7 July – 9 July | Windhoek, Namibia – The International Road Federation (IRF) joined transport leaders, policymakers, researchers and infrastructure professionals from across Africa and beyond at the 11th International Conference on (Sustainable) Transportation in Africa (ICTA2026).

Held under the theme “Sustainable, Safe and Smart Transport, Logistics and Tourism for Economic Growth”, the conference provided a platform for advancing dialogue on the policies, technologies and partnerships shaping the future of transport across the continent.

In his Global Remarks, DG Alcaraz highlighted the launch of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) as an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation around safer, more resilient and more sustainable transport systems.

He emphasised that road safety must be embedded across every stage of the transport lifecycle – from planning and design to construction, operation and maintenanc – and that achieving meaningful progress will require coordinated action between governments, development institutions, academia and the private sector. 

Drawing on IRF’s global experience, DG Alcaraz outlined how IRF is helping countries translate international commitments into practical action. He showcased the Roadmaps for Change initiative, which provides implementation guidance for developing inclusive, safe, green and efficient road systems. He presented the IRF’s Ten-Step Plan for Safer Road Infrastructure, a framework that supports countries in strengthening national policies, modernising road design standards, building institutional capacity and improving infrastructure safety management. 

He also highlighted the critical role of professional capacity building in improving road safety outcomes. Through specialised training programmes and the IRF Road Safety Auditors Registry, IRF is helping develop the skills, accreditation systems and technical expertise needed to deliver safer infrastructure and stronger national road safety institutions. 

Looking ahead, DG Alcaraz underscored the growing importance of data, digital innovation and international knowledge exchange. He pointed to initiatives such as the IRF World Road Statistics, AI-enabled road safety projects and collaborative research programmes that equip policymakers with the evidence needed to benchmark progress, identify risks and make more informed investment decisions.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate how international partnerships can accelerate progress towards safer roads while supporting broader sustainable transport objectives.