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Purpose of the Context Labs
The Context Labs will:
- Localize global learning: Translate the course’s concepts and tools into the African urban, social, and policy context.
- Foster shared learning: Provide a platform for African governments and stakeholders to share challenges, opportunities, and innovations.
- Encourage application: Support participants to apply course knowledge to real-world African contexts, linking to ongoing policy processes.
- Connect to action: Situate discussions within the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility, strengthening alignment between global best practice and continental frameworks.
- Build community: Cultivate a network of African practitioners engaged in advancing pedestrian mobility and active transport.
Expected outcomes
- Increased capacity to design, evaluate, and advocate for walkable African cities
- Enhanced alignment of African stakeholders with global best practice and MIT’s course insights
- Practical ideas and commitments for advancing the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility in alignment with the Safe Systems Approach
- A growing African community of practice on pedestrian mobility and road safety
Who can join?
- African government officials (transport, urban development, health, environment)
- Urban and transport planners, engineers, designers
- Civil society organizations, community advocates, researchers
- Regional development partners
- Champions of the pan African action plan for active mobility
- Members of the Global Alliance of Cities for Road Safety. (ACROS)
- Members of the Africa Network for Active Mobility (ANWAC)
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CONTEXT LAB 1:
Theme: SETTING THE SCENE: PEDESTRIAN MOBILITY IN THE AFRICAN CONTEXT
Thursday, 30th October 2025, 2-3pm EAT
Facilitator: Carly Gilbert-Patrick, Team Leader – Active Mobility, Digitalisation & Integration, UNEP Agenda
Introduction to the MIT course and its relevance for Africa
Andres Sevtsuk
Charles and Ann Spaulding Associate Professor of Urban Science and PlanningDirector, City Form LabHead, City Design and Development GroupDepartment of Urban Studies and PlanningMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Topic: Introduce MIT course and answer questions about the course
Whistle Stop Tour of the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility as the policy anchor for action Janene Tuniz, Project Manager – Active Mobility, UNEP
Leaders Dialogue
- Eric Tetteh-Addison, Director of Policy and Planning, Ministry of Transport, Ghana
- Kodwo Addison, Director of Policy, Planning & Budget, Ministry of Roads and Highways, Ghana
Registration Closed.
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CONTEXT LAB 2
Theme: African realities and best practice
Date: Tuesday, 2 December 2025, 2-3pm EAT
Welcome and Objectives by Carly Gillbert-Patrick
Global and Africa research perspectives Speakers:
- Fiona Bull, WHO HQ (pre-recorded)
- Jim Walker, Founder, Walk21 Foundation (live)
African case spotlightSpeaker:
- Eng. Moses Kuiyaki, Nairobi County Government
Participant discussion and questions
Closing Remarks
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CONTEXT LAB 3:
Theme: The Transformative Benefits of Active Mobility and Innovative Financing Mechanism
Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026, 2-3pm EAT
Welcome and objective by Constant Cap
Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Active Mobility in a Developing-Economy City Speaker:
- Hidaya Namakula, Assistant Lecturer, Makerere University
Lessons, Experiences, and Impacts from Living Labs: The Case of Mekelle, Ethiopia Speaker
- Azeb Tesfaye Legese, Scientific Associate, University of Kassel
Financing Strategies for Active Mobility Infrastructure Speaker:
- Lawrence Mbugua, Senior Consultant, KPMG East Africa
PRESENTATIONS
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