The 3rd edition of the Kofi Annan Road Safety Awards opened on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Happy Valley Hotel in Eswatini, drawing top-level delegates from across Africa and the international community.
The event attracted prominent figures such as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Road Safety, Mr. Jean Todt; Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Mr. Antonio Pedro; representatives from the African Union Commission; and the UN Resident Coordinator. Also present were the President of the Senate, Members of Parliament, ministers from countries including Senegal, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Namibia, Morocco, and host country Eswatini, alongside local road safety stakeholders.
Speaking at the opening, Eswatini’s Minister for Public Works and Transport welcomed delegates and spoke about the country’s commitment to improving road safety and fostering regional cooperation. He said the presence of such a wide array of continental leaders underscored how seriously road safety is being taken across Africa.
Backed by the Kofi Annan Foundation, UNECA, and the UN Special Envoy on Road Safety, the awards celebrate countries that are making measurable progress in reducing road traffic deaths and injuries. The initiative builds on the legacy of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who championed road safety as a major public health issue.
Mr. Jean Todt received recognition for his continuous efforts to advance global road safety through advocacy and partnership building.
This year’s edition features a key technical workshop under the theme, “Mobilising Domestic Financing to Accelerate the Road Safety Agenda in Africa.” The session urges African nations to treat road safety as a developmental investment and shift away from donor dependence, opting instead for sustainable, homegrown financing solutions.
