Alstom, partner of the #CIMDC2026

Alstom’s participation in the 2026 International Conference on Sustainable Mobility and Climate (#CIMDC2026), organized in Abidjan by Codatu, AMUGA and Climate Chance—under the auspices of the Ministry of Transportation of Côte d’Ivoire, is part of a growing African movement that has gained momentum since the 2022 Dakar Declaration, which calls for raising the continent’s ambition in the face of climate challenges.

Against a backdrop of rapid urbanization, growing mobility needs, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events, rail must no longer be presented merely as a low-carbon solution: it must also demonstrate its ability to continue operating in a volatile climate. Heat waves, floods, dust, humidity, and intense weather events require the design, operation, and maintenance of rail systems capable of anticipating, withstanding, and adapting to harsher environmental conditions.

Drawing on its international experience in designing trains, infrastructure, signaling systems, and maintenance solutions tailored to these challenges, Alstom concretely illustrates rail’s role in the climate transition of African cities. The Abidjan Metro Line 1 project, currently underway, serves as a prime example in this regard: beyond its contribution to reducing urban congestion and emissions, it highlights the need for reliability, passenger comfort, and service continuity in an urban environment exposed to heat, heavy rains, and long-term operational challenges.

This involvement positions Alstom as a leading industrial partner in supporting African cities in their transition to sustainable, high-performance, inclusive, and resilient mobility systems that address the continent’s climate priorities.

Alstom’s Presence in Côte d’Ivoire

Alstom is a key player in sustainable mobility in Côte d’Ivoire, notably through Line 1 of the Abidjan Metro, the first metro system in sub-Saharan Africa. As a member of the STAR consortium, the group will supply 20 Metropolis trains, the Urbalis 400 signaling system, and system integration. This 37-kilometer project, featuring 18 stations, aims to transport up to 500,000 passengers per day, while alleviating traffic congestion in Abidjan and supporting its economic development.

Within the framework of the CIMDC 2026, it can also be presented as a concrete response to climate resilience challenges: robust equipment design, operational continuity despite more demanding weather conditions, passenger comfort during periods of extreme heat, and the ability to sustainably support urban growth. Alstom is also strengthening its local presence through its office in Abidjan, skills development, and CSR initiatives such as the Maeva project.