Safe Roads Africa Regional Seminar
Accelerating the Transformation of Road Infrastructure in North & West Africa
Regional Conference | Dakar, Senegal | 1–2 December 2026
Regional Conference | Dakar, Senegal | 1–2 December 2026
How can countries move beyond isolated road safety interventions to embed safety, inclusivity and resilience into the very fabric of infrastructure investment?
This question will be at the heart of the Regional Conference on Safe & Inclusive Road Design in North & West Africa, bringing together government leaders, road agencies, development partners and technical experts to reflect on the next generation of road infrastructure across the region.
Building on two years of collaboration under the Safe & Inclusive Road Design in North & West Africa initiative, the conference will present the project’s principal findings while looking firmly ahead: from improved design standards and strengthened institutional capacity to investment strategies that place road safety at the centre of national development.
Discussions will explore how countries can:
Modernise road design standards through Safe System principles
Integrate safety into the planning, delivery and management of infrastructure assets
Build the institutional and technical capacity needed to sustain long-term change
Align road safety objectives with climate resilience and inclusive mobility
Develop investment pipelines that attract financing while delivering measurable social and economic benefits
Participation is by invitation, with a limited number of places available for stakeholders whose expertise and engagement can contribute to the regional dialogue. Note that the event will benefit from simultaneous interpretation to/from English to French.
Access the concept note for more details:
Interested in participating? Send us a message!
Project Updates
Morocco: Advancing Safer and More Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa
19 - 20 May 2026 | Rabat, Morocco - A productive week in Rabat, Morocco has concluded as part of the capacity building activities under the Safe and Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa project. The International Road Federation (IRF) was represented by Project Manager Paul Karst.
Led by Ahmed Ksentini, the training brought together road safety practitioners and technical experts to strengthen regional capacity on Safe System-based road design, the protection of vulnerable road users, and practical tools that support safer infrastructure outcomes.
The Rabat session builds on earlier trainings delivered in Dakar, Senegal and Nouakchott, Mauritania, reinforcing a regional effort to improve road safety through stronger technical expertise and knowledge exchange. Participants explored approaches to embedding safer and more inclusive road design principles into transport planning, with particular attention to the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, older persons and other vulnerable road users.
Funded by the UN Road Safety Fund and implemented by the International Road Federation and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, the Safe and Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa project is being delivered in partnership with the Government of Mauritania, Morocco’s National Road Safety Agency and Senegal’s National Agency for Road Safety. The initiative aims to improve road safety in Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal by modernising outdated road design standards and strengthening protections for vulnerable road users.
Building on earlier initiatives, including road safety programmes in Tanzania and the EU-supported SaferAfrica project, the effort promotes regional collaboration to harmonise safety approaches across countries influenced by French road design standards, particularly along strategic corridors such as the Trans-African Highways.
Alongside technical training for engineers, policymakers and road safety auditors, the project seeks to establish a sustainable framework for continuously updating standards, helping ensure safer and more inclusive infrastructure remains a long-term priority across North and West Africa.
Through continued technical cooperation and regional knowledge exchange, IRF continues to support national stakeholders in advancing safer, more resilient and inclusive road networks across the region.
IRF Leads Workshops for the Development of a Roadmap to Strengthen Road Safety
8 – 10 April | Dakar, Senegal and Nouakchott, Mauritania – The International Road Federation (IRF) was in West Africa for the Safe and Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa project.
IRF Senior Advisor Brendan Halleman and Project Manager Paul Karst were in Dakar, Senegal and Nouakchott, Mauritania for a series of seminars that convened stakeholders to advance implementation roadmaps based on earlier project recommendations and to build capacity in safer road design.
Funded by the UNRSF – UN Road Safety Fund and the Islamic Development Bank, the Safe and Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa project is now moving into implementation, with concrete steps underway in Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania. This work is underpinned by applied training on network-level diagnoses, road safety audits, vulnerable road user protection as well as safe work zone practices. In parallel, IRF is overseeing the development of practical handbooks supporting project personnel in making optimal design decisions.
Article originally published by the Agence Mauritanienne d'information
A workshop dedicated to the revision of design references for Safe and Inclusive Roads in Mauritania began on Monday, 6 April, in Nouakchott. Organised by the Ministry of Equipment and Transport, the workshop aimed to develop a roadmap for the development roads in the area.
The workshop is part of the local transport sector's efforts to strengthen road safety and improve the quality of infrastructure in accordance with national guidelines to develop the transport network and facilitate the movement of people and transportation of goods.
