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The Africa Transport Policy Programme (SSATP), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), is hosting the second edition of the Road Safety Leadership Programme in Abidjan. The programme is taking place at AfDB’s headquarters from February 4-8.

The SSATP is an international partnership of 40 African countries, regional economic communities, the African Union Commission, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), public and private organisations, and international development agencies and organisations, including the World Bank.

“More than 300,000 people lose their lives every year on the roads of Africa and the situation is getting worse,” said Tawia Addo-Ashong, Pillar Lead of Road Safety at the SSATP. “The Road Safety Leadership Programme can help to strengthen the region’s capacity for handling road safety challenges while building a network of peers and champions who can advocate for, and support, road safety interventions at the regional, national and municipal levels.”

According to a statement released by the AfDB on Tuesday, growing vehicle ownership and rapid urbanisation across the continent are factors which have increased the incidence of road accidents and its attendant socio-economic impacts. Nigeria loses an estimated 3 per cent of its GDP due to road crashes. Morocco’s estimated GDP loss as a result of road accidents is 2.5 per cent. Nearly 50 per cent of road accident victims are pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists who are exposed to multiple hazards and often chaotic conditions on African roads.

The SSATP and the AfDB recognise the need for investment in sustainable road safety facilities. The grief and distress experienced due to loss of life or quality of life could be prevented by systematic solutions from governments and societies.

The Road Leadership Programme, according to the statement, will develop capabilities in road safety planning, implementation, management and operations. It will also help to reduce the number of road crashes on African roads. High-level specialists from the SSATP, the AfDB, the World Bank, the ECA and academia will be sharing their experiences on how to improve road safety through practical examples and best practices during the five days.

“Our contribution to this important SSATP event is an effective way for the Bank to engage with its regional member-countries to bring about positive changes and sustainable effects which contribute to Africa’s development and improve the lives of Africans,” said Girma Bezabeh, road safety specialist at the AfDB, adding that road safety – from design to operation – is one of the priority areas in the AfDB’s Infrastructure and Urban Development Department.

The Road Safety Leadership Programme is being attended by senior representatives of African ministries of transport, health, interior, and national road safety agencies, African sub-regional and regional organisations, non-governmental organisations, and stakeholders from eight African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe.