A new policy brief from TIAH (the Transformative Innovation Africa Hub) addresses the increasing demand for mobility and the rising emissions from fossil-fuelled vehicles in Africa. Although African cities are among the fastest-growing in the world, their transport systems remain carbon-intensive and inefficient. The authors argue that Africa’s urban transport systems are at a crossroads, highlighting the urgent need for change through innovation and transdisciplinary research.
The study explores sustainable and inclusive urban futures across four cities: Johannesburg (South Africa), Kigali (Rwanda), Lagos (Nigeria), and Nairobi (Kenya). Key challenges in urban mobility include congestion, particularly severe in Lagos and Nairobi; pollution, with transport contributing around 30% of CO₂ emissions in Johannesburg; and inequality, as many low-income households often rely on informal and unsafe paratransit.
The brief focuses on the transformative potential of three key innovations: electrification, automated mobility, and ridesharing. While these solutions offer opportunities for low-carbon transitions, their adoption faces significant barriers, such as infrastructure gaps, affordability constraints, and socio-cultural norms. Key findings for each innovation include:
- Automated mobility offers solutions such as medical drones, like Zipline’s service in Rwanda that delivers supplies to 19 hospitals, and improved freight efficiency. However, barriers remain, including poor road quality, with only 12% of Kigali’s roads being paved.
- Electrification shows the emerging market for e-bikes and e-buses. For instance, Lagos’ Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system could transition to electric with targeted investment. High costs and frequent power outages remain major challenges.
- Ridesharing has the potential to integrate informal transport like okadas, matatus, and boda bodas into ride-hailing apps. Barriers include risks of increased traffic and safety concerns.
The study compares the four cities in terms of electric vehicle registrations, electricity access, vehicle ownership, population size and carbon intensity. The findings highlight the need for city-specific approaches that balance electrification, shared mobility, and infrastructure investment with affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity.
The article argues that African cities could lead the Global South in low-carbon mobility with inclusive, context-sensitive policies. Thus, the continent can turn challenges into opportunities for sustainable transport that supports growth and industrialisation. To achieve this, the brief recommends hybrid solutions, infrastructure investment, policy and regulatory changes, market development, and research and experimentation.
The research is guided by the Transformative Innovation Policy (TIP) Framework, which redirects science, technology, and innovation toward Africa’s pressing development challenges. The brief calls on policymakers, researchers, and investors to take action, supporting the mission of the Transformative Innovation African Hub (TIAH) to drive long-term systems change across the continent.
The full paper can be accessed here.
Authors: Daniels. C, AbdulRafiu A.