Financing Sustainable Transport in Africa

Abstract

In order to explain how future policies in transport should be formulated, it is necessary to understand that sustainability in transport does not only imply transport infrastructure, but can be embedded in a broader policy approach. Financing of infrastructure, investments in public and non-motorised transport, institutional development and road maintenance all require significant funding. Since developing countries face severe financial limitations, budgetary considerations should become the starting point of planning. Available funds – both grants and loans – must be assessed carefully and then spent effectively and rationally. This means tackling the tendency of policy makers to favour prestige projects, and instead convincing them to adopt a sustainability-oriented prioritisation of transport projects.