To effectively implement the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM), relevant national and local level authorities should begin with a baseline analysis using the framework. This analysis will help determine current conditions and how close the country is to achieving the objectives outlined in the plan. The three action areas are intended as a guide and can be prioritised based on resources, expertise and ease of data collection.
Based on the results of the assessment, governments can select priority actions with the support of vulnerable group representatives from civil society, academia and other relevant stakeholders. The checklist provided in each of the action areas of the plan guides this process by providing specific examples of conditions that have been proven to improve the status quo.
Action Area 1: Create safe, accessible and comfortable places to walk and cycle
- Goal 1: Guarantee safety
All road traffic fatalities and severe injuries are eliminated for people walking and cycling in Africa. - Goal 2: Enable accessibility
People can walk and cycle confidently within a reasonable amount of time and effort to reach public transport, goods and services. - Goal 3: Enhance comfort
Main corridors where people walk, and cycle have infrastructure and facilities that ensure safe and healthy mobility.
Action Area 2: Advocate for people who walk and cycle in Africa
- Goal 4: Boost satisfaction
The experience of everyone walking and cycling in Africa is perceived as positive.
Action Area 3: Embed walking and cycling into policy and investment processes.
- Goal 5: Increase commitment and investment
People walking and cycling are valued and given priority in policies, investment decisions and the delivery of projects throughout Africa.
Partnerships for action
Government ownership of the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM) is vital to ensuring its successful implementation, as they play a key role in shaping policies and allocating resources. However, PAAPAM is a plan for all people, not just governments. Communities, civil society, businesses, and individuals can also take ownership of the active mobility agenda. By working together, all stakeholders can ensure that walking and cycling becomes safer, more accessible, and more integrated into everyday life across Africa.
National leadership
National governments should identify focal points within existing (ideally) multi-sector coordination mechanisms to embed PAPAAM/walking and cycling into multi-sector strategies. This will allow harmonization of initiatives, avoid duplication, and streamline collaborative efforts including resources mobilization.
Local level governments
Local governments will lead the on-the-ground execution of PAAPAM by embedding walking and cycling into their local policies. These should include the development and maintenance of safe walking and cycling infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement activities. They will work to ensure that these interventions are inclusive and equitable, addressing the specific needs of vulnerable populations.
Development partners, civil society and academia
PAAPAM is the result of significant inputs from development partners, civil society representatives and academic experts. These organizations are welcome to partner for action, develop knowledge products, advocate for PAAPAM delivery and continue to contribute to the growing momentum.
Regional task force
Five regional PAAPAM Task Forces for North, South, East, West and Central Africa will be established, most likely hosted by a knowledge partner – such as a university. The hubs will invite the national focal points to be part of the PAAPAM Regional Task Force.
The Regional Task Forces will be encouraged to engage local stakeholders to understand the status of the PAAPAM actions being delivered in each country at a national level. The groups will be asked to identify what support, training and expertise is required to ensure the delivery of the PAAPAM vision at the pace and scale proposed.
Steering group
The delivery of PAAPAM will be monitored by a small steering group coordinated by UNEP, UN-Habitat, and the World Health Organisation. Members will include representatives of national governments from the five sub-regions of Africa and walking and cycling experts.
Africa Network for Walking and Cycling
Members of the Africa Network for Walking and Cycling – including relevant NGO representatives and active mobility experts – will be invited to support the Regional Task Forces and take responsibility at the Pan-African level to lead, steer and monitor the delivery of the goals.
PAAPAM documents
- Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility:
- Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility: A Commitment Towards a Better Walking and Cycling Environment for People and Planet - First Edition:
For more information, contact:
Janene Tuniz (janene.tuniz@un.org)
