Building sustainable road safety systems for Africa: from data to implementation and ownership
8–12 June 2026
Lusaka, Zambia
Local organizers: Thomas Miyoba, Denis Mwaba
The conference is organized in close co-operation with the School of Engineering, University of Zambia (UNZA), and Zambia Road Safety Trust.
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About
Important dates
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
|
6 October 2025 |
Submission opens |
|
31 January 2026 |
Abstract submission deadline Extended |
|
15 February 2026 |
Notification of acceptance |
|
30 March 2026 |
Early Bird fee expiration |
|
15 May 2026 |
Registration will be closed |
|
8–9 June 2026 |
AfroSAFE traffic safety course |
|
10–11 June 2026 |
3rd AfroSAFE conference |
|
12 June 2026 |
AfroSAFE project side event |
Social media
Please, use the hashtags #AfroSAFE_Academy and #afrosafe2026lusaka in your posts related to the conference.
AfroSAFE traffic safety course
In connection to the main conference event, AfroSAFE Academy organizes a two-day course on traffic safety. The course targets scholars active in research on traffic safety, as well as practitioners who want to get a solid understanding of the subject they are dealing with.
The purpose of the course is to provide a holistic view of traffic safety, particularly emphasizing the Safe System as the state-of-the-art approach to traffic safety management.
The course facilitators are top-level experts in traffic safety, with years of experience conducting their own research, teaching the subject to students, and training young career researchers to be excellent in their profession.
AfroSAFE project side event
The conference is concluded with the one day side-event devoted to the demonstration of the results of the AfroSAFE project (2022–2026). The project was financed by the European Union and was devoted to propagation of the Safe System approach in the African context (read more here).
During this day, the project team will show the results of the four years of the research work done in Zambia, Tanzania, and Ghana.
The organization of the event is done by the project team and is free of charge for the participants.
Call
Road safety in high-income countries has improved significantly through data-led safe systems management approaches. However, low-and middle-income countries, including Africa, need help collecting and managing road crash data. About 80% of road crash deaths are missing from official low-income country statistics, limiting their capacity to monitor, effectively advocate for, manage, and efficiently improve road safety. This data gap is a significant hurdle these countries must overcome to improve their road safety records and outcomes.
Addressing Africa’s road safety crisis requires targeted and measured action, which can only be achieved with accurate data, underscoring the urgent need for improved data collection and management, a crucial step towards designing and implementing effective road safety policies leading to substantial reductions in road traffic fatalities. Without accurate and reliable road safety data, identifying patterns, making informed decisions, and implementing effective road safety policies become challenging. The collaborative nature of data collection and management is crucial. While different organisations collect road safety data, the lack of sharing often leads to duplication of effort and inconsistencies in the data. This underscores the importance of collective action and cooperation in improving road safety data management.
The conference aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences between international and local road safety scientists, professionals, and policymakers and provide a platform for a joint discussion on the future of road safety on the continent.
Target audience
The conference targets the following groups:
- Researchers and academics working on traffic safety in Africa
- Road safety practitioners from government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organisations
- Policymakers involved in developing and implementing road safety strategies in Africa
- International development partners and stakeholders interested in African road safety.
Conference topics
We welcome papers on the following non-exhaustive sub-themes:
- Improved crash and safety-related data to support road safety analysis and policy development
- Safe system and vision zero within the African context
- Road safety management organisation and analysis of constraints
- Safety issues for specific groups of road users: pedestrians, cyclists, children, elderly, people with disabilities, etc.
- Interactions between road users, vehicles, and infrastructure
- Enforcement and education
- Professional drivers, road safety management in companies and the role of transport buyers
- Key road safety culture challenges and possibilities related to vulnerable road users
- Low-cost solutions for road safety improvement
- Transferability of road safety measures
- Innovative technologies to enhance traffic safety
- Safety aspects of urban and rural transport planning and sustainable mobility.
Presentations should be based on studies that aim to improve understanding of road users’ risks, behaviours, and responses to the road environment and traffic conditions in which they participate. Theoretical contributions related to these issues are also welcomed. A particular relevance for the African context is expected.
Submission
The submission system is open now.
The submission deadline has passed. No further submissions are possible.
