Ethiopia Positions Road-Safety Efforts as Model for Africa

Addis Ababa, November 17, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia is taking a leading role in advancing road safety across the region while strengthening its national system through government, community, and partner collaboration, Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime said during Africa Road Safety Day celebrations in Addis Ababa.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Minister Alemu emphasized, underlining the importance of coordinated planning and strong community awareness. He noted that traffic accidents remain a significant challenge across Africa and highlighted Ethiopia’s proactive measures to protect all road users.

The minister said Ethiopia’s strategy focuses on education, improved infrastructure, and effective law enforcement.

He pointed to urban corridor development projects designed to enhance mobility while safeguarding pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. In addition, new legal frameworks and early interventions are being implemented to address the root causes of traffic accidents.

Ethiopia is aligning its efforts with the Africa Road Safety Action Plan, which prioritizes institutional strengthening, safer roads, responsible road use, speed management, and improved post-crash response.

The minister also cited the Corridor Management Program, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which promotes non-motorized transport and expands safe infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

Ongoing national initiatives include better data systems, enhanced post-crash care, integration of road safety into education, and public awareness campaigns, Minister Alemu added.

African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Lerato D. Mataboge, praised Ethiopia as “an inspiring example for Africa,” noting the continent’s commitment, reaffirmed in Marrakech, to reduce road deaths.

She emphasized that despite progress, Africa still faces high accident rates and highlighted the AU’s goal to cut road fatalities by 50 percent by 2030.

Robert Lisinge, Director of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Development Division at UNECA, stressed the importance of strong partnerships, especially amid ongoing crises, saying, “Collective action is vital,” and reaffirming UNECA’s support for Ethiopia and collaborative efforts across Africa.

Africa Road Safety Day was instituted by the African Union following a 2012 AU Summit decision and is observed annually in alignment with the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, honoring lives lost while reinforcing continental commitment to safer transport systems.