Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – A delegation from Senegal’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport recently concluded a four-day study mission in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, seeking to learn from the Ivorian model of urban mobility and road safety. The visit, which took place from March 4th to 7th, 2026, underscores a growing regional effort to improve transportation infrastructure and reduce traffic fatalities across West Africa. Senegal is grappling with high rates of road accidents and officials believe adopting successful strategies from neighboring countries, particularly Côte d’Ivoire, could be pivotal in enhancing safety and modernizing their transport systems.
The initiative reflects a broader trend of South-South cooperation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Côte d’Ivoire has been lauded for its advancements in digitalizing transport management and implementing effective road safety measures. The Senegalese delegation, led by Aboubacar Fall, Director General of Road Transport, aimed to gain firsthand insights into these successes and identify potential adaptations for their own national context. This exchange of expertise highlights the increasing recognition of shared challenges and the benefits of collaborative solutions in addressing regional development goals.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Digital Transformation of Transport
According to Dioman Coné, Director of Cabinet at the Ivorian Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, the digital transformation of Côte d’Ivoire’s transport system has been progressing significantly. This transformation is built on both technological and institutional pillars, which the Senegalese experts were keen to understand. A key component of this progress is a newly implemented system for accelerating the registration of new vehicles, designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and security. This system, launched in February 2026, utilizes a digital platform connecting concessionaires with relevant authorities, allowing for vehicle registration within 24 to 72 hours. Abidjan.net reported on the training of transport actors on the new platform on February 26th, 2026.
The Senegalese delegation’s immersion included visits to key departments within the Ivorian Ministry of Transport, including the Minister’s Office, the General Directorate of Land Transport and Traffic (DGTTC), the Road Safety Awareness and Enforcement Agency (OSER), and the Passenger Transport Support Fund (PSSR). These visits provided a comprehensive overview of the Ivorian approach to road safety, encompassing awareness campaigns, enforcement measures, and the governance of urban mobility, including the Abidjan Metro and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. The delegation also examined the roles of the Association of Urban Mobility Managers (AMUGA) and the Regulatory Authority for Land Transport (ARTI) in shaping the urban transport landscape.
Focus on Road Safety and Technological Solutions
Discussions between the Ivorian and Senegalese officials centered on several key areas of road safety and technological innovation. These included the Ivorian Special Road Safety Police, the implementation of video surveillance for traffic violations (video-verbalisation), intelligent transport systems, and the modernization of vehicle inspection processes. These elements are considered crucial components of Côte d’Ivoire’s success in improving road safety and reducing accidents. Senegal, unfortunately, faces a significant challenge with road traffic accidents, making the adoption of effective strategies from Côte d’Ivoire a high priority.
The delegation also studied Abidjan’s major urban mobility projects, including the Abidjan Metro and the BRT system. These projects represent significant investments in modernizing public transportation and reducing congestion in the city. The Abidjan Metro, a key infrastructure project for the city, aims to provide a reliable and efficient mode of transport for residents. The BRT system offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional bus services, providing dedicated lanes and improved frequency. Infocentrale.net highlights the Abidjan-Dakar corridor as a key driver of modernization in West African road transport.
Key Areas of Potential Adaptation for Senegal
Aboubacar Fall, the head of the Senegalese delegation, expressed his satisfaction with the study mission, emphasizing Senegal’s intention to leverage Ivorian expertise. He indicated that the delegation would report back to Dakar with performance indicators and regulatory frameworks observed in Côte d’Ivoire. Specifically, they identified several mechanisms and reforms that could be adapted to strengthen road safety and modernize urban mobility in Senegal. These include potentially replicating the digital vehicle registration system, enhancing road safety policing, and implementing intelligent transport systems.
The delegation also focused on the Ivorian approach to combining awareness campaigns with enforcement measures – a strategy considered a cornerstone of the National Road Safety Strategy. The success of this approach hinges on effective public education and consistent enforcement of traffic laws. The Ivorian model of governance for urban mobility, involving both public and private sector stakeholders, was of particular interest to the Senegalese delegation. This collaborative approach aims to ensure efficient and sustainable urban transport systems.
The Broader Context of Regional Cooperation
This exchange of knowledge between Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal is part of a larger trend of regional cooperation in West Africa. Both countries are members of the UEMOA and ECOWAS, regional organizations that promote economic integration and cooperation among member states. These organizations play a crucial role in facilitating the sharing of best practices and coordinating regional development initiatives. The Abidjan-Dakar corridor, in particular, is seen as a key driver of modernization in West African road transport, connecting two of the region’s most key economic hubs.
In November 2024, Côte d’Ivoire launched the Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy Project, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions by promoting electric mobility integrated with renewable energy sources. Lavenir.ci reported that the project, supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and partially funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), initially focuses on two and three-wheeled vehicles. This initiative demonstrates Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to sustainable transportation and its willingness to explore innovative solutions to address environmental challenges. While not directly discussed during the Senegalese delegation’s visit, this project represents another area where Senegal could potentially learn from Ivorian experience.
Dioman Coné, Director of Cabinet for the Ivorian Minister of Transport, also presided over a workshop on February 26th, 2026, dedicated to training transport stakeholders on the use of the new digitalized vehicle registration platform. This underscores the Ivorian government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to the new system and maximizing its benefits.
Looking Ahead
The Senegalese delegation’s findings will be crucial in shaping future transport policies and investments in Senegal. The adaptation of successful Ivorian strategies, combined with Senegal’s own unique context, could lead to significant improvements in road safety and urban mobility. The next step will be for the Senegalese Ministry of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport to develop a detailed action plan based on the delegation’s recommendations. This plan will likely include proposals for legislative reforms, infrastructure investments, and capacity-building initiatives.
The success of this collaboration between Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal could serve as a model for other countries in West Africa seeking to improve their transport systems and enhance regional integration. Continued dialogue and knowledge sharing will be essential to address the shared challenges and unlock the full potential of the region’s transport sector. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this developing story and the potential for regional cooperation in the comments below.
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