Building Africa's 21st-century transport system isn't just an infrastructure challenge—it's a governance challenge- SSATP

Building Africa's 21st-century transport system isn't just an infrastructure challenge—it's a governance challenge- SSATP

Building Africa's 21st-century transport system isn't just an infrastructure challenge—it's a governance challenge- SSATP.

That’s the powerful consensus from the SSATP (Africa Transport Policy Program) 2025 Annual General Meeting Proceedings. The report makes it clear: strengthening governance and leveraging data are the cornerstones for creating safe, sustainable, and efficient transport across the continent.

Drawing on high-level discussions with ministers, policymakers, and development partners, here are the key takeaways for anyone in the transport, policy, and technology space:

1. On Governance & Regulatory Administration:

• Clarity over Control: The most effective transport agencies act as coordinators, not controllers. Their role is to set a clear vision and bring actors together, not to "do everything." This helps avoid conflict with ministries and fosters trust.
• Mandates are Non-Negotiable: Institutions must have clearly defined scopes, legal authority, and sustainable financing to be effective. Ambiguity undermines credibility and paralyses action.
• Trust is the Toughest Build: Especially when engaging the informal transport sector, building credibility through transparency, consistency, and ethical leadership is the most critical—and challenging—part of successful reform.

2. The Role of Data in Policy Development:

• Data Serves Policy, Not the Other Way Around: Digitalisation isn't the goal; it's a powerful tool for better policy. The focus must remain on using data to make evidence-based decisions that improve transport for everyone.
• Govern the Data: As public-private partnerships grow, so do concerns around data privacy, security, and ownership. The report emphasises that governments must take the lead in establishing regulatory frameworks for data, rather than leaving it to private operators.
• From Theory to Practice: The development of tools like the Road Safety Performance Monitoring Framework (RSPMF) shows a commitment to using harmonised data to track progress, ensure accountability, and drive life-saving interventions.

3. Applications of Data & Digital Solutions in Action:

• Professionalising the Informal Sector: Digital tools are seen as key to transforming informal public transport (paratransit). Digital ticketing, for instance, can enable registration, fare tracking, and improved service planning, benefiting both operators and users.
• Unlocking Port Efficiency: The mandate for a Maritime Single Window (MSW) is a major driver for port digitalisation. This streamlines the electronic exchange of data between all port stakeholders, reducing delays and enhancing trade facilitation.
• Improving Safety and Operations: From e-hailing platforms enhancing user security to using data for predictive vehicle maintenance, digital solutions are already proving their value in making transport safer, more reliable, and more cost-effective.

Ultimately, the report reminds us that "Transport is more than infrastructure—it is about people, systems, and institutions." To move Africa forward, the focus must be on building the institutional capacity to plan, manage, and sustain the transport systems the continent needs and deserves.

The opinion was authored by Kwame Koduah Atuahene. He is a lawyer, Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT)  and Director of Regulations, Inspections & Compliance at the National Road Safety Authority. He could be reached on kkoduah.atuahene@gmail.com