Equitable Transport Access and Mobility in African Cities: current knowledge and research gaps

The overarching goal of this study is to provide a background and inform researchers of the key priorities towards developing a research agenda on enhancing transport-related equity in African cities. The paper has a specific focus on equitable, affordable and reliable access to livelihoods, services, leisure activities, and opportunities in sub-Saharan African (SSA) cities. Specifically, it sought to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding equitable, affordable and reliable access to livelihoods, services, leisure activities, and opportunities, summarize the state of research on the above theme, specifically in SSA cities, and synthesize gaps in knowledge that might be addressed by future research in SSA cities. The study found that access to essential opportunities in SSA cities is highly unequal and differentiated by several interlinking factors such as socio-demographics, mobility resource constraints, and the capability of individuals, communities, and authorities responsible for the transport sector. These and related conditions make SSA cities exhibit considerable spatial and social inequalities within the context of high population pressures and disparities in political power and access to resources. These challenges underscore the need for concerted research efforts aimed at providing local insight, adaptive strategies, and a holistic perspective on transport-related equity in SSA cities. Accordingly, this study synthesizes transport-related equity from three interlinked perspectives: universal access, efficiency, and health and safety.