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Dakar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Africa’s first fully electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

17 Nov 2023

2 minutes

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  • The Emerging Africa and Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF) committed €46 million towards the Dakar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which aims to establish Africa’s first fully electric public bus network in Senegal’s capital, Dakar.
  • The new bus network will reduce travel times by 50 minutes and avoid 59,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Sector: Transportation
Total commitment: €132.6 million total, EAAIF commitment €46 million
SDGs: 13 – Climate action

Background

Launched in 2023, the Dakar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a project aimed at establishing Africa’s first fully electric public bus network in Senegal’s capital, Dakar. The intended BRT network will link the coastal town of Guédiawaye, north of Dakar, and the city centre through thirteen municipalities over a total length of 18.3 kilometres. The project forms part of the government of Senegal’s national strategy to modernise Dakar’s urban mobility by 2025.

Opportunity

The next generation of Africa’s inter-city transport facilities will drastically reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. Diesel buses account for most passenger trips in African cities, and new, more energy-efficient replacements will also improve passenger comfort, convenience and safety. The investment complements progressive public policy designed to reduce the country’s dependence on hydrocarbons.

Contribution and impact

EAAIFs funding was used to finance the procurement, maintenance and operation of rolling stock and other capital expenditures. The investment includes a fleet of 121 buses operating across 13 municipalities and an 18.3-kilometre route, which will eventually carry 300,000 passengers daily between the suburbs and the city. The new bus network will reduce travel times by 50 minutes, easing traffic congestion and avoiding 59,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

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