Road safety leaders from across Africa are gathering today in Lusaka for the inaugural General Assembly of the African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA), a new regional platform aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting coordinated action to reduce road traffic fatalities across the continent.
Co-hosted by the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP) and Zambia’s Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), the two-day event brings together representatives from AARSLA member countries to operationalize the association’s governance structure, define its initial work program, share experiences and good practices on motorcycle and pedestrian safety, as well as data-driven road infrastructure and vehicle safety management. The association is envisioned as a collaborative space for peer-to-peer learning, capacity building, and advocacy among national road safety lead agencies (RSLAs).
One of the key outcomes of the SSATP Annual General Meeting held in Cotonou, Benin in March 2025 was the endorsement of AARSLA by the SSATP General Assembly. During its constituent meeting, the association’s charter was adopted and an interim executive committee elected, composed of Kenya (President), Benin, Nigeria, and Cape Verde (Vice Presidents).
Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, the Honorable Museba F. Tayali, emphasized the importance of collaboration in improving road safety. “Road safety is a challenge we all face, and no country should face it alone. AARSLA creates a valuable space for African countries to learn from one another, share practical solutions, and build on the experiences of more established lead agencies. By working together, we can strengthen our national systems and save more lives on our roads.”
Mustapha Benmaamar, SSATP Program Manager, highlighted the strategic significance of the initiative. “The launch of AARSLA is a turning point for Africa’s road safety agenda. It brings together the leadership and technical expertise needed to shift from isolated efforts to coordinated, systemic reforms. SSATP is proud to support this platform and its vision of saving lives through better governance, data, and cooperation.”
AARSLA’s draft work program is structured around three core pillars:
- Exchange: Peer learning among agency heads on strengthening mandates, data use, financing, and political engagement.
- Learn: Structured capacity development for road safety managers, key professionals and future leaders.
- Advocate: Joint technical and policy positions to guide national reforms and amplify Africa’s voice in global and regional road safety forums.
SSATP will continue to provide technical and institutional support to AARSLA during its initial phase and work with member countries to ensure its long-term sustainability and impact.
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About RTSA
Zambia’s Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) is a statutory body established in 2006 to regulate, coordinate, and oversee the provision of road transport services and ensure compliance with safety standards in Zambia. For more information, please visit: https://www.rtsa.org.zm/
About SSATP
Founded in 1987, the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP) is an international partnership dedicated to ensuring safe, sustainable, and reliable transport for all Africans. SSATP collaborates with 43 African member countries, the African Union Commission (AUC), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), as well as public and private organizations, and international partners to address key policy and capacity challenges in the transport sector. The program’s Fourth Development Plan (2022-2026) is funded by the European Commission, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, and the African Development Bank, with contributions managed through a multi-donor trust fund administered by the World Bank. For more information: www.ssatp.org
