Last week, the Secretariat of the African Road Safety Observatory (AfRSO)  hosted by the African Union Commission (AUC), in cooperation with iRAP, staged a free webinar on the Safety Assessment of Roads Using the iRAP Methodology and Tools. 

The session brought together road safety practitioners, engineers and policymakers to explore how data-driven strategies can eliminate high-risk roads and support the goals of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 in Africa.

The session introduced iRAP’s globally recognised approach to assessing high-risk roads, including its Star Rating system and Safer Roads Investment Plans. Case studies from African institutions were showcased as practical applications, key learnings, and opportunities to strengthen road safety across the continent. 

Agenda and Speakers 

The agenda featured a blend of strategic oversight and practical technical application: 

Opening remarks and welcome

• Eric Ntagengerwa, Head of Transport and Mobility, AUC 
• Wouter Van den Berghe, AfRSO Road Safety Expert 

Introduction to iRAP and iRAP tools

• Nathalie Chiavassa, iRAP Safer Journeys Lead for Africa  
• Leveraging the iRAP Tools and Methodology – A case study on Uganda Racheal Nganwa, iRAP Project Manager, Europe 

Our Road to 2030: Zero Crash-related Injuries and Deaths Among Children in School Zones in Botswana

• Paul Setswe, Road Safety Coordinator, FIA Mobility Club Emergency Assist 911

• Tendai Belindah Lisenda, Traffic Safety Officer, Department of Road Transport Services Botswana 

The Use of Automated Technology in Addressing Road Safety Within South Africa

• Kapil Hariparsaad, Project Technical Lead, ARRB Systems 

Wrap-up and Closing

• David Niyonsenga, Head of the AfRSO Secretariat

Continued Partnership 

The event underscored the importance of building local capacity to ensure sustainability. iRAP looks forward to a continued close partnership with AfRSO and the AUC, supporting their mandate to build road safety capacity, harmonize standards, and drive action for safer roads that protect all road users in Africa.

The 2021-2030 SSATP (Africa Transport Policy Programme) Performance Monitoring Framework for African Countries includes a KPI for safer road infrastructure, recommending for the increased percentage of road length rated 3-star or better for safety for vehicle occupants, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. iRAP assessments, policy and evidence-based road infrastructure upgrades will be essential to achieving the KPI in African countries.

Learn More 

Explore iRAP’s Training page to access the free training resources discussed in the webinar. 

Explore RAP Tools – a suite of tools that use the iRAP methodology to support infrastructure safety management globally and locally. 

Read the 2025 SSATP Africa Status Report on Road Safety setting the scene on current progress supported by iRAP data and partner case studies.