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Equipment and Transport, M'aizira Mint Kerbally, explained in her speech that the this meeting is in accordance with the high guidelines of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, who made road safety a national priority to protect lives and preserve development of the region. She stressed that the government is working to make this vision a reality by integrating road safety standards at all stages of project planning and execution, ensuring safer and more sustainable infrastructure.
Hon. Kerbally stressed the importance of this workshop as a means to provide practical training in road safety audits, which has become a fundamental pillar of public policy. She added that Mauritania has experienced a significant expansion of its road network in recent years, exceeding 6,000 kilometres, with more than 2000 kilometres still in progress. This is in addition to the launch of major structural projects, including the Nouakchott 2026 transport project, which has helped to modernise urban transport, improve traffic fluidity and strengthen public transport.
She noted that despite these advances, technical assessments have revealed certain shortcomings in international standards, highlighting the importance of continuing efforts, including in establishing an effective system for road safety auditing, considered an essential tool to prevent road accidents before they occur.
She also mentioned that the workshop will organise advanced training sessions for national executives, thus strengthening their skills and providing a solid basis for the development of this vital area, calling on participants to interact positively and exchange experiences, in order to contribute to the development of practical and innovative solutions that meet the specificities of the country.
For his part, the senior advisor to the International Roads Federation (IRF), Brendan Halleman, said that the current phase represents a transition from diagnosis to execution, stressing that the roadmap should be a practical tool for guiding decisions and coordinating efforts, and that its success is measured by the degree of integration of safety standards in road projects over the coming months, from the design phase to execution and audit.
He added that the biggest challenge lies in effective enforcement, calling for clear priorities and effective implementation mechanisms, while reaffirming the commitment of the International Roads Union to support Mauritania through a long-term partnership based on technical assistance and the exchange of experience.
The workshop took place in the presence of several technical executives, experts and actors in the field.
IRF Delivers Regional Report to Advance Safe and Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa
Under the stewardship of the International Road Federation (IRF), the UNRSF-funded “Safe and Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa” project has reached a major milestone with the completion and delivery of a consolidated regional report on improved road design practices in Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania.
The report provides a comprehensive assessment of existing road design standards and practices, with a particular focus on road safety performance and the protection of vulnerable road users. Developed through close cooperation with national road administrations and regional stakeholders, the publication of the report marks a significant step forward in supporting countries’ commitments under the United Nations’ Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030), especially in relation to safer infrastructure.
By combining regional cooperation, technical rigor and targeted capacity-building, the initiative aims to contribute to lasting reductions in road fatalities and serious injuries across North and West Africa, while supporting more resilient and people-centred transport networks.
Critical Findings for a Region on the Move
Despite relatively low levels of motorisation, North and West Africa continue to experience some of the highest rates of road fatalities and serious injuries globally, with vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, accounting for the majority of victims. The regional report highlights that rapid network expansion has often relied on outdated road design standards that prioritise traffic flow over safety outcomes.
Key findings point to recurring gaps in speed management, intersection design, visibility, and the continuity of facilities for vulnerable road users, particularly on interurban and rural roads and through settlement crossings. In response, the report recommends a systematic revision of national road design standards to embed Safe System principles, the institutionalisation of road safety audits throughout the project life cycle, and the development of durable mechanisms for updating design standards on a regular basis and strengthening governance frameworks, particularly along cross-border corridors.
Strengthening capacity and institutional frameworks
The report further underscores that lasting improvements in road safety depend on stronger institutional frameworks and sustained investment in human capital. It identifies clear capacity gaps among road agencies, design engineers and consulting firms, notably in the application of Safe System principles and the use of speed management by design.
In response, the project has already begun translating these insights into action through targeted training and knowledge-exchange activities, bringing together practitioners from Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania to strengthen skills related to Safe System–based design, the protection of vulnerable road users, as well as preventive screening tools such as iRAP surveys and road safety audits. These ongoing capacity-building efforts will be further expanded in 2026, supporting countries in embedding the report’s recommendations into everyday practice and institutional processes.
Voices from the partnership
Commenting on the milestone, Gonzalo Alcaraz, Director General of IRF, said: “This regional report is a concrete example of what can be achieved when countries and partners work together around a shared objective. Safer and more inclusive road design is not a theoretical exercise, it is a practical, lifesaving agenda. By focusing on application rather than theoretical guidance, this update will help ensure that revised standards lead to measurable improvements in safety outcomes across national and cross-border corridors. IRF is proud to support Morocco, Senegal, and Mauritania in laying the foundations for improved design standards that better protect all road users.”
