Cotonou, 27 March 2025 (ECA) – Regional transport priorities, institutional reform, and digital innovation were at the centre of discussions as policymakers, experts, and private sector actors gathered in Cotonou for the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the African Transport Policy Programme (SSATP).
Held from 24 to 27 March under the theme “Strengthened Governance for Safe, Sustainable, and Decarbonized Transport in Africa: Enhancing Institutional Capacity through Regional Collaboration”, the event brought together approximately 250 participants, including transport ministers from member countries of the African Transport Policy Programme (SSATP), development partners, technical experts, and representatives from the private sector.
Over four days, participants examined critical issues such as regional connectivity, urban mobility, road safety, and the management and financing of resilient road assets. The agenda included technical workshops and plenary sessions on 24 and 25 March, followed by ministerial roundtables on 26 March and the SSATP General Assembly on 27 March.
The General Assembly was chaired by Robert Lisinge, Director of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Development Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
In his remarks, Mr. Lisinge stressed that regional integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area were essential for advancing cross-border transport development in Africa. He highlighted the Trans-African Highways network and the Single African Air Transport Market as key initiatives, while noting that limited coordination between regional and national institutions remains a constraint to progress.
Ministers of Transport from Benin, Madagascar, Mali, and South Sudan attended the meeting, along with Deputy Ministers from Angola and Malawi.
One of the technical sessions focused on “Leveraging Digital and Data Solutions for Sustainable Transport,” exploring how digital technologies and better data use can support more sustainable transport systems. The session covered governance and regulatory issues, the role of data in policy development, and examples of successful digital applications in the transport sector.
Participants shared practical strategies and gained insights into how digital tools can shape more effective and resilient transport systems.
Founded in 1987 by ECA and the World Bank, SSATP is the continent’s leading platform for transport policy development. With 43 African member countries, it works with governments, regional organizations, development partners, and both public and private sector actors to address policy gaps and promote safe, sustainable, and reliable transport systems across the continent.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org