Transport Leadership Capacity Advancement Program for Africa – Trans CAP-Africa

Africa’s transport sector faces persistent challenges that hinder regional integration, economic growth, and social equity. Despite decades of investment, the continent remains one of the least connected globally, with leadership gaps in planning, governance, and sustainability. The declaration of 2026–2035 as the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) underscore the urgent need for visionary leadership to drive inclusive, low-emission, and resilient mobility systems.

This project responds to the critical deficit in transport leadership across Sub-Saharan Africa by developing and institutionalizing a pan-African MSc program in Transport Management and Leadership, alongside Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for mid- to senior-level professionals.

Led by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) through its Transport Research and Education Centre, Kumasi (TRECK), and in partnership with universities in South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria, Togo, Djibouti, and Rwanda, the initiative aims to build a new generation of transport leaders equipped to manage complex sectoral challenges.

The project will begin with a comprehensive needs and capacity gap assessment across seven countries to inform curriculum (re)design. A hybrid delivery model will be adopted, integrating technical, managerial, and leadership training with emerging themes such as climate-smart transport, digital innovation, and inclusive governance. Modular content will be developed and deployed via a digital learning platform, supported by faculty training and mentorship programs.

Expected outcomes include:
• A validated MSc curriculum and CPD modules.
• Training of 45 MSc students and 60 CPD participants.
• Enhanced institutional capacity for transport education.
• Increased participation of women and underrepresented groups.
• Strengthened regional cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Long-term impact will be achieved through institutional integration, cost-recovery models, and strategic partnerships with government and industry. The initiative will contribute to achieving SDGs 9 and 11, and support Africa’s transport transformation under AfCFTA and the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport.