Sustainable transport as a key to Africa’s prosperity

Berlin, 2 September 2026. Berlin, 2 September 2026. The development of sustainable transport systems in Africa not only secures future mobility, but also paves the way for economic growth, social justice and climate action on the continent. This is emphasised in a strategy paper by representatives of around 50 organisations across Africa – including the African Union, national ministries, city governments, academia, the private sector and civil society, as well as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). This strategy report is the result of a co-creation process coordinated by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the German think tank Agora Verkehrswende under the Rethinking Transport project. The paper identifies twelve turning points as key levers to more sustainable transport systems across African countries.

The stakeholders recommend that African governments prioritise sustainable transport as a cross-ministerial task and secure its long-term funding through earmarked budgets. Furthermore, action plans for popular transport (demand-based public transport operated by private providers; also referred to as paratransit) are necessary. Recommended measures also include the establishment of special economic zones and investment and innovation hubs, regional pooling of funds for sustainable transport infrastructure, and integrated corridors for clean and more efficient freight transport powered by renewable electricity. Prioritising the expansion of domestic financing for electric mobility through dedicated credit systems is essential.

In her foreword to the publication, H.E. Ms Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union, highlights the added value of the proposed measures for Africa’s economic development: “These turning points have the potential to trigger a broader process of change – for a sustainable future with diverse benefits for our continent.” Among other things, Ms Mataboge sees the measures as an opportunity to strengthen regional trade, build green industries and increase energy security. For society, they offer a way to reduce inequality, improve public health and create decent jobs.

Steering the expansion of electric mobility at a continental level

According to the strategy paper, a high-level advisory board could facilitate and accelerate the market take-up of electric mobility through common standards, aligned investment and the development of regional automotive value chains. A pan-African master plan on renewable energy for electric mobility could reduce the costs of the energy transition – through sector coupling, the expansion of generation capacity and electricity grids, and smart charging infrastructure. The endorsement of the Continental Framework for E-Mobility by the African Union at the end of April already marks a key turning point in accelerating the electrification of road transport across the continent.

Working together on a shared, prosperous future

According to Christian Hochfeld, Director of Agora Verkehrswende, Europe should cooperate with Africa in the transformation towards sustainable transport: “Germany and the EU have the opportunity to promote mutually beneficial investment partnerships with African countries in the field of sustainable transport. The electrification of road transport and rapidly growing demand for electric mobility in Africa will create new markets that will also facilitate the necessary transformation of industry in Germany and Europe. Working together on the shift to electric mobility is a win for the economy, society and livelihoods – in Africa, Europe and worldwide. Cooperating in the protection of global public goods such as the climate also contributes to international security.”

Harnessing the momentum to scale up electric mobility in Africa

“There is a strong trend towards more electric buses, electric motorbikes and electric cars in a growing number of African nations,” says Daniel Bongardt, Team Leader for Infrastructure and Mobility at GIZ. “Many countries have adopted measures to promote electric mobility, and the African Union is also committed to this course. This momentum can now be harnessed to take further decisive steps in implementation. We are delighted that cooperation on sustainable transport is becoming increasingly intensive, both on the African continent and between Africa and Germany.”

About the publication

For the strategy paper, GIZ and Agora Verkehrswende first worked with transport experts to examine the current situation, ongoing political debates and emerging practices relating to the transformation of transport in various African countries. Based on these assessments and together with representatives from around 50 organisations across 17 countries in Africa, twelve key recommendations for action were identified.

The publication “Turning Points: Enabling Sustainable Transport in Africa – Strategic leadership, investments, and innovation levers for Africa’s transport transformation” is available for download here. A French-language version is also available.

The publication will be presented and discussed during an online event on Friday, 4 September 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. (UCT+2/Berlin/Kigali/Johannesburg). Click here to register.

About Agora Verkehrswende

Agora Verkehrswende is a Berlin-based think tank that seeks to promote climate-friendly mobility. Non-partisan and non-profit, it works together with key stakeholders in the fields of politics, business, academia, and civil society to decarbonise the transport system. To this end, the think-tank team develops evidence-based policy strategies and recommendations. Agora Verkehrswende was initiated in 2016 by Stiftung Mercator and the European Climate Foundation.