African Ministers of Transport and Energy have officially approved two massive policy frameworks designed to reduce air pollution, save lives, and eliminate dependence on fossil fuels. The Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility and the Continental Electric Mobility Frameworks were approved during the 5th African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Transport and Energy held this week. Coming in the inaugural year of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), this decision demonstrates Africa’s leadership in the global transition toward green infrastructure.
For several decades, transport planning in African cities has prioritized private vehicles, despite the reality that the vast majority of citizens travel by foot or bicycle. The results of this skewed planning have been devastating; while Africa accounts for only 3% of the world’s vehicles, it bears 24% of the global share of traffic fatalities. Of these, more than one-third are pedestrians and cyclists.
Lerato D. Martaboge, the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, stated, “Today’s decision sends a clear message: while African governments recognize the necessity of transitioning to electric transport, they have also focused on the safety and health of the one billion people who travel daily by foot and bicycle.” Supported by UN-Habitat and the World Health Organization (WHO), this framework is the first integrated agreement compelling continental nations to invest in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
Alongside active transport, the Continental Electric Mobility Framework aims to address the economic and environmental impacts caused by fossil fuels. Currently, Africa’s transport sector contributes 31% of the continent’s carbon emissions, and over 70% of refined fuel demand is met through expensive foreign imports.
The new framework directs member states to accelerate the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs), encourage local vehicle assembly and manufacturing plants to create green jobs, and utilize Africa’s vast energy potential to power the transport sector with renewable energy. This shift is already being implemented in various countries. For instance, Kenya launched its national electric transport policy in early 2026, with over 24,000 electric motorcycles (boda bodas) currently on the road. Senegal, meanwhile, has begun providing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services in Dakar using 140 electric buses.
The ministers’ statement also highlighted countries serving as role models. Ethiopia has constructed over 60 kilometers of walkways and bicycle lanes in Addis Ababa, while Rwanda has become a leader by granting tax exemptions for electric vehicles and imposing carbon taxes on vehicles that cause high levels of pollution.