The authors are asked to provide an extended abstract using the template. The abstract is limited to max 700 words, and it should contain the following parts:
- Background
- Aim
- Method or methodological issues
- Results
- Conclusions.
Submit your abstracts a *.pdf file.
The conference uses the Oxford Abstracts platform to manage the submissions. If you have never used that system before, you will need to create an account prior to the submission. Otherwise, use your existing credentials to log in.
Submission deadline extended to 31 January 2026.
Registration
General information
The registration fees vary based on the country you represent.
The course fee covers the participation of one person, access to the course materials, two coffee breaks, and lunch.
The conference fee covers the participation of one person, provides conference materials, includes coffee breaks and lunches, grants one entrance to the Welcome reception (Wednesday), and secures one seat at the Conference dinner (Thursday).
You registration is considered complete only after all the fees have been paid. Cancellation and reimbursement are not possible.
Some prices are provided in Zambian Kwacha. Conversion rates can be found here.
Early Bird fees
The Early Bird fees expire on 15 March 2026.
Full fees
Full fees apply during 30 March–31 May 2026.
Country categories
AfroSAFE Academy relies on World Bank’s country classification by income. The country categories below are given as an indication, the most recent classification must be checked on the World Bank web page for the current year.
Category A (high-income economies)
American Samoa, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Chile, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guam, Guyana, Hong Kong SAR (China), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Japan, Rep. Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao SAR (China), Malta, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sint Maarten (Dutch part), Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin (French part), Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (China), Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Virgin Islands (U.S.)
Category B (upper-middle-income economies)
Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Indonesia, Islamic Rep. Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, North Macedonia, Paraguay, Peru, Serbia, South Africa, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Thailand, Tonga, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Ukraine
Category C (lower-middle-income economies)
Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Comoros, Rep. Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Arab Rep. Egypt, Eswatini, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Lesotho, Mauritania, Fed. Sts. Micronesia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, West Bank and Gaza, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Category D (low-income economies)
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Dem. Rep. Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Dem. People’s Rep. Korea, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Togo, Uganda, Rep. Yemen
Accompanying persons
Tickets for the Welcome Reception and Conference dinner can be purchased at additional costs of USD 20 and USD 40, respectively. The accompanying persons may also attend the social event and excursion (see the separate pricing below).
Please specify clearly how many people will participate in each activity in the ‘Other comments to organizers’ section.
Social event
On Friday, 12 June 2026, conference participants are invited to a night of indigenous Zambian culture, theatre, and ensemble. The cost is USD 50. This price is calculated ‘per head,’ regardless of whether the individual is a conference participant or an accompanying person (e.g. family members).
Excursion
On Saturday, 13 June 2026, we will take a road trip to Kakum National Park. The participation fee is USD 70 per person.
Special dietary requirements
Please be aware that the food served may contain or come into contact with common allergens, such as dairy, eggs, wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, or shellfish.
Vegetarian options will be provided upon request.
Invitation letters
If you require an invitation letter for your visa application or to obtain travel permission from your employer, please feel free to reach out to the local organiser at modernsolutionsconsult@gmail.com.
Registration form
Please, use the registration form (opens in a new window) to indicate which activities related to the conference you plan to join.
Note that your registration is complete only after all the fees have been paid and received by the organizers.
Payments and registration
The payment should be made via bank transfer to the account listed below prior to the registration.
Use the button below to register.
To be able to finalize your registration, you will need to upload the payment slip.
Please, send a copy of the payment proof to modernsolutionsconsult@gmail.com.
The registration will open on 15 February 2026.
Account information
Account Information
Bank Name: First Capital Bank
Bank Address: Corner Chilubi Road and Church Road, Lusaka Zambia.
Account Name: Zambia Road Safety Trust
Account Number: 0003203009173
Swift Code: FRCGZMLU
Programme
Conference venue
The conference will take place in the premises of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), College of Engineering and Technology.
The exact location will be communicated later.
8 June 2026: Traffic safety course (preliminary programme)
Target audience
The course is designed for traffic safety researchers and practitioners with connection to Africa. It is particularly suited for those who have already some experiences with the subject, but want to upgrade their knowledge with the state-of-the-art theories and tools.
Course objectives
The course aims to:
- provide an overview of the fundamental theories and concepts in traffic safety
- discuss key issues in traffic safety research and practice
- provide an opportunity for exchange of experience between researchers and practitioners from different disciplines and different parts of the world.
