Africa disproportionately suffers from road traffic crashes, accounting for 24% of global fatalities with less than 4% of vehicles (WHO, Africa Status Report on Road Safety 2025/SSATP).

Assessments using the iRAP Star Rating methodology of over 50,000 km of roads in 13 African countries reveals low safety ratings: only 17% meet a 3-Star Rating or higher safety rating for pedestrians, 29% for two/three-wheelers, 15% for cyclists, and 38% for public transport, indicating a prioritization of vehicles over vulnerable road users (irap.org/safety-insights-explorer)

The report talks about how the African Union Commission (AUC) is actively working to improve road safety in the region through initiatives like the African Road Safety Action Plan 2021-2030 that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report leans heavily on the Safe System Approach to create interventions to address key road safety issues identified in the region.

Some challenges that hinder the proper facilitation of the Safe System Pillars revolve around limited funding and weak data systems. Other issues include existing infrastructure that is focused on motor vehicles rather than vulnerable road users, a lack of vehicle safety regulations with inadequate law enforcement, and behavioral risk factors.

Through the report, SSATP demands stronger institutional management, more sustainable funding, improved data systems, and alignment with international frameworks to address Africa’s road safety emergency. It also pushes governments and stakeholders to lead concerted efforts to enhance national strategies, coordination, resource allocation, and data collection.

SSATP urges policymakers and other stakeholders to use the report to guide their efforts in creating safer roads and in implementing life-saving policies across the region.

Some initiatives are being implemented to inspire and motivate key stakeholders to collaborate in continued efforts to implement the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2020-2030.

Click here to download the Africa Status Report on Road Safety