URBAN
MOBILITY
CONFERENCE 2026
“Accelerating Sustainable Mobility for Africa’s Green and Inclusive Future”
Africa’s premier continental platform to catalyze dialogue, innovation, and partnerships around the future of mobility — bringing together over 1,000 delegates from government, industry, finance, and civil society.
A Defining Moment for Africa’s Mobility
The global mobility landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the urgent need to decarbonize economies by 2050. Africa cannot remain on the periphery of this change.
Background
The Urban Mobility Conference 2026 (UMC2026) will serve as a strategic continental platform to catalyze dialogue, innovation, and partnerships around the future of mobility in Africa — accelerating the transition toward low-carbon, efficient, and people-centered transport systems.
Africa’s cities are expanding at an unprecedented rate, with urban populations projected to double by 2050. This rapid urbanization presents both opportunities and urgent challenges — from traffic congestion and air pollution to inadequate transport infrastructure and social inequities in mobility access.
UMC2026 aims to become Africa’s premier platform for e-mobility dialogue, knowledge exchange, and investment mobilization, aligned with the Paris Agreement, the SDGs, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Challenges UMC2026 Addresses
UMC2026 will convene policymakers, private sector leaders, researchers, and civil society to discuss actionable pathways for building integrated, inclusive, and climate-smart urban transport systems across Africa.
Rapid urbanization leading to congestion, air pollution, and inefficiency
High dependency on fossil fuels, exposing economies to volatile oil markets
Weak public transport integration and limited intermodal connectivity
Inadequate charging and refueling infrastructure
Gaps in policy and regulatory frameworks for innovation and investment
Persistent exclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups from affordable mobility options
8 Key Discussion Topics
Innovating Urban Transport Systems
Smart, eco-friendly, and inclusive mobility solutions for Africa's growing cities, including electric buses, autonomous vehicles, and shared mobility.
Policy & Governance
Strengthening regulatory frameworks and stakeholder coordination to create enabling environments for sustainable transport investment and innovation.
Digital Transformation
Leveraging AI, IoT, and data for smarter transport management, real-time optimization, and improved passenger experience across African cities.
Innovative Financing Mechanisms
Mobilizing capital for e-mobility infrastructure through development finance, green bonds, blended finance, and private investment.
Resilience & Climate Action
Climate-proofing transport infrastructure and aligning African mobility systems with the Paris Agreement and continental climate commitments.
Infrastructure Investment
Expanding BRT systems, EV charging networks, and non-motorized transport infrastructure across Africa's rapidly growing urban centres.
Capacity Building
Developing the skills and institutional capacities needed for e-mobility leadership across African governments and organisations.
Inclusive Mobility
Ensuring accessibility for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized populations in all sustainable transport solutions.
What UMC2026 Seeks to Achieve
By convening Africa’s most influential voices in mobility, UMC2026 will drive concrete commitments and actionable outcomes for sustainable transport across the continent.
Showcase the latest technologies, business models, and innovations in e-mobility
Facilitate high-level policy dialogue to strengthen governance frameworks
Mobilize financing for large-scale sustainable transport investments
Foster regional collaboration and cross-learning among African cities
Promote inclusive, climate-resilient transport solutions aligned with the SDGs and the Paris Agreement
Everything About UMC2026
Navigate to each section to get the full details on the conference.
Conference Agenda
Full 3-day programme — plenaries, breakout sessions, workshops, and the Innovation Fair.
Speakers & Panelists
Potential keynote speakers, panelists, and the expected participant categories.
Venue
Kigali Convention Centre — one of Africa's premier conference facilities.
Travel to Kigali
Flights, visa information, accommodation, climate, and getting around Kigali.
Register Interest
Express interest in attending, sponsoring, or partnering with UMC2026.