‘Why is it so difficult to introduce changes in traffic safety?’
- Presentation
‘Safe system and traffic safety management’
- Presentation
Aliaksei Laureshyn is Associate Professor in traffic safety at Lund University, Sweden. His primary research interests deal with theory and practical use of pro-active methods in road safety analysis. Other research interests include emerging technologies for data collection in traffic, policy and practice in road safety work, particularly in the view of Vision Zero/Safe System paradigm.
Aliaksei Laureshyn is the editor-in-chief of the Traffic Safety Research journal.
‘Safe speeds’
- Presentation
Prof.Charles Adams is an Associate Professor of Transport Planning and Engineering and registered professional engineer in Ghana. His areas of research interest include Infrastructure systems, road asset management systems, modeling, and simulation of transport systems in smart cities, sustainable road safety, formalization of informal Public Transport (Paratransit). Additionally, he conducts technical audits of infrastructure projects and focuses on highway engineering, pavement materials, Net Zero Carbon Transport and electric bus systems, environmental and social risk management of infrastructure projects.
‘Promoting safe behaviour through education, campaigns, enforcement’
- Presentation
Sonja Forward is a psychologist and a research leader at the Swedish Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) focusing on traffic safety and sustainable transport. Her research covers many areas but mainly psychological factors predicting behaviour and how unwanted behaviour can be changed, using education or campaigns. The methods used are both quantitative and qualitative.
‘Safe infrastructure’
- Presentation
Prof. Williams Ackaah is a Principal Research Scientist at the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Kumasi, and an Associate Professor of Transport Studies at the CSIR College of Science and Technology. He has played key roles in major projects such as the National Road Traffic Crash Statistics project, the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for Kumasi, the preparation of Local Area Traffic and Parking Plans in Tema and Madina, crash blackspot evaluation studies, and the monitoring and evaluation of the Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety in Accra and Kumasi.
Williams Ackaah serves on the editorial board of the Scientific African journal.
9 June 2026: Traffic safety course (preliminary programme)
‘Safe vehicles’
- Presentation
John-Fredrik Grönvall works at Chalmers Industriteknik, Sweden, dealing with field data related to traffic accidents and driving behaviour. Previously, he worked at Volvo Cars for over 20 years. John-Fredriks core expertise is in-depth crash investigation methods.
‘Safety of vulnerable road users’
- Presentation
Dr. Aslak Fyhri is an Environmental Psychologist and heads the Behaviour and Transport group at the Institute of Transport Economics (TØI) in Norway. His research interest lies with the promotion of sustainable behavior with a particular focus on studying the role of the vulnerable road users in an urban transport system. He has more than 25 years of experience doing applied environmental psychology research on traffic safety for vulnerable road users and mobility for all. Throughout these years, evaluations of infrastructure projects for local authorities has been at the core of his research activities.
‘Road safety data analytics and decision making’
- Presentation
Kofi Adanu is an assistant research professor at the University of Alabama, USA. He has an extensive experience in traffic safety data analytics. He employs various statistical and econometric modelling techniques to identify patterns and associations in crash data, leading to identification of contributing factors and development of robust countermeasures. His research also includes Intelligent Transportation Systems, sustainable transportation, and equity issues in transport.
‘Economics of road safety'
- Presentation
Anteneh Afework Mekonnen is a postdoctoral researcher at the Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands, specializing in road safety engineering and sustainable mobility planning across both the Global North and South. With a rich background in academia and industry, he connects research, education, and real-world policy, working to develop practical, impactful solutions for urban transport challenges.
‘Improving road safety in Africa: Where do we move from here?’
- Presentation
Enoch F. Sam is an Associate Professor of transport geography. His research spans sustainable urban mobility, road safety, the traffic behaviour of vulnerable road users, and active transport and health. His work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 1: No poverty, Goal 3: Good health and well-being, Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy, Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure and Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities.He serves as an Associate Editor of the Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Editorial Board member of the Transactions on Transport Sciences (TOTS), and the African Journal of Social Sciences Education.
Jaqueline Masaki is a distinguished transportation engineer and lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, holding degrees from prestigious universities in Tanzania and the USA. Her work focuses on improving traffic safety and integrating technology in transportation systems. She has earned numerous awards, including the ‘Emerging Professional of the Year’ from Women in Transportation (USA).
