African Ministers Responsible for Road Transport are to discuss ways to improve Africa''s road networks, in order to accelerate economic growth and social development.

The five-day AU Conference of Ministers Responsible for Road Transport, which kicked off Monday, aims to define and adopt a common African vision for road transport development in the continent, the AU website explains.

 
Speaking at the opening of the conference, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport Bheki Cele emphasised the importance of an efficient transport system as a driver of economic growth of the continent.

"It is only through a sound transport system that we can have an efficient movement of people and goods as well as trade across national borders," he explained.

Mr Cele was addressing the gathering on behalf of Transport Minister Jeff Radebe.

He added that the conference came at the "most appropriate time", when the road infrastructure was increasingly becoming a key pillar for Africa''s economic development and the well being of its entire people.

It is against this background that African Ministers have prioritised the improvement of the road network to address challenges of connectivity and mobility among the nations, Mr Cele said.

The MEC explained that Africa''s strategy for growth and employment depended largely on its firm commitment to create viable road networks that would increase the competitiveness of its nations and industries.

"Road infrastructure, in this context, becomes a major asset for Africa which must be integrated with other modes of transport for the optimum allocation and utilisation of resources.

"As we convene today we therefore need to evaluate our road infrastructure network on the basis of relative optimisation between modes of transport. We also need to ensure that our integrated rural development programmes are prominent in our agenda," he advised.

The conference will also enable the delegates to elaborate on appropriate strategies in line with the needs of physical integration of Africa, the AU statement adds.

"Road transport legal and regulatory issues would also be considered. As well, a review would be made of the state of international road transport conventions which African countries have adhered to and on which some regional regulations have been based in the course of elaborating regional facilitation programmes.

"Furthermore, road safety issues which have always been under consideration but with little effect, should benefit from special focus entailing clear and practical strategies," the AU website explains.

Some of the discussions will include:

-  a vision policy of the AU on infrastructure and road transport;
- experiences in the development of road infrastructure;
- harmonisation and facilitation of road transport in Africa: current situation and prospects: standards and technical specifications for infrastructure and equipment procedures and documentation;
- road safety, environment protection and combating HIV and other infectious diseases; and a
 draft Plan of Action and Ministerial declaration.

The conference will also allow for a continental review of the state of road transport infrastructure, equipment and inter-state and inter-regional road transport operations.