The first consultative meeting for PAAPAM, during the Africa Regional Forum for Action – Inclusive and Active Mobility in a Changing Climate conference in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together 100 senior level members of Government, Civil Society, the Private Sector and Academia addressed long-standing issues, and launched the action plan procedure.

The “Just Mobility” Turning Points Workshop was part of a broader effort to develop a comprehensive strategic report that will inform policy and facilitate the transformation of Africa’s transport sector. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including experts from academia, civil society, and the private sector across Africa. The workshop’s aim was to address transportation challenges in Africa, where rapid urbanization and growing reliance on motor vehicles have limited access to essential services for low-income communities. Key topics of were, making transportation systems inclusive, affordable, and accessible, while ensuring infrastructure is resilient, sustainable, and safe. The workshop took place between October 7-9, 2024, in Accra, Ghana.  

The Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM) is a comprehensive framework aimed at transforming mobility across Africa by prioritizing the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized transport users. The Bright Smile Empowerment Initiative participated as partners in the PAAPAM west and central Africa workshop, recently held in Accra Ghana, where we shared some experiences in prioritizing children, women and the elderly in our bicycle riding programs. There are many people who do not know how to ride a bicycle, especially women and children but we are bridging the gap through our Saturday bicycle riding programs. “ —primarily walking and cycling—accounts for nearly 60% of all daily trips across the two regions, making it the most relied-upon forms of transport.” Bright Smile Initiative is focused on inspiring positive energy, promoting wellness, inclusivity, and sustainable development using the bicycle. Our approach includes Advocacy, Awareness and Activities, thereby, promoting cycling within our communities for the numerous benefits. Highlights of the presentation include: Bicycle Riding is a major form of Active mobility which is critical for a child’s development and well-being. A woman on a bike is a woman empowered. Decline in active mobility has become a major public health concern. Automobile-centric or Car-centric community designs restrict opportunities for children to engage in active mobility and play outside freely. Bright Smile Initiative encourages women to cycle through teaching them how to ride a bicycle in minutes. The organization encourages active mobility activities for the elderly. Inadequate active mobility infrastructure, high cost of transportation, and safety issues pose lots of challenges for children, women and elderly to move freely and interact with their environment in a dignified manner. The organization’s focus is to ensure that children, women and the elderly are not left behind in pursuing equitable and sustainable development. See some pictures from the Workshop: Let’s ride towards a Brighter Future!