Thobias Sando is a Professor at the University of North Florida, USA. He teaches and conducts research in the area of transportation engineering. His interests include evaluating emerging technologies in transportation, economic appraisal of intelligent transportation systems, connected and autonomous vehicles, transit safety analysis, intermodal facility design, multi-modal operational analysis, and sustainability.
Tejas Chandran is a research engineer at Autoliv Global Research based in Vårgårda, Sweden. An engineer by education, he works as a project leader for Autoliv Global Governmental Affairs function and as a researcher within Human Factors at Autoliv Research. His focus areas include road safety in low- and middle-income countries, safety culture, and road safety footprint.
19:00–21:00 Welcome reception
10 June 2026: conference, day I (under preparation)
8:00–9:00 Registration
9:00–9:20 Welcome
Keynote I: ‘Data-driven road safety management in Ghana: implications for the Safe system approach’
Francis Afukaar
(Ghana)
- Presentation
Ing. Francis Afukaar holds an MSc in Transportation Engineering and a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, with over 30 years of experience in road safety, project coordination, and transport data analytics.
He is a registered member of the Ghana Institution of Engineering and the Road Traffic Injury Research Network (RTIRN). As Principal Investigator for numerous projects with the Ministry of Transport, National Road Safety Authority, and private entities, he specializes in road traffic crash investigations and safety improvements.
Ing. Afukaar led key DFID-funded ReCAP projects and is currently the Lead Investigator for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ road safety initiatives in Ghana. He is also experienced in training engineers, mentoring professionals, and managing donor-funded projects, with multiple peer-reviewed publications.
10:00 - 10:10. Group photograph
10:10–11:30 Session 1 ‘Multidimensional perspectives on Urban mobility, safety, and road user behaviour’
Chair: Simon Ntramah
- Abstract
- Presentation
Finding alternatives to using speed bumps as traffic calming measures in Ghana: a case of Abuakwa-Bibiani highway
James Damsere-Derry
11:30–12:00 Break
12:00–13:30 Session 2: ‘Improved crash and safety-related data’
Chair: Simon Ntramah
- Abstract
- Presentation
Finding alternatives to using speed bumps as traffic calming measures in Ghana: a case of Abuakwa-Bibiani highway
James Damsere-Derry
19:00–22:00 Conference dinner gala
11 June 2026
8:00–9:00 Registration
9:00 - 9:30 Keynote speech II. ‘Using IGLAD (Initiative for the Global Harmonization of Accident Data) to compare traffic accidents globally’
John-Fredrik Grönvall
Chalmers Industriteknik
(Sweden)
- Presentation
John-Fredrik Grönvall holds a managerial position at Chalmers Industriteknik, Sweden, focusing on field data related to traffic accidents and driving behaviour. He previously worked at Volvo Cars for over 20 years.
He served as the project manager at the Volvo Cars Traffic Accident Research Centre (TARC), in Thailand, from 2003 to 2005. Additionally, he managed significant European-funded projects such as EuroFOT, DRIVEc2x , L3Pilot and HiDrive. In China, he represented Volvo Cars at the China In-depth Accident Study (CIDAS).
Currently, he is involved into the Euro-African traffic research project AfroSAFE, and the Swedish-Indian Traffic safety platform (SITIS).
9:00–11:00 Session 4: ‘Improved crash and safety-related data’
Chair: Simon Ntramah
- Abstract
- Presentation
Finding alternatives to using speed bumps as traffic calming measures in Ghana: a case of Abuakwa-Bibiani highway
James Damsere-Derry
9:30 - 9:40 Break
12 June 2026
AfroSAFE demonstration day
13 June 2026
Social event (all day)
Kakum National Park and its Canopy Walkway offer visitors spectacular scenery, a fascinating wildlife experience, and modern camping facilities. Participants will hike in the forest and explore the park’s most famous feature: seven suspension bridges creating a 333-meter-long canopy walkway, suspended up to 27 meters above the forest floor from trees that are over 300 years old.
Presentation
Travel
Please note that all conference participants will need to cover their costs and make their own travel arrangements in Zambia.
