Paratransit in Abidjan: workshops on the roadmap for paratransit to prepare for its professionalisation and integration into the future mobility system

As part of the technical assistance programme led by Codatu for AMUGA (Greater Abidjan Urban Mobility Authority), with financial support from the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Treasury, the Transitec-Transamo consortium facilitated a series of four workshops dedicated to the future of paratransit in Abidjan.

Held from 8 to 11 September 2026, these workshops built on the work begun during an initial virtual session on 11 August 2026, which focused on analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the various modes of paratransit.

Each day focused on a specific theme:

• transport licences and levers for public policy action;
• the structuring and contractualisation of the woro-woro sector;
• the structuring and contractualisation of the gbaka sector;
• the structuring and contractualisation of the pinasse sector.

The aim was to compare the analyses carried out beforehand with the realities on the ground and to jointly develop solutions with all stakeholders. The workshops thus brought together representatives from public authorities, the High Council of Road Transport Employers, as well as operators of wôro-wôros, gbakas and pinasses.

The fruitful discussions enabled the identification of initial courses of action to promote the professionalisation of paratransit. The discussions also highlighted the conditions necessary for greater complementarity between these essential everyday services and future mass transport modes such as the metro and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

Many thanks to the Transitec-Transamo consortium for the quality of their facilitation, and to all participants for their involvement, commitment and contributions throughout these four days of work.