The International Conference on Sustainable Mobility and Climate (CIMDC 2026) wrapped up its sessions in Abidjan on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, with the adoption of the Abidjan Declaration. Championed by CODATU and Climate Chance and submitted to the African Association of Mobility Organising Authorities (AUMA), the roadmap sets out a sustainable, inclusive and low-carbon vision for urban mobility across the continent. The text is due to be presented at COP31, scheduled for November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Türkiye.
According to Romain Kouakou, director general of the Greater Abidjan Urban Mobility Authority (AMUGA), the event drew more than 1,300 registered participants from 40 countries, including 800 Ivorians and 400 international delegates. On Thursday, delegations are touring several transport projects across Greater Abidjan.
The declaration paints a stark picture. Africa, historically the smallest contributor to global emissions, is bearing the full brunt of climate change, and the text calls on major emitters to make adaptation finance a top priority. Demographic pressure adds to the urgency, as Africa’s urban population is expected to double to 1.5 billion by 2050. Today, walking, often out of necessity, and informal transport account for most journeys, with the latter carrying nearly 400 million people a day despite lacking recognition, organisation and funding.
To respond, the declaration rests on four pillars. The first is designing cities around their residents by bringing homes, jobs and services closer together. The second calls for clear institutional coordination and viable financing mechanisms. Climate resilience forms the third, with infrastructure built to withstand shocks while protecting the most vulnerable. Finally, the text bets on innovation, from electric mobility to the digitalisation of informal transport and intelligent transport systems.
At the opening on Tuesday, Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé summed up the challenge: moving large numbers of people cheaply while polluting less. He cited the metro, BRT, electric buses and cable cars, mentioning possible links between Bingerville, Cocody, Adjamé and Yopougon. He also called for long-term climate finance at concessional rates and greater private sector involvement.
Transport Minister Amadou Koné outlined plans for an integrated multimodal network combining the metro, BRT and lagoon transport. He announced a €3 million contribution from the European Union to revive the latter, which will eventually include 13 lagoon stations and 25 water buses. At the closing ceremony, his chief of staff, Dioman Coné, captured the spirit of the gathering by describing sustainable mobility as a driver of growth, competitiveness and social progress.