Rapid urbanization in Africa has resulted in unprecedented growth in cities in the last three decades. It is estimated that by the year 2030, over 50% of the population in many African countries will be living in cities but the rate at which the cities can provide the needed transport infrastructure to meet the increasing mobility demands has been outpaced. Already, many sub-Saharan Africa countries face serious challenges in the transport sector in the form of poor infrastructure and transport connectivity. As a result, large sectors of the population have no access to safe and sustainable transport while urban congestion is worsening with attendant environmental consequences. In addition, urban public transport is poorly-managed and unsafe, transport institutions are weak and lack the human capital and systems to propel change and innovation in the sector.

It is estimated that within the next quarter century, Africa’s transport problems will balloon to unprecedented proportions unless Africa leverages innovative information and communication technologies to streamline its transport systems and leapfrog them to world-class standards. There is however a lack of adequate human resource capacities in several critical areas, including the provision and management of inclusive and sustainable public transport systems, traffic management in smart cities, intelligent transport systems, land use and transport integration, freight transport and logistics, transport economics and transport infrastructure financing.

The Regional Transport Research and Education Centre, Kumasi (TRECK); a World Bank Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE), at the College of Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi, in collaboration with national, regional and international academic institutions and sector stakeholders and partners, seeks to address the developmental challenges facing the transport sector within the sub-region through applied research, relevant educational programmes, training of professionals, leadership and development of strategic networks.

Vision

The vision of the centre is to be the leading hub for advancing applied research knowledge, developing and adapting innovative technologies, providing high quality training, leadership, and technology transfer in transport, mobility and integrated logistics.

Mission

Our mission is to support the improvement in the transport system by:

• providing the environment for the training of high calibre transport professionals and mentoring academics with world class expertise;

• conducting inter-disciplinary research with academic and relevant national and regional industries to support strategic directions and development;

• collaborating with other researchers for knowledge sharing and advancement;

• being a key training centre for transport and road safety resource;

• being a stakeholder in the coordination support for the integration and growth of all modes of transport and,

• establishing a data hub to support research and industry.

Core Values

• Leadership in Innovation

• Culture of Excellence

• Integrity and Efficiency in Transport

• Sustained Partnerships and Mentoring

• Diversity and Equal Opportunity all