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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.
Keywords:
Africa,
AF,
Ethiopia,
Kenya,
Nigeria,
South Africa,
economy,
automobile,
infrastructure,
population,
productivity,
environment,
growth
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2016
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