PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION IN AFRICA
INTRODUCTION
The Dakar Regional Express Train (TER) has been a significant transportation infrastructure project in Senegal since 2021. With 200 stations and serving 115,000 passengers daily, it contributes over €33 million annually to the country's economy. The first operational section, connecting Diamniadio to the capital, has already reduced carbon emissions by preventing the release of 92,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The project's second phase, supported by the West African Development Bank (WADB), aims to connect Diamniadio to Dakar's Blaise Diagne airport within just 45 minutes over a 19-kilometer stretch, enhancing mobility of people and goods, while reducing road congestion. Additionally, Senegal is preparing to launch a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, acquiring 121 electric buses with 563.8 kWh battery capacity and installing at least 23 charging stations in 14 Dakar councils. These sustainable initiatives aim to combat air pollution and alleviate urban congestion.[i]
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION IN AFRICA[ii]
Africa, despite being the least urbanised continent globally, is experiencing rapid growth in its cities, with the urban population expected to double by mid-century, surpassing one billion people. The majority of this urban population reside in small and medium-sized cities, each with fewer than 500,000 inhabitants, where the most significant growth rates are observed. However, larger metropolitan regions and megacities, with populations exceeding 10 million, are also emerging and are set to scale significantly by 2040, including cities like Cairo, Kinshasa, Lagos, Johannesburg, Luanda, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and Abidjan.
Urban expansion in Africa primarily occurs outward, leading to the emergence of informal settlements in the surrounding countryside. These unplanned communities are sprawling and poorly connected, posing challenges for providing basic infrastructure and establishing efficient public transport systems, due to their remote locations and high mobility demands.
Transportation is a potential driver of emission growth in Africa, with petroleum accounting for approximately 25% of the continent's energy supply. Consequently, the transport sector is a significant contributor to CO2 emissions, responsible for 29% of total emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, crude oil, and natural gas, primarily from road vehicles. Although Africa's contribution to global warming has been relatively small thus far, the continent's growing population has the potential to become a significant greenhouse gas emitter. To meet global climate goals, Africa must work to reduce its emissions, with the transport sector playing a crucial role.
Africa's motorisation is still at its early stages, with only a fraction of the global passenger cars on its roads in 2015. Unlike other regions, Africa has the opportunity to avoid negative lock-ins associated with high-emission transport systems and privately owned vehicles. However, this transition must go hand in hand with poverty alleviation and increased prosperity, requiring a comprehensive reorientation of socio-economic development, rather than isolated environmental or climate policies.
To align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, Africa has the potential to modernise its transportation sector, taking advantage of abundant raw materials for vehicle electrification, renewable energy generation capabilities, urban development opportunities, and a youthful population receptive to digital technologies. While Africa may not experience the same type of mobility revolution seen in other regions, it can modernise its transportation system; while addressing poverty and avoiding the mistakes made by industrialised countries. Success in this endeavour requires broad participation from urban and rural populations, the rich and poor, privileged and marginalised groups, the government, civil society, businesses, and industries.
African governments have already initiated steps toward this transformation, with commitments such as the African Union's Agenda 2063, advocating for clean and renewable energy, the adoption of UN SDGs, including access to sustainable and modern energy, and the ratification of the Paris Agreement to limit temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
POLICY, LEGAL AND REGULATORY MECHANISMS FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION ACROSS AFRICA
African countries can adopt various policy, legal and regulatory mechanisms to promote sustainable transportation. These mechanisms aim to address issues related to urbanisation, emissions reduction, infrastructure development, and the overall improvement of transportation systems. Key legal and regulatory strategies include:
National Transport Policy and Strategy: Create a national transport policy and strategy that supports sustainable development goals. This will demonstrate the government's dedication to sustainable transportation and establish a structure for future regulations and investments.[iii]
Emissions Standards: Implementing and enforcing emissions standards for vehicles, especially in urban areas, is an important step towards reducing pollution. By limiting the amount of pollutants emitted by vehicles, the use of cleaner technologies can be encouraged; such as electric and hybrid vehicles. This will not only improve air quality, but also promote a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations.[iv]
Public Transport Planning: Develop and implement policies that prioritize and encourage the use of public transportation systems. This can include measures such as dedicated bus lanes, subsidies for public transport, and the integration of different modes of public transportation.[v]
Non-Motorized Transport Infrastructure: Create and maintain infrastructure for non-motorized transport, such as walking and cycling. This includes building sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly urban areas.[vi]
Transportation Demand Management (TDM): An effective approach to mitigating traffic congestion and advocating for public transportation is by implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies. These strategies may include congestion pricing, the establishment of carpool lanes, and the provision of telecommuting options.[vii]
Investment in Infrastructure: Proper funding and resources should be allocated towards the development and maintenance of sustainable transport infrastructure, encompassing public transport networks, roads, and bridges. This would ensure the availability of reliable and efficient transport links, while promoting eco-friendly practices.[viii]
Incentives for Green Vehicles: Countries can offer incentives to encourage the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, such as tax credits, reduced registration fees, and subsidies for charging infrastructure. These measures can help promote sustainability, whilst also benefitting consumers and the environment.[ix]
CONCLUSION
The Dakar Regional Express Train (TER) in Senegal represents a noteworthy achievement in sustainable transport infrastructure. Not only does it showcase the potential for sustainable transport to boost economic growth, it also helps to curb carbon emissions. However, Africa is on the verge of experiencing substantial urbanization, with its urban population set to double by mid-century. This impending growth highlights the need for a strategic approach to sustainable transport solutions capable of accommodating burgeoning cities and mitigating the environmental implications.
The success of this endeavour hinges on the critical role that African governments must play in spearheading sustainable transport initiatives. Such an effort necessitates collaborative engagement among all stakeholders. By adopting appropriate policy, legal and regulatory measures, African nations can effectively confront the challenges of urbanization, curtail detrimental emissions, and lay the groundwork for a more sustainable, efficient, and prosperous transportation landscape in the years ahead.
[i] https://www.afrik21.africa/en/senegal-the-dakar-express-train-a-lifeline-for-sustainable-transport/
[ii] https://changing-transport.org/wp-content/uploads/2023_Leapfrogging-to-Sustainable-Transport-in-Africa_EN.pdf
[iii] https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Transportation%20Report%202021_FullReport_Digital.pdf
[iv] https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/14/7/1164
[v] https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/How-to-make-public-transport-an-attractive-option-in-your-city?language=en_US
[vi] https://www.jstor.org/stable/24076599
[vii] https://www.ctc-n.org/files/resources/07_seattle_best_practices_in_transportation_demand_management.pdf
[viii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025045/
[ix] https://www.ncsl.org/energy/Sstate-policies-promoting-hybrid-and-electric-vehicles