Objective
The study identified ways to mitigate the financial risks of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on transport systems in low-income countries in Africa.
Potential impact
Potentially reduce the financial impact of COVID-19 on the mass transport systems in the 11 low-income countries
COVID-19 Challenge
The economic impact of COVID-19 on transport infrastructure in low-income countries should not be underestimated. In high-income countries, COVID-19 there has been significant economic impact, for example, on airlines, the Channel Tunnel, and in Austria, on the skiing transport infrastructure. These countries have been proactive in mitigating the economic impact of the pandemic on their transport infrastructure and have the resources to do so. Without the same level of resources, the challenge for low-income countries is to be proactive. They will need to use legal and regulatory regimes to mitigate the economic impact the pandemic on transport infrastructure. Examples of steps that can be taken are set out in the case study.
Approach
The study data were extracted from data provided by national governments, publicly available material on transport infrastructure, and from academic publications.
The study recommendations were discussed with government ministries on transport infrastructure, stakeholders and organisations providing mass transport services.
The study provided an overview of the issues in the 11 low-income countries in Africa, and a case study of Ghana as an example of how the recommendations could be applied in an individual country.
Outcome
Guidelines have been prepared for government transport ministries, local government and providers of the mass transport systems. These guidelines are not country specific and are broadly compatible with the legal systems of the 11 target countries. It provides advice to governments and mass transport providers on implement on a country-by-country basis, the specific steps listed in the case study as they are appropriate to the country concerned.