CITA RAG Africa Conference 2024
The CITA RAG Africa Conference 2024, held on October 22-23 in Nairobi - Kenya, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving the African vehicle fleet. Organized by CITA in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the event focused on road safety, sustainability, and reducing vehicle emissions.
Day 1: Shaping the Future of African Mobility
The conference opened with remarks from CITA President Gerhard Müller, UNEP’s Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, and Kenyan officials. A roundtable discussion explored PTI models for Africa, featuring experts like CITA’s Technical Vice President Pascal Buekenhoudt and IWG’s Dries van Tonder. The panel emphasized the need for tailored solutions that align with Africa's unique vehicle market.
Institutional representatives from UNEP, UNECA, and UNECE shared global perspectives on sustainable mobility, while African speakers, including Kenya’s NTSA Deputy Director Joel Akomo, discussed local challenges. Key sessions highlighted road safety in Uganda and vehicle inspection systems in Egypt and Sierra Leone.
Day 2: Focus on Emissions and Regional Solutions
The second day featured case studies on vehicle emissions testing from Kampala and Delhi. Presenters Kharim Kibuuka and Anirudh Narla shared insights into how targeted policies can address emissions challenges. A panel on harmonizing vehicle standards across Africa followed, with discussions led by regional representatives from the East African Community and Northern Corridor.
Country-specific measures to improve vehicle fleets were shared by representatives from Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya. Private sector involvement was highlighted in presentations by Isuzu East Africa and Maridady Motors, underscoring the importance of collaboration between governments and businesses.
A Path Forward for African Mobility
The CITA RAG Africa Conference 2024 successfully brought together diverse perspectives to drive improvements in African transportation. As participants concluded with a visit to the NTSA Likoni Road Inspection Centre, the collective commitment to a safer, cleaner vehicle fleet across the continent was clear, setting the stage for continued progress.