IRU outlined its road transport sector reform methodology, tools and results to transport professionals from across Africa this week in Benin.
Invited to address the annual meeting this week of the SSATP, the World Bank-hosted multilateral initiative on African transport policy, IRU has presented key aspects of its methodology to help governments reform their commercial road transport sector to increase efficiency, safety and sustainability.
The workshop focused on the World Bank - IRU Road Freight Transport Services Reform Toolkit, a comprehensive and practical guide for policy makers and regulators to unlock the economic and development potential of the road transport industry.
Currently being updated by IRU and the World Bank, the workshop included previews of new topics being added to the toolkit, including on decarbonisation and women in the transport workforce.
IRU also showcased successful results from some of its technical assistance projects that have helped strengthen key public and private sector actors in road transport in Togo, Benin and more recently Niger.
IRU Director for Certification and Standards Patrick Philipp said, “Reforming its road transport sector can bring huge benefits to a country’s economic and social development by boosting safety, efficiency, resilience and sustainability.
“The results from countries that have taken this journey are clear. Together with the World Bank and other partners, IRU looks forward to further supporting and collaborating with governments and industry stakeholders across Africa to improve commercial road transport.”
The SSATP annual meeting, taking place in Cotonou, Benin, brought together more than 250 participants from across Africa and beyond under the theme “Strengthening Governance for Safe, Sustainable and Decarbonised Transport in Africa”.