Zambia has officially ratified the African Union (AU) Road Safety Charter, marking a critical step toward enhancing road safety and reducing traffic accidents.
This initiative aligns with a broader African effort to address the continent’s high road fatality rates, driven by hazardous road conditions, inadequate safety protocols, and inconsistent enforcement of traffic regulations.
Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala, formally submitted the ratification on behalf of the government, underscoring the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
Sakala highlighted that African countries consistently report some of the highest road fatality rates worldwide due to substandard road conditions and insufficient regulatory enforcement.
She emphasized that the AU Road Safety Charter will be instrumental in advocating for better road safety policies, encouraging other African nations to follow Zambia’s example in prioritizing safer road networks.
“Road safety is more than a public health issue,” Sakala noted, “it is fundamental to maximizing the benefits of our road networks, which are essential for economic growth.”
As Zambia’s economy depends heavily on road transportation for goods and services, safe and efficient roads are vital for national and regional trade objectives.
In parallel with ratifying the Charter, the AU is pursuing broader infrastructure and economic goals. Kamugisha Kazaura, AU Commission’s Director of Infrastructure and Energy, praised Zambia’s commitment to road safety, noting that it supports the AU’s Agenda 2063, which aims for inclusive, sustainable development across the continent.
Efficient, secure road networks are crucial for projects like the African Continental Free Trade Area, which depend on smooth cross-border trade.
AU Legal Counsel Hajer Gueldich also commended Zambia’s move, expressing hope that it would inspire other African countries to ratify the Charter.
Currently, 13 countries have ratified the Charter, with only two more needed for its full implementation. Gueldich urged other member states to expedite the process, as the Charter provides a framework to tackle road safety issues, from poor infrastructure to weak traffic regulation enforcement.
Zambia’s ratification of the AU Road Safety Charter demonstrates its commitment to improving road safety standards and supporting regional integration and development.
With safer roads, Zambia and other African countries can achieve stronger economic growth, reduce traffic-related fatalities, and strengthen overall infrastructure, moving closer to realizing the long-term development goals of a safer, interconnected continent.
