ADDIS ABABA – An integrated road network across Africa would significantly ease the movement of goods, people, and services across borders, according to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of South Africa.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, the research group’s leader Martin B Mgangira (PhD) emphasized the need for Africa to connect not only through roads but also by enhancing railway and airline networks to improve intra-African air connectivity. These developments could significantly benefit passenger transport and boost overall connectivity across the continent.
“Improving road, rail, and air traffic connections among African nations would stimulate tourism, attract new businesses, encourage investment, and enhance productivity,” Mgangira noted. He pointed out that the current infrastructure among some African countries is inadequate and requires significant improvement to foster stronger economic linkages.
Ethiopia, aiming to become a regional center of excellence, has established a road research center dedicated to advancing research and development in transportation. The country hosts an annual road research conference, bringing together researchers and experts from across Africa to share knowledge and technology, facilitating the implementation of research findings on transportation issues.
The research specialist emphasized the importance of continuous and systematic road study to support infrastructure development and address the need for adequate funding for maintenance. He also mentioned the Ethiopian road research center’s participation in a recent conference in South Africa, stressing the need to translate shared knowledge into practical applications to achieve the continent’s transportation goals.
By fostering collaboration among road agencies and researchers across Africa, there is an opportunity to solve common infrastructural problems and advance the continent’s connectivity and economic growth, Mgangira remarked.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
The Ethiopian herald September 1/2024
