Powering Progress: Women, E-Mobility & Safer Transport in Africa, a free webinar
On 20 August 2025, transport innovators, policymakers, and advocates will convene virtually for Powering Progress: Women, E-Mobility & Safer Transport in Africa, a free webinar highlighting women who are transforming mobility across the continent.
Hosted by Smarter Mobility Africa and Women in Mobility (WiN), and sponsored by the uYilo Electric Mobility Programme, the event addresses the urgent need for greener, safer, and more inclusive transport systems.
Urbanisation is rapidly reshaping African cities, bringing both opportunities and challenges.
Growing populations are placing pressure on public transport systems, contributing to congestion, air pollution, and infrastructure gaps.
At the same time, the rise of electric mobility offers a chance to reduce carbon emissions and create more sustainable cities.
The webinar sits at the intersection of these issues, showcasing how women are leading innovation in e-mobility while addressing safety and accessibility concerns.
Inside the Webinar Programme
The two-hour event features four sessions led by women driving tangible change in the sector:
- Women in eMobility – Edem Foli, Programme Manager at uYilo, on leadership in electric vehicle technology, charging infrastructure, and battery innovation.
- SHE CAN Tool: Embedding Gender & Safety in Transport – Oluwaseun Sonoiki, Legal Counsel at LAMATA, presenting a framework designed to integrate gender and safety into public transport systems, piloted with measurable improvements.
- Empowering Safe Transit – Tenele Ndlovu, Project Manager for Zero-Emission Buses at C40 Cities, on anti-harassment strategies for electrified public bus fleets.
- Safety in Public Transport within the Minibus Taxi Industry – Rebecca Phala, Head of Communication at SANTACO, exploring reforms in Africa’s informal transport sector with a focus on safety compliance in minibus taxi networks.
Moderated by Sudeshnee Pillay, Conference Producer at Smarter Mobility Africa, the discussion blends policy insight, practical solutions, and industry innovation.
Why It Matters Now
African cities face growing transport challenges, from congestion and air pollution to safety gaps, particularly affecting women.
Limited access to safe transit and underrepresentation in leadership roles make inclusive transport planning essential.
The webinar focuses on gender and e-mobility, demonstrating practical strategies for safer, more accessible, and sustainable mobility that can be applied across different cities and transport modes.
A Step Toward Johannesburg: Smarter Mobility Africa Summit
The webinar is part of the lead-up to the Smarter Mobility Africa Summit, scheduled for 30 September to 2 October 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The three-day summit is expected to attract over 2,000 attendees from more than 50 countries, with 100+ expert speakers sharing insights, 100+ exhibitors showcasing innovations, and a dedicated Mobility Investment Pitches & Village connecting startups with investors.
A Municipal Forum will provide training and collaboration opportunities for African cities.
The summit, themed “Embracing the New Urban Era in Africa Through Integrated Smarter Mobility,” is Africa’s leading forum for sustainable and inclusive transport solutions.
The summit will focus on two co-located thematic areas:
Advancing Public Transport
- Expanding transport networks, including BRT and rail
- Electrifying public fleets (buses, taxis, minibuses)
- Integrating digital solutions such as smart ticketing and Mobility as a Service
- Promoting Public-Private Partnerships for infrastructure and funding
NEVs & Infrastructure
- Scaling charging infrastructure and fleet electrification business models
- Addressing energy storage and grid resilience
- Implementing policies and incentives for NEV adoption
Additional focus areas include Women in Mobility, providing a platform to address gender disparities and empower female leaders; Mobility Investment Pitches & Village, connecting startups with investors; and a Municipal Forum, allowing African municipalities to share solutions and receive training on public transport and NEVs.
By linking webinar insights to summit discussions, organisers aim to translate virtual learning into on-the-ground solutions.
The summit will feature in-person sessions, exhibitions, product demonstrations, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for African cities to showcase local solutions while learning from global best practices.
Why You Should Attend the Webinar
- Gain insights on inclusive innovation in e-mobility
- Learn proven strategies to improve women’s safety in transport
- Understand key dynamics in the minibus taxi industry
- Connect with leaders shaping Africa’s transport future
- Participate in live Q&A and stand a chance to win Women in Mobility prizes
The Powering Progress webinar underscores the growing role of women as innovators and leaders in Africa’s mobility sector, showing how safety, inclusion, and sustainability can shape transport systems that serve all citizens.
How to Apply
Interested participants can register for the events using the links below:
- Smarter Mobility Africa Summit 2025: Register here
- Powering Progress Webinar (Women, E-Mobility & Safer Transport in Africa): Register here
