Zambia has officially signed the African Union (AU) Road Safety Charter, marking a significant step toward enhancing road safety and reducing traffic accidents.
This initiative is part of a broader continental effort to curb the high incidence of road fatalities, particularly in African countries where dangerous road conditions pose serious risks to motorists.
Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala, submitted the ratification instrument on behalf of the Zambian government.
In a statement issued from Lusaka, Sakala stressed the urgent need for improved road safety measures. She pointed to studies showing that Africa continues to have some of the highest road fatality rates globally, mainly due to poor infrastructure, insufficient safety measures, and weak enforcement of traffic regulations.
Sakala expressed optimism that the AU Road Safety Charter could bring meaningful change. Now that the Charter is operational, she believes it will be a key tool for advocating and shaping road safety policies across Africa. By ratifying the Charter, Zambia joins 12 other African nations, and Sakala hopes this move will encourage more countries to follow suit. She also emphasized that road safety is crucial not only for public health but also for maximizing the benefits of road networks and fostering economic growth.
She further explained that Zambia, like many African countries, relies heavily on its road networks for the movement of goods and services, making them essential for both national and regional trade. Sakala noted that Zambia’s ambitions for economic development are closely tied to the efficiency and safety of its transportation infrastructure.
Alongside Zambia’s ratification of the Charter, the AU is working toward broader infrastructure and economic goals. The AU Commission’s Director of Infrastructure and Energy, Kamugisha Kazaura, praised Zambia for its commitment to road safety, aligning with the AU’s Agenda 2063 vision of making Africa a global powerhouse through sustainable development. Kazaura emphasized that safe road networks are critical for the success of projects like the Continental Free Trade Area, which depends on efficient cross-border transportation.
Hajer Gueldich, Legal Counsel and Director for Legal Affairs at the AU Commission, also congratulated Zambia and urged other countries to ratify the Charter. Thirteen nations, including Zambia, have ratified it, but two more countries must do so for the Charter to come into effect.
The AU Road Safety Charter aims to tackle various road safety challenges in Africa, such as poor infrastructure, lack of awareness among road users, and weak enforcement of traffic laws. It provides a framework for reducing the high rates of road accidents and fatalities in many African nations.
Zambia’s ratification of the AU Road Safety Charter demonstrates its commitment to improving road safety, which will support regional integration and economic development. As more African countries endorse the Charter, the continent could see safer, more efficient roads that advance its long-term development goals.
