Zambia ratifies African Union road safety charter to enhance traffic safety, reduce accidents

Zambia has ratified the African Union Road Safety Charter, aiming to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents across the country.

Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala, who submitted the ratification instrument, noted the concerning research findings that many road users in Africa face risks due to unsafe roads, leading to high road fatality rates.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Sakala expressed confidence that the Charter would become a vital advocacy and policy tool for enhancing road safety across the continent once it takes effect.

Sakala also stated the importance of road infrastructure for economic growth, highlighting that improved road safety was crucial for maximizing the benefits of road networks.

Meanwhile, Hajer Gueldich, the African Union Commission Legal Counsel and Director for Legal Affairs, congratulated Zambia on its ratification and hoped it would inspire other African countries to follow suit.

Gueldich revealed that 13 countries, including Zambia, have ratified the Charter so far, but two more are needed for it to come into effect.

Additionally, Kamugisha Kazaura, the African Union Commission Director of Infrastructure and Energy, emphasized that improving road infrastructure is central to Agenda 2063.

He noted that the envisioned Continental Free Trade Area would be challenging to achieve without adequate road infrastructure and praised Zambia for its commitment to enhancing road safety and infrastructure in Africa.

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