Sustainable Mobility in African Megacities
The Mobility and Access in Cities (MAC) Program focuses on improving transportation systems within urban areas to ensure they are accessible, equitable, safe, and sustainable. It aims to address the challenges faced by rapidly growing cities, such as traffic congestion, limited public transport options, and environmental concerns. The program emphasizes the need for inclusive solutions that cater to all residents, including vulnerable groups like women, children, elderly people, and those with disabilities, while promoting environmentally friendly transport methods and enhancing overall urban mobility.
African megacities are increasingly burdened by congested, underfunded, and unsafe urban transport systems. The majority of residents rely on informal public transit, resulting in long travel times, higher exposure to pollution, and greater safety risks. These challenges not only hinder economic productivity but also exacerbate social inequalities—leaving behind groups such as women, older adults, and low-income communities. Addressing these issues is crucial for creating resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments.
Our research agenda highlights how accessibility, safety, and affordability directly link to issues of well-being and social justice. We explore why traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and high accident rates disproportionately affect those who have little power in decision-making. Women, for instance, may juggle caregiving with employment, forcing them to choose between unsafe walkways or unreliable minibuses. Older adults need transport systems that accommodate limited mobility and potential health risks. Such everyday concerns often remain invisible in policy debates that focus on large-scale infrastructural fixes but neglect personal experiences.
MAC Focus Areas
At GENDERISE, we are reimagining urban mobility by centering people—every community member, every daily journey. Our program is built on five thematic clusters, each addressing a critical facet of transport equity and innovation.
User Needs, Practices & Equity Issues
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How do different populations experience transport? We will focus on the everyday challenges and opportunities that define people’s journeys. By listening to real-world stories, we uncover the barriers many face and champion solutions that elevate equity—ensuring that every voice matters in the evolution of our urban spaces.
Governance, Politics, Institutions, and Finances
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How are budgets allocated, and who makes decisions? Our research scrutinizes local policies and funding structures to reveal who holds the reins of decision-making. By understanding these power dynamics, we work to pave the way for more inclusive governance and a fairer distribution of resources that reflect the needs of all citizens.
Emerging Business Models and Services
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Ride-hailing apps, electric minibuses, and more—modern innovations with a catch. New mobility solutions have the power to transform cities, but only when they serve the many. We critically evaluate emerging business models, ensuring that innovations don’t just benefit a select few, but instead catalyze accessible, sustainable, and community-driven progress.
Safety, Health, and the Urban Environment
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Road accidents, air pollution, and stressful commutes—the hidden costs of modern transport. Transport isn’t just about getting from A to B, It is about doing so safely and healthily. We spotlight interventions that mitigate risks and improve urban well-being—from reducing accidents to curbing pollution—crafting environments where every journey contributes to a healthier, more vibrant community.
System Design and Modal Integration
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Can buses, trains, bikes, and walkways truly connect? Seamless integration is key to empowering users with real choices. We explore innovative system designs that blend various transport modes, breaking down silos and building networks where every commuter has access to efficient, interconnected travel options.
AGENDA
Research & Comparative Studies
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GENDERISE will collect and analyze data on urban mobility initiatives across African megacities, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. By documenting case studies and best practices, we will identify effective transport models that can inform future projects. Our comparative frameworks will focus on key indicators such as accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, allowing us to evaluate and contrast different mobility solutions. Through this process, we will develop localized adaptation strategies, ensuring that international best practices are tailored to meet the unique needs of specific urban contexts.
Policy Engagement
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To drive meaningful change, we will actively engage with policymakers, NGOs, and urban planners through consultations and collaborative discussions. Our work will involve developing evidence-based policy recommendations that promote inclusive and sustainable transport systems. By advocating for improved mobility solutions and raising awareness, we will ensure that research insights influence decision-making at various levels. Additionally, we will assess existing regulatory frameworks to understand their impact on urban mobility, identifying gaps and opportunities for policy reform.
Workshops & Capacity-Building
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Building technical expertise and knowledge will be central to our approach. We will design training programs for university researchers, civil society groups, and policymakers, equipping them with the tools to assess and implement sustainable mobility solutions. Through knowledge exchange platforms, we will foster dialogue between researchers and decision-makers, encouraging collaborative learning. Our workshops will also focus on technical skill development, including transport data analysis and policy evaluation. Furthermore, we will facilitate mentorship programs that promote peer learning and long-term capacity strengthening.