From the United Nations perspective, Adel Alghaberi, representing UNESCWA, noted: “This regional report reflects tangible progress by Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania in critically reviewing and modernising their road design frameworks. Under the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, countries are called not only to commit, but to act on safer infrastructure. By jointly assessing their standards against Safe System principles and international good practice, these countries are taking concrete steps toward embedding road safety and inclusion into national design norms, where long-term impact is created.”
From the perspective of a major infrastructure financier, Atiq Ahmad of the Islamic Development Bank added: “For development institutions, safe, inclusive, and resilient road infrastructure is fundamental to sustainable development and not a secondary consideration. This regional report provides a robust analytical and operational foundation to support our Member Countries in embedding road safety, universal access, and climate resilience into road design and delivery. By advancing safer and more inclusive corridors, the report directly contributes to reducing road fatalities, improving accessibility for vulnerable users, and ensuring that transport investments deliver long-term social and economic benefits across North and West Africa.”
Looking ahead
With this milestone achieved, the project now enters its next phase with intensified efforts in support of training, knowledge transfer and institutional strengthening, helping road agencies and practitioners embed safer and more inclusive design principles into everyday practice.
The “Safe and Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa “ project is funded by the United Nations Road Safety Fund through the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and by the Islamic Development Bank, and implemented by IRF in partnership with national and regional institutions.
Download the executive summary below
For a copy of the full report, please send your request to bhalleman@irfofficial.org with subject: Access to MSM regional report.
Regional Stakeholders Convene in Marrakech for Safe and Inclusive Road Design Workshop
Marrakech, Morocco | 8 to 9 October 2025 — Senior government officials, development partners and road safety experts from across North and West Africa gathered this week in Marrakech for a two-day stakeholder consultation workshop on the Safe and Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa Project which aims to improve road safety in Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. It will update outdated design standards to better protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and the elderly.
Organised by the International Road Federation (IRF) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) with support from the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) the workshop marks a key milestone in the co-development of safer, more inclusive national road design standards in Mauritania, Morocco, and Senegal.
Integrating Road Safety at the Design Stage
Opening the workshop, Benacer Boulaajoul, General Director of Morocco's National Road Safety Agency, observed that "the design of road infrastructure has a decisive influence on road safety performance. However, this aspect does not always receive the priority it deserves".
Malick Fall, Director of Transport Prevention and Safety at Mauritania’s Ministry of Equipment and Transport (MET), highlighted how the project supports the country’s efforts to align road safety policies with global best practices.
He emphasised that Mauritania, with over 6,000 km of roads and more than 2,000 km under development, aims to systematically integrate safety into every design phase.
“We are committed to revising our road design standards to reflect international norms. This means incorporating features such as safer shoulders, pedestrian and cyclist facilities, and design-based speed management to reduce crashes and protect all users”, Malick Fall
Senegal's Head of Delegation Mamoudou Alassane Camara concurred, noting that Senegal has the opportunity to build road infrastructure that saves lives by integrating safety at the design stage. "Investing in safer roads today means ensuring a future of responsible and sustainable mobility for all".
Financing Safer Roads
In addition to the IsDB, representatives from four financial institutions active in the region joined the consultation workshop, underscoring how road safety interlocks with their overarching framework for sustainable transport lending.
Derran Williams, Senior Health and Safety Adviser at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), presented a development finance perspective on embedding road safety within infrastructure investments.
He outlined the EBRD’s safety requirements for funded projects and the importance of aligning all multilateral development banks’ environmental and social frameworks with robust road safety standards.
Williams shared a case study on a 200-km dual carriageway project jointly implemented by EBRD and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where a road safety audit revealed critical concerns. These include inadequate crossings, reduced local connectivity, and hazards involving at-grade rail intersections and livestock on the road.
Engineering Safer Highways
Hind Meziane, from Autoroutes du Maroc, provided a technical deep dive into Morocco’s updated geometric design standards for safe motorway projects.
Drawing from the Instructions sur les Conditions Techniques d’Aménagement des Autoroutes de Liaison (ICTAAL) framework, Meziane explained how design parameters such as visibility, curvature, gradient, drainage and interchange spacing directly impact road safety and user comfort.
