Slicing the Mobility Pie in Africa's Cities

The research wing of the non-profit think tank Future Cape Town has produced an infographic that provides valuable insight into the mobility patterns found in some of Africa's largest cities. Less sustainable options are growing, raising concerns.

1 minute read

June 13, 2013, 8:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"The majority of cities in Africa depend on public transport, the highest being Kigali and Kampala with approximately 80% and 61% of the population respectively," found the researchers. "However public transport in Africa is dominated by the operations of the informal sector, for example minibus taxis in South Africa and Okadas (motorcycle taxis) in Nigeria. This shows that government funded public transport is not adequate for the populations living in African cities."

"The use of non-motorized transport is the second modal group after public transport." However, the researchers note that, "[t]hese modes of transport are shrinking rapidly, as cities become bigger and harder to manoeuvre through."

"Private motorised transport, though the most unsustainable is growing rapidly in Africa," they conclude. "It is still the least used mode of transport but as incomes rise, car ownership has the potential to increase."

Friday, May 31, 2013 in Future Cape Town

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