In many African cities, informal public transport is the backbone of urban mobility, yet government authorities often struggle to effectively engage with and regulate the sector. This discussion paper, a joint collaboration between VREF and CODATU, explores the critical role of capacity building in transforming informal transport systems.

Authored by Herrie Schalekamp and Sophie-Anne Monplaisir, the report shifts the focus toward the ”human infrastructure” of transport governance. It draws directly on the lived experiences and insights of government officials who work daily with the complexities of the informal sector.

Key highlights of the paper include:

• The Official Perspective: An analysis of how government actors perceive their own roles, challenges, and the skills needed to foster constructive relationships with informal operators.
• Institutional Strengthening: Insights into the types of training, peer exchanges, and organizational shifts required to move beyond purely reactive regulation toward proactive, inclusive planning.
• Collaborative Pathways: Recommendations on how international partnerships and local expertise can better support officials in navigating the political and operational realities of paratransit.

This discussion paper is a vital resource for anyone interested in the governance of informal mobility and provides a roadmap for more effective, evidence-based capacity-building initiatives in African urban contexts.