UNEP’s Framework for Sustainable Mobility in Africa

The transport sector contributes roughly 25% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond deploying electric vehicles, reducing emissions from this sector also entails improving road infrastructures and expanding public transportation reach. In this light, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and partners are developing an action plan for sustainable mobility in Africa.

Walking and Cycling in Africa

Up to 78% of people in Africa walk and cycle daily to do their daily errands. This habit is born out of necessity due to the lack of reliable public transport in African cities. However, despite being the primary mode of transport, infrastructures and facilities for walking and cycling are still far from proper.

A report by the UN-Habitat and UNEP stated that approximately 261 pedestrians and 18 cyclists are killed every day in Africa. Lack of accessible sidewalks, frequent congestion, and high-speed cars contributed to this. Moreover, they have no option but to breathe polluted air. Africa’s transport sector contributed 21.6% (369.4% Mt) of the continent’s total CO2 emissions in 2021.

Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility

With proper facilities and infrastructure, walking and cycling can reduce pollution and enhance people’s health and wellbeing, therefore advancing sustainable mobility in Africa. To support this vision, the UNEP and partner organizations are developing the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM) to raise the profile and increase investment in active mobility in Africa.

“PAAPAM will act as a framework to fast-track the urgently needed basic investments in active mobility,” said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the Industry and Economy Division at UNEP. The framework will include plans and actions to improve active mobility infrastructure, enhance rural mobility, and reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector.

Only 19 out of 54 African countries were reported to have a policy for walking and cycling by 2020. Therefore, PAAPAM will encourage investments by national and city governments and financial service institutions. Knowledge sharing and dialogue are crucial to enable governments to identify key performance indicators and track progress.

Advancing Sustainable Mobility in Africa

Ultimately, a safe, inclusive, and accessible transport system is an important aspect of sustainable development. Clear commitments and actions must be implemented to harness the potential of public transportation and related infrastructures for reducing carbon emissions, enhancing mobility, and improving people’s wellbeing.

The PAAPAM framework will be launched in November 2024 at the World Urban Forum 2024 in Cairo, Egypt. The UNEP has engaged over 750 stakeholders across the continent, including governments, civil society, and financial institutions, as a part of the consultative process. The organization also draws on existing best practices on national and local scales to develop an effective and inclusive framework for sustainable mobility in Africa.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

Kresentia Madina

Reporter at Green Network Asia | Website | + posts

Madina is the Assistant Manager of Stakeholder Engagement at Green Network Asia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Studies from Universitas Indonesia. As part of the GNA In-House Team, she supports the organization's multi-stakeholder engagement across international organizations, governments, businesses, civil society, and grassroots communities through digital publications, events, capacity building, and research.