TANZANIA is expected to host the 9th International Conference on Sustainable Transportation & Smart Innovations (ICTA) to be held in Arusha next Monday.

The meeting is jointly organized by the Tanzania Roads Association (TARA) and the Global Transportation Professional Networking Group.

TARA Executive Director, Eliamlisi Joseph told reporters yesterday that the theme of the meeting is "Safe, Smart, and Sustainable Transport Systems for Global Economic Growth.

He said the conference aims to enhance the capabilities of stakeholders across the transport sector by fostering knowledge-sharing, technology, experiences, and best practices.

He said the objective of the international meeting is to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of stakeholders in the transport sector, enabling them to effectively contribute to the development, implementation, and management of sustainable and efficient transport systems.

“The event aims to provide a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to gain insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the transport sector, including technological advancements, regulatory changes, and environmental considerations,” he said.

He mentioned another objective as to equip participants with the necessary tools, methodologies, and best practices to improve their professional capabilities and decision-making processes in transport planning, designing, construction, operations, and management.

“They will discuss and analyse existing and emerging policies, regulations, and standards that impact the transport sector, fostering a better understanding of compliance requirements and advocacy strategies and facilitating networking opportunities among stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, academicians, researchers, and practitioners to encourage collaboration, knowledge exchange, and partnership building,” he said. 

He said they will share case studies and best practices from different regions and contexts to inspire and guide participants in implementing effective transport strategies and projects.

The Executive Director mentioned topics to be discussed as smart infrastructures and Sustainable Development, Smart Transportation, and Infrastructure Preservation and Rehabilitation Strategies.

He said other topics are pavement management systems, data monitoring and performance assessment, life cycle cost analysis and life cycle assessment, and PPP funding mechanism.

He said the Global Transportation Professional Networking Group boasts regional centers in America, Botswana, and Nigeria, with its international secretariat dedicated to providing solutions to the pressing transportation challenges.

He said this initiative collaborates with universities and transportation professionals across Africa, organizing annual conferences to foster dialogue and innovation in the sector.

He said since its inception, the Global Transportation Professional Networking Group has successfully held several conference editions in various African countries such as Botswana, Ghana, and Nigeria and the United States.