Flying to Lusaka Zambia
Most international flights to Zambia arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka, the capital city. KKIA is the country’s largest and busiest airport, with modern facilities following its recent expansion.
More than 20 international airlines connect Europe and Africa directly or with short stopovers. Common carriers include:
- From Europe:
Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa), Kenya Airways (via Nairobi), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Lufthansa/Swiss (codeshare), KLM (via Nairobi/Entebbe). - From Africa:
South African Airways, Airlink, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania, FastJet.
Participants are encouraged to book flights early, especially around peak travel periods.
Getting to and from airport
We can arrange reliable airport pickup and drop-off for participants at a fee. A Google Form will be shared for you to submit your travel details in advance. Taxis, hotel shuttles, and ride-hailing services such as Yango and InDrive are also available at KKIA
Conference venue and transportation
The AfroSAFE Academy 2026 Conference will take place in Lusaka, the capital and largest city of Zambia. The exact venue and map will be provided in your registration confirmation.
Accommodation
Conference participants are requested to make their own accommodation arrangements using Booking.com or similar services. Recommended hotels near the conference venue include:
Practical information
Visa requirements
Zambia has one of the most visitor-friendly visa regimes in Africa. Many nationalities can either enter visa-free, obtain a Visa on Arrival, or apply online through the Zambia e-Visa System.
Visa-Free Access (Common examples):
Most SADC and COMESA countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, and others.
Visa on Arrival / e-Visa:
EU citizens, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, India, and most other countries can easily obtain a visa on arrival or apply online (recommended for faster entry).
Processing Time:
Online visa processing usually takes 3–5 working days, but applying earlier is advised.
Official visa information: www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm.
Vaccination and Health Requirements
- Yellow Fever:
Zambia does not require a Yellow Fever certificate unless you are travelling from, or transiting (over 12 hours) through, a Yellow Fever–risk country. - COVID-19:
As of 2024/2025, Zambia has lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions, and no vaccination or test certificate is required. - Malaria Prevention:
Lusaka has relatively lower malaria risk, but prophylaxis is strongly recommended when travelling to other provinces or if you plan any excursions.
Other
Time. Local time zone in Zamba is CAT (UTC +2).
single time zone, officially denoted as West Africa Time (GMT, UTC+00:00).
Language. English is the official language of Zambia and is widely spoken. You will also hear common local languages such as Nyanja, Bemba, Tonga, and Lozi, especially in informal settings.
Climate. Zambia has a sub-tropical climate, and conditions in Lusaka during June are generally cool and dry. Temperatures typically range between 11°C and 23°C.
- June: Cool, dry, and sunny part of Zambia’s winter season
- Weather character: Crisp mornings and evenings, mild to warm afternoons
- What to wear: Light clothing during the day, but a warm jacket or sweater is recommended for early mornings and evenings, which can feel quite chilly.
Mobile SIM cards are available at the airport (MTN, Airtel, Zamtel).
Internet connectivity is generally good; hotels provide Wi-Fi.
Zambia is very safe for travellers, but normal urban safety precautions apply.
Electric current.
Zambia uses 230V / 50 Hz electrical power. The plug type is Type C and Type D, similar to many European and African countries.
- European visitors using Type C plugs often do not need an adapter.
UK visitors (Type G) will require a plug adaptor
Currency. The local currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW).
- EUR 1 ≈ ZMW 27–30
- SD 1 ≈ ZMW 25–27
Please, check the most recent exchange rates close to your departure date (e.g. here).
Most hotels, shops, and restaurants accept credit cards. Still, it is advisable to have cash on hand for taxis, markets, and informal traders.
In case of emergency. In Zambia, you can contact the police for emergencies by calling 991 or 993. You can also use the unified national emergency number 112.
Publications
Sponsors
Sponsoring options
We invite potential sponsors to contribute to this exciting scientific event. We offer several sponsorship levels as well as tailored solutions to meet your needs and interests.
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Interested to support the conference? Get in contact with the conference organizing team.
Contact
| AfroSAFE Academy | Local organizers | |
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Contact person |
Anteneh Mekonnen Filbert Francis |
Thomas Miyoba Denis Mwaba |
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Affiliation |
AfroSAFE Academy Steering Committee |
University of Zambia (UNZA) Zambia Road Safety Trust |
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Email |
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Telephone |
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