Inclusion Powered by Research: The PRISM-VREF Story!

Over the course of two days, the presenters passionately highlighted the critical importance of urban mobility in driving socio-economic development. However, it was clear that the current public transport system in the Global South does not meet the needs of all community segments. Notably, many vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, women, and children, continue to face challenges of gender-based violence and exclusion.

Day 1 kicked off with three remarkable keynote speeches from influential figures: Hon. Martha Karua, a distinguished politician and advocate of the Kenyan High Court; Hon. Rehema Jaldesa, Chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission; and Ms. Hanna Salian, a representative from GIZ-Kenya. Their insights were truly inspiring, setting the stage for meaningful discussions ahead! In addition, other speakers addressed how data and technology are revolutionizing the experiences of transport workers, breaking barriers with women leading in transport, and highlighting the incredible efforts of government agencies in paving the way for road safety through innovative policies, standards, and designs that create safer streets. Participants further heard about groundbreaking, inclusive, and gender-responsive financing initiatives for active mobility in Africa, not to mention the design and operation of disability-inclusive public transport systems!

On Day 2, conference attendees were taken through the remarkable 10-Year Impact Report from the Flone Initiative Trust. Other presenters highlighted the potential of transport trade unionism, championed by the International Transport Federation (ITF), in safeguarding workers’ rights. Speakers passionately shared insights on how women are shaping the mobility business in Tanzania, and participants gained key takeaways from a handbook aimed at enhancing young women’s mobility in Indian cities. Not to forget, vital discussions centered on rethinking the Safe System Approach amidst the current global climate challenges and the strategic advancement of gender-inclusive business models in Africa’s exciting e-Mobility transition.

As one of the proud sponsors of the conference, VREF had the spotlight to share its inspiring financial and technical support for research into popular transportation in the Global South. Under the theme "Inclusion Powered by Research: The PRISM-VREF Story!", Professor Ernest Agyemang from the Ghana Living Lab took the stage and introduced the thrilling new international research program—the Partnership for Research on Informal and Shared Mobility (PRISM). PRISM, he explained, is all about reimagining and enhancing public transportation systems in the Global South, recognizing the invaluable contributions and importance of existing assets, services, and infrastructure while ensuring no one is left behind! With a focus on equity, PRISM is dedicated to uplifting lower-income, underserved communities and vulnerable populations. PRISM is all about fostering ecosystems—connecting livelihoods, labor, businesses, government, civil society, technologies, and more as a unified force. Plus, PRISM aims to engage with global policy and investment decision-making while partnering with urban living labs to co-create tangible solutions that improve transport services, promote equity, reduce emissions, and enhance health benefits. 

He further informed the conference participants that this special groundbreaking partnership features 7 Living Labs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and boasts of partnerships among 8 universities and an inspiring group of 31 Next Gen Scholars. He highlighted the dynamic monthly meetings that bring together the Living Labs, fostering vibrant knowledge sharing among them. Plus, the Consortium has been hard at work reviewing scholarly outputs, resulting in a series of Working Papers, some of which are ready for publication. 

He proudly mentioned that PRISM has played a proactive role in research conferences, showcasing its impactful contributions to the field. Noteworthy events include the International Transport Forum in Leipzig, Germany; the 3rd Popular Transportation/Paratransit Day in Washington, D.C.; and the VREF Global Summit in Gothenburg, Sweden. In concluding, he urged all attendees engaged in research on Informal and Shared Mobility to submit their abstracts for a chance to be part of the first-ever global gathering on this exciting topic, happening from October 26-28, 2026, in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand.

Joining the panel was Dr. Ernest Uwayezu, who passionately showcased other exciting VREF-sponsored African Research Programs, notably the Equitable Transport Access and Mobility in African Cities (ETAMAC) and the Popular-to-Popular Transport Integration (POINT). 

On Day 3, the conference delegates were treated to an exciting opportunity to explore the world of e-mobility by visiting the innovative Basi-GO Electric Buses company and the cutting-edge E-Bee electric bicycles, immersing themselves in the latest advancements firsthand. Meanwhile, another group of participants undertook a dynamic workshop, collaboratively crafting an e-Mobility Strategic Plan using the powerful tools of SWOT and PESTEL analysis.

Overall, the conference was an incredible success! It was meticulously organized and drew a fantastic turnout. Participants left buzzing with a strong drive to tackle the numerous mobility-related challenges in cities of the Global South, all in the name of making public transportation more inclusive, equitable, and accessible for everyone!