Urban governance and public transport management in greater lomé

Urban governance and public transport management in Greater Lomé face significant challenges due to incomplete decentralization and institutional fragmentation. The inefficiency of the transport system stems from a lack of coordination between public and private stakeholders, overlapping responsibilities, and the absence of an integrated strategic vision. This study employs a methodological approach combining document analysis, semi-structured interviews with sector stakeholders, and field observations. The aim is to examine institutional practices, the conditions under which transport infrastructure operates, and the urban governance challenges involved. The findings show that, despite legislative progress, transport governance remains hindered by a lack of resources, organizational weaknesses, and ineffective institutional coordination. The focus on road infrastructure comes at the expense of soft mobility and multimodal solutions, thereby limiting the transition to sustainable mobility. Drawing inspiration from international experiences, the study recommends strengthening inter-institutional coordination, introducing innovative financial mechanisms, and integrating sustainable mobility into strategic plans. This article highlights the urgency of structural reform in transport governance in Lomé. It proposes an integrated and pragmatic approach to enhance the efficiency of the urban transport system and address the growing needs of the population while promoting inclusive and sustainable mobility.