Transport policy and infrastructure

© GIZ/Jeroen Buis

GIZ advises partner countries on the development of a sustainable transport infrastructure. Especially in rural areas, safe roads accelerate development.


Transport and mobility pose major challenges for decision-makers in many countries. The problems are multifaceted: the increase in traffic in conurbations, poorly organised ports and poor transport connections in rural regions. The poor transport infrastructure in rural areas is a particular obstacle to development. Around one billion people have to walk more than two kilometres to get to a road that can be used all year round. In the rainy season and after storms, bad roads are often impassable and medical facilities, schools and markets cannot be reached. In times of crisis, aid is delivered late or not at all to people in need. Climate change leads more frequently to storms and thus exacerbates the problem.


The challenges surrounding transport infrastructure are complex and must be addressed holistically. However, the responsible authorities in developing countries are not prepared for this. Not only is there a lack of money, but there is also a lack of the necessary structures and the necessary specialist and management knowledge.


On behalf of the German government and other clients, GIZ advises its partners on improving transport infrastructure. It concentrates on the following tasks:



Policy and financial advice


GIZ advises national, regional and local authorities on the development of reform programmes as a basis for better, sustainable transport infrastructure planning. The maintenance and upkeep of an extensive road network is complex and expensive. GIZ supports the partner countries in creating permanent financing opportunities for the transport infrastructure so that maintenance is guaranteed. In rural areas in particular, GIZ advises its partners on road construction/maintenance, market access and improved logistics.



Transparent fuel prices


The transport sector is still largely dependent on oil. The price of fuel tends to rise. Especially in developing countries, there are often real price jumps. This is due not only to the scarcity of raw materials, but also to the fact that price regulation is not transparent and subsidies support non-sustainable fuels. The GIZ makes information on fuel prices and regulation available to the public and thus creates the conditions for transparent and efficient policy.