African population growth will add to traffic woes

Significance

The twin processes of urbanisation and middle class growth have driven a rapid increase in vehicles on the road, leading to gridlock in many cities across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Excessive traffic on the continent undermines economic productivity by abbreviating work hours, increasing transit costs and contributing to a range of environmental and health problems.

Impacts

• Projected exponential population growth in SSA will add pressure to already-strained urban infrastructure.
• Lack of law enforcement, poor roads and reckless driving will likely keep SSA countries among the most dangerous for driving.
• Radical measures to relocate populations away from urban centres would face stiff resistance.