T R A N S P O R T A N D M O B I L I T Y Leveraging Waterways: A Strategic Imperative for Transport

AUTHOR: David Jarrett Editor@ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group ChiefExecutiveOfficer

Africa's extensive coastline of approximately 30,000 plus kilometres and navigable waterways such as the Congo, Niger, Ogooue, Zambezi and Nile rivers for example, present a largely untapped potential for enhancing the transportation sectors across the continent The ability to move people and goods is impossible without transport infrastructure, in other words; transport is a necessity and so water-based transport systems offer a sustainable and, in an energyefficient manner of moving bulk commodities and people, which can significantly bolster economic growth, reduce road congestion, and minimize the environmental impact of air-based cargo movements (African Development Bank, 2021)

Water transport, particularly shipping by cargo vessels, is widely regarded as more energy efficient per ton-mile compared to land transport, especially over long distances This efficiency stems from ships' ability to carry substantial quantities of goods in a single voyage, effectively distributing the energy cost across a larger volume of cargo. Moreover, ships benefit from lower rolling resistance compared to trucks and trains, further enhancing their efficiency

Technological advancements are poised to significantly impact the energy efficiency of water transport. Developments in more fuel-efficient engines, the adoption of alternative fuels such as ammonia produced from green hydrogen, and improvements in ship design collectively contribute to reducing the energy consumption of maritime shipping. These innovations not only enhance operational efficiency but also align with global sustainability goals by reducing the carbon footprint of water transport

As Africa explores its future transportation strategies, integrating water transport into its multimodal transport system is not only a strategic imperative but also a pathway to sustainable development. This integration is particularly vital given the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services, promoting intra-African trade, economic integration, and sustainable development (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, 2020). Efficient and reliable water transport becomes even more critical in this context, providing cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to road and air transport (African Union, 2019)

The AfCFTA Agreement is expected to increase intra-African freight by 28% and demand for maritime freight by 62%.

To fully harness the potential of water transport, Africa must invest in developing and modernizing its maritime and inland waterway infrastructure This includes expanding and upgrading ports, improving navigational channels, and establishing efficient inland waterway systems (World Bank, 2022). Such investments are essential for reducing logistics costs, enhancing trade competitiveness, and stimulating regional integration (International Transport Forum, 2019) Efficient water transport systems facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people, thereby contributing to the overall economic development of the continent

Moreover, water transport can play a crucial role in connecting landlocked countries to coastal ports, promoting regional trade and economic integration (African Union Commission, 2021) Formulating policies that integrate water transport with other modes of transport to create a seamless multimodal system is essentialformaximizingthesebenefits(UNECA,2020)

In conclusion, by enhancing connectivity, reducing transport costs, and promoting sustainable practices, water transport modes can play a pivotal role in boosting inter-Africa trade Strategic investments in maritime infrastructure, coupled with supportive policies, can unlock significant economic benefits and drive the continent's integration into the global economy Further spin-offs accrue as the expansion of water transport can create jobs in shipbuilding, port operations, logistics, and related industries. These employment opportunities can spur economic development and improve livelihoods in coastalandinlandregions.

Readings:

African Development Bank (2021) "African Waterways and Maritime Transport."

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (2020) "The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) " African Union. (2019). "AfCFTA and its Implications for Transport." World Bank (2022) "Investing in Africa’s Maritime Infrastructure " International Transport Forum (2019) "Water Transport in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges."

African Union Commission (2021) "Enhancing Regional Integration through Water Transport " UNECA. (2020). "Policy Integration for Multimodal Transport Systems in Africa " https://unctad org/press-material/review-maritime-transport2023-facts-and-figures-africa https://unctad org/press-material/afcfta-could-boost-maritimetrade-africa