She emphasised that safe road design requires anticipating driver behavior, optimising visibility and preventing sudden changes in alignment that can surprise drivers. Her presentation highlighted Morocco’s focus on design coherence, which avoids long straight alignments, ensuring proper sight distance, managing slopes to control speed, and planning interchanges in strategic and safe locations.
A Shared Vision for Safer, More Inclusive Roads
The second day of the workshop included an immersive overview of safe and resilient design standards applied to large-scale road project, the rehabilitation and widening of National Road 8, East of Marrakech.
Participants followed this with a visit to an active worksite. This allowed participants to explore how road safety is addressed at every stage of the project, through a host of measures ranging from median separation to a dedicated lane for two-wheelers.
Participants reiterated the need to institutionalise safer design practices, build local technical capacity, and scale pilot projects that demonstrate measurable safety benefits, particularly where vulnerable road users are concerned.
“The UN places road safety at the top of its agenda, given that the human and economic costs of lack of sufficient and effective road safety measures remain very high throughout North and West Africa. This process is not just about technical guidelines, it’s about building a foundational culture of safety where infrastructure serves people and ensures every journey is a safe one”, - Adel Alghaberi, UNESCWA.
IRF’s Road Safety Highlights at the 4th Ministerial Conference
The International Road Federation (IRF) had an impactful week at the 4th Ministerial Conference on Road Safety (15 – 21 February 2025) in Marrakech, hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Morocco’s National Road Safety Agency (NARSA). Held midway through the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, the conference addressed the urgent need to halve global road deaths by 2030—a target achievable through proven strategies, as demonstrated by 10 countries that have already reduced fatalities by 50%.
Throughout the conference, IRF hosted fruitful interactions at its busy exhibition booth, and co-hosted four well-attended sessions, each drawing full rooms of policymakers and experts.
On 16 February, At the 3rd World Youth Assembly for Road Safety—organised by the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety and WHO—IRF and Abertis led a workshop on integrating safe road design and operations into sustainable mobility systems. IRF Young Professionals contributed to discussions in this session, creating an engaging platform where young voices enriched debates on road infrastructure.
With over 150 participants in attendance, a dedicated side event with iRAP and PIARC highlighted the Ten Step Plan for Safer Road Infrastructure, an adaptable framework for countries to implement according to their capacity. Designed to support the UN Global Framework Plan of Action for Road Safety (GFPA) and UN legal instruments, the plan aims to improve road safety management and road infrastructure as a whole. It serves as a guide for countries to meet Global Targets 3 and 4, which mandate three-star safety ratings for new roads and safer upgrades for 75% of existing roads by 2030. The framework is currently being implemented through the Ten Step Senegal Project. An example of the framework’s success is the Tanzania Ten Step Plan Project, which was awarded a 2023 Prince Michael International Road Safety Award and, more recently, the Gary Liddle Award, presented to TANROADS.
IRF also co-hosted a cross-country roundtable discussion with over 100 attendees, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA). Leaders and representatives from international bodies like Malick Pallen representing the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Marisela Ponce de León Valdés from Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP) and Debbie Cousins from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) discussed the UN Road Safety Fund Safe & Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa project to update road standards in Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania. The initiative prioritises protecting vulnerable users through updated safe road design practices and geometric design guidelines and regional collaboration. A similar framework is also being applied to the Safe & Inclusive Road Design initiative in Central Asia.
Practical Tools for Safer Roads
While design standards are essential, they must be complemented by strong road safety operations to be truly effective. In a parallel session with PIARC, IRF highlighted the importance of integrating measures such as road safety audits and speed management to prevent fatalities. The discussion also emphasised the need for institutional capacity building, political commitment, and sustainable financing to make road safety a priority at every level.
Leaders like Frank Tayali, Minister of Transport and Logistics of Zambia, explored the challenges and opportunities in developing and maintaining safe road infrastructure, focusing on practical solutions, financial constraints, and the role of international support in strengthening institutions.
Recognising the need for stronger road safety operations, IRF is taking concrete steps to build capacity and enhance road safety. At the close of the Conference, IRF announced a partnership with Australia’s National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) to train and provide international accreditation to road safety auditors in Australasia. This collaboration builds on the International Registry for Road Safety Auditors, launched by IRF and TotalEnergies in October 2024, which standardises auditor qualifications worldwide to ensure consistency in safety assessments. By equipping auditors with the necessary skills, this initiative reinforces the role of audits and inspections in identifying risks throughout the lifecycle of road projects, ultimately reducing crashes and saving lives.
