Transaid’s life-saving initiatives focused on motorcycle helmet safety and professional driver training were major discussion points at the International Road Federation (IRF) World Congress held in Istanbul, Turkey, last week. The congress, which attracted over 2,000 delegates from 130 countries, offered a global platform for Transaid to present its crucial work in improving road safety and employability across sub-Saharan Africa.
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Caroline Barber, Chief Executive of Transaid, was invited by the IRF to moderate a technical session addressing the safety of vulnerable road users. Supported by a panel of six experts from academia, non-profit organisations, and development agencies, the session emphasised the importance of helmet safety and driver training in preventing road-related fatalities and injuries.
In her role as moderator, Barber highlighted how Transaid is tackling safety challenges in regions where road infrastructure is underdeveloped, and accidents are often fatal due to the lack of appropriate safety measures. She also took part in sessions that showcased Transaid’s efforts to build capacity in the road transport sector, specifically through professional driver training for HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) and PSV (Public Service Vehicle) drivers.
Barber spoke about the significance of the event for Transaid’s mission, saying, “This was one of the biggest international platforms we’ve ever had to highlight the projects we’re currently involved with across sub-Saharan Africa. There were more than 2,000 delegates from 130 countries in Istanbul for the Congress, and the interest in our work was incredible. We’ve been able to talk about our work with research institutions, technology providers, financial institutions, the private sector, NGOs, and governmental entities from around the world.”
A key project under discussion was Transaid’s National Helmet Wearing Coalition in Kenya, an initiative launched in 2021 and now entering its third phase thanks to funding from the FIA Foundation, a global road safety philanthropy. The project aims to increase helmet usage among Kenya’s 2.4 million motorcycle riders, most of whom operate as taxi drivers. With road traffic incidents being a leading cause of death and injury in the country, improving helmet safety is essential to saving lives.
In addition to its helmet safety initiatives, Transaid’s efforts to provide quality professional driver training were also highlighted. Currently active in Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, Transaid’s driver training programmes focus on long-term sustainability by collaborating with local partners and employing a proven ‘train the trainer’ methodology. This approach ensures that local trainers are equipped to continue delivering high-quality driver education even after the initial project phases conclude.
The professional driver training initiatives are further strengthened by support from the UK’s transport and logistics sector, which provides invaluable expertise and resources. These programmes not only improve road safety but also enhance employment prospects for drivers in sub-Saharan Africa.
The IRF World Congress, held every four years since 1948, promotes the development of road networks and sustainable mobility worldwide. This year’s event featured discussions on key issues such as inclusive and accessible transport, urban and rural mobility, climate change adaptation, and safe road systems. Transaid’s participation, including its exhibition stand, drew widespread interest from stakeholders eager to learn more about the organisation’s impactful work.
As Transaid continues to lead the way in improving road safety and professional driver training across Africa, the exposure gained at the IRF World Congress will likely help secure further collaborations and support from international partners.
For more information on Transaid’s projects and how to get involved, visit www.transaid.org.
