Specialist at the World Bank,
We explore the current state of play for urban transport in African cities, and consider options for the future with a focus on the role of formal and informal transport, which enables access for the majority of the African population.
Episode Three: Carly Gilbert-Patrick, Share the Road Programme, UNEP
We talk with Carly Gilbert-Patrick about the current state of walking and cycling (often referred to as ‘active mobility’) across Africa. We touch on the differences and similarities between regions and countries, the impact of motorisation on active mobility infrastructure as well as changing hearts and minds to see pedestrians and cyclists as priorities in transport planning.
Episode Four: Michael Wanyama, Autosafety Uganda
In the final episode of season 5, we speak with road and vehicle safety activist, Michael Wanyama from AutoSafety Uganda. We discuss how the impact of used and unsafe vehicles on the roads in Uganda is often missed from the discussion around road safety and rising fatalities, as well as their contribution to rising emissions. Also Michael talks about his work training local mechanics and improving regulations in the industry.
All four series of our podcast series, hosted by Holger Dalkmann, are available on all podcast outlets, including Spotify, iTunes, and Google Podcasts.