At the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave 2024, Mr. Bobby Salwan, Business Head for Middle East, Latin America, Caribbean, North, and West Africa (MENA & WA) at Mahindra and Mahindra Limited underscored the pressing issue of transportation in Africa. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, the speaker highlighted both the progress made and the significant challenges that remain.
Transport solutions in Africa resonate deeply with many stakeholders, as underscored by Mr. Bobby’s reflections on his time living in Kenya and Tanzania. He recounted a poignant example of his house help who would walk 7 kilometers each way. “While we’ve made some progress, there’s still a long way to go in improving transportation across the continent,” he noted.
Mr Bobby emphasised that Africa is not a monolithic entity but a diverse continent with varying levels of development. Northern and Southern Africa boast relatively well-developed infrastructure, yet the real challenges persist in Sub-Saharan Africa. “We must collectively work to provide suitable solutions that meet the transportation needs of the people in a safe and secure manner,” he urged.
Public transport in many Sub-Saharan African countries is underutilized due to safety and security concerns. “People often fear that their belongings, such as mobile phones, may be snatched, or that they may be robbed during their commute,” he highlighted. Addressing these concerns is crucial for offering meaningful solutions.
Mr Bobby Salwan advocated for the development of transportation solutions that are sustainable, reliable, and secure. He emphasised the need for a segmented approach, from large buses to smaller vehicles like “matatus” and last-mile mobility solutions. At Mahindra, we are leveraging their expertise in last-mile mobility to expand their presence in Africa, aiming to provide practical solutions such as three-wheelers powered by internal combustion or electric engines.
Affordability is another critical issue. With many Africans earning modest incomes, the cost of transportation can be prohibitive. Mr Salwan suggested promoting shared mobility solutions and focusing on bus systems. “To address this, we may need to promote shared mobility solutions or focus more on bus systems,” he said. He pointed to companies like Ashok Leyland and Tata Motors, which are making strides in Nigeria and beyond.
In addition to infrastructure, a mindset shift is required to encourage the adoption of new modes of travel. He stressed on the importance of safety and reliability in transportation options to build public confidence. “Whether it’s a small vehicle, a minibus, or a larger bus, the key is to ensure that the transportation options available are both safe and reliable,” he stated.
Mr Bobby Salwan also urged policymakers to consider innovative solutions such as offering incentives for electric mobility. Drawing on successful models from China and India, he suggested that “providing credits to local governments that invest in electric mobility solutions for last-mile transport could make a significant impact.”
Finally, the potential of solar power in Africa was highlighted as a resource that could be harnessed to benefit the continent’s transportation needs. “By working together and thinking creatively, we can make substantial progress in transforming the transport landscape across Africa,” he concluded.
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