Botswana is developing at fast pace and car dependency is rising which in turn is leading to increased congestion. A key feature of sustainable urban areas is access for all citizens to facilities, services and systems. This requires different mobility at city levels with integrated transport systems and sustainable urban planning. Sweden has been in the forefront of Bus-Rapid Transport (BRT) systems since inception in Curitiba (Brazil). This model has successfully been implemented in several cities around the world for example in Johannesburg, South Africa. The government of Botswana is currently reviewing different solutions to improve the traffic situation. Hence there is expected to be substantial need of development in the field of urban transportation.
Road accident is a substantial issue in Botswana; the absolute number of people killed on the roads is close to three times higher in absolute numbers than in Sweden even though the population is only one fifth of the Swedish. To solve the road safety issues in the country it is of the highest priority on the government agenda. Botswana could greatly benefit from Swedish “know how” within road safety; this is an area where Sweden is world leading thanks to the “zero vision initiative” and due to a range of hands-on solutions and strategies.
There is no doubt that there is a great need for new investments in the Botswana urban transportation and road safety sector. Business Sweden will therefore arrange an Urban Transportation & Road Safety seminar with focus on urban transport planning, BRT solutions and road safety.
The purpose of the seminar is to assist the development of a coherent urban transportation planning and to foster sustainable growth through BRT and road safety initiatives. Sweden can in this area be used as a benchmark with the aim to create long term relationships between Sweden and Botswana.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about business opportunities in Botswana as well market Swedish products, services and solutions to the urban transport and road safety sector.
Date: 15th of October 2013
Venue: Gaborone, Botswana
Contact: Dan Nerén, Consultant, +267 395 3425,dan.neren@business-sweden.se