Unlocking better work conditions in the informal transport sector through labour impact assessments

This is a recording from a VREF Research Forum held 12 February 2025, focusing on services and workers’ conditions in informal transport. The Forum introduced a new research paper exploring the potential of labour impact assessments as a means to enhance workers’ conditions in Africa’s informal transport sector – and provided an in-depth conceptual framework to address both the policy and practical opportunities and challenges. The paper is produced through a collaboration between VREF and The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). Transforming informal transport is central to the overall sustainable transport agenda. Overcoming structural problems and inequalities requires policies which address the inter-relationship between passenger services and working conditions for the millions of workers who rely on this sector for their livelihoods. This Research Forum included presentations, reflections and discussions of labour impact assessments as a practical tool to raise labour standards and workers’ rights. It also introduces VREF’s and ITF’s new research paper: ”Understanding Informal Transport in Africa: Labour Impact Assessments as Tools to Improve Workers’ Conditions”’ Commissioning and collaborating around research to better understand the current situation and status of informal and shared mobility and related policies in selected regions is one of the activities within VREF:s Informal and Shared Mobility in Low and Middle Income Countries Program (ISM). Program Moderator: Holger Dalkmann, VREF Program Coordinator ISM Welcome and Introduction Henrik Nolmark, VREF Director Opening Remarks Alana Dave, Director of Urban Transport, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). Presentation Understanding Informal Transport in Africa: Labour Impact Assessments as Tools to Improve Workers Conditions Presenter: Alana Dave, ITF Reflections Jackie Klopp, Center for Sustainable Urban Development, Columbia University Roger Behrens, Centre for Transport Studies, University of Cape Town Bayla Sow, The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Question and Answers Roundtable Binyam Reja, World Bank Marisela Ponce de Leon Valdes, The Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP) Alejandra Cruz Ross, International Labour Organization (ILO) Louise Ribet, C40 Emmanuel Dommergues, Union Internationale des Transports Publics (UITP) Next steps and how to stay involved Future activities in the VREF ISM Program – Henrik Nolmark and Holger Dalkmann. Closing remarks