As we near the end of the HVT programme, we’ve been reflecting on the key themes of our work with stakeholders in the programme.
Here, Farida Moawad from Transport for Cairo, explains how capacity building is an essential tool to accelerate growth in the sector.
Capacity building is often overlooked when considering the development of transport strategies, plans, infrastructure and services. As such, the lack of regular and well-planned capacity building programmes is often the missing link in achieving positive outcomes in the transport sector.
I mention “well-planned” because ideally, capacity building activities should be designed based on the findings of capacity needs assessments: Where are we now? Where do we want to be? What is the identified gap, and what do we need to get there?
Only by investing in needs assessments and capacity building will policymakers, planners and practitioners have the skills, tools and networks available to effectively implement and maintain lasting change. In LMICs, capacity building can be an extremely cost-effective way to accelerate growth, and we strongly encourage attention to capacity building at national, regional and local levels.
Capacity building involves much more than improving individual knowledge and skills. It is about strengthening organisations, enhancing governance and creating an environment where the latest knowledge, lessons learned and key skills are shared. It’s a long-term commitment and investment, requiring collaboration between governments, agencies and other stakeholders involved in the transport sector, including the private sector, academia and Technical and Vocational Education and Training as well as civil society organisations.
Yet, there is a significant lack of sector-specific literature on capacity building in the field of passenger transport and urban mobility. That is why HVT’s research has been so vital in empowering sector professionals with the skills and knowledge to design, implement and assess successful capacity needs assessments and capacity building activities for transport institutions.
The most effective capacity building initiatives are the ones which respond to the specifics of each local region and its unique circumstances. Transport for Cairo’s HVT-funded work has explored and categorised 14 capacity building formats that can be tailored to fit local needs. These include mentorship programmes, committee meetings and making knowledge products and data platforms available as capacity building activities.
Increasingly, we are seeing recognition of the importance of local leadership and context-specific design. Technology offers new opportunities for training and knowledge-sharing, from e-learning platforms to real-time data systems.
Looking ahead, my hope is that capacity building will no longer be viewed as something to check off a list, but as a core element of planning activities in the transport sector, both by transport institutions themselves and by providers of capacity building support. By investing in people and institutions, we can create transport systems that are functional, resilient and equitable. The potential is enormous, and the rewards – for individuals, communities, and nations – are well-worth the effort.