Transport accessibility research in African cities: Systematic evidence review, knowledge gaps and directions for future research

Widening inequalities have characterised Africa's rapid pace of historical urbanisation. One of the key areas of growing socio-spatial inequalities that often receives limited focus in the urban discourse is transport access to opportunities by the continent's growing urban population. This paper provides a systematic and critical evidence review of the topic based on previously published research that have measured and quantified accessibility across 40 urban areas within 24 countries in Africa. It covers how transport accessibility is measured, including the methods and data sources employed; the urban areas that have been studied; the various modes of transport considered; and what the body of literature collectively reveals about the accessibility situations of African cities. The evidence show that African cities have a growing problem of unequal access to opportunities that stem fundamentally from the emergent spatial structures of the continent’s major towns and cities. The paper ultimately identifies six interrelated areas that needs further research. Across these areas of research, quality and granular data on socio-demographic conditions, urban land use activities and relevant public transport systems characteristics are major challenges that need addressing.