UC Davis Joins Delegation Advancing California–Africa Climate Partnerships; Launches Africa Clean Transportation Initiative

As part of its growing international presence, the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis) joined a California delegation to Kenya and Nigeria last month to advance climate action, trade, and university partnerships. The delegation builds on a visit earlier this year as well as the California–Africa Climate and Economic Forum held in San Francisco this April, where ITS-Davis and the Bay Area Council joined with the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) to help convene leaders from both regions to explore opportunities in clean energy, agriculture, and sustainable transportation.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

The August delegation, organized in collaboration with CalSTA and the Bay Area Council, included senior California officials, UC Davis faculty, and industry leaders. Over the course of a week, delegates met with Kenyan President William Ruto, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other officials to deepen collaboration on clean energy, transportation, agriculture, and trade.

“This mission underscores California’s commitment to forging global solutions on climate and development,” said Aditya Ramji, Director of the UC Davis Global South Center for Clean Transportation. “ITS-Davis is proud to bring evidence-based research to advance clean transportation and build lasting partnerships in Africa.”

Africa Clean Transportation Initiative

A highlight of the visit was the launch of the Africa Clean Transportation (ACT) Initiative, led by ITS-Davis in partnership with UC Davis College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and the Government of Kenya and Kenyan universities. Headquartered in Nairobi, ACT will establish the Center of Excellence on Sustainable Transportation and Energy for Africa, the first initiative of its kind on the continent.

The Center will focus on three pillars—Policy, Technology, and Finance—to advance zero-emission, affordable, and reliable transportation across Africa.

“The UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies became the leading university center in the world for sustainable transportation through research excellence and also through its commitment to bringing science to policy and collaborating with industry and government,” said Dan Sperling, ITS-Davis Founding Director. 

“We look forward to partnering with universities, government, and innovative businesses to help build the leading African center for sustainable transportation—which in turn will address the deep challenges of decarbonization and enhanced mobility in Africa,” added Ramji. 

“Exchanges of scholars and researchers can help share knowledge and practice in designing educational programs and to offer opportunities for international exchange for our students,” said Marcel Holyoak, Associate Dean for Environmental Sciences. “The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is optimistic about forming new partnerships and collaborations to help tackle these shared challenges.”

Broader Impact

UC Davis delegates also contributed to discussions on climate-smart agriculture, food security, and trade and investment opportunities. With Kenya already a leader in renewable energy and emerging e-mobility markets, California’s experience in zero-emission vehicles and green ports offers valuable lessons for accelerating progress.

The trip highlighted Africa’s growing role in global climate solutions, with Kenya and Nigeria positioned as regional hubs for innovation.

Partnership and Next Steps

The delegation was made possible through the organizational support of CalSTA and the Bay Area Council, which provided resources for convening stakeholders and facilitating government travel.

“The travels are over, but the global partnerships continue!” said CalSTA Secretary Toks Omishakin.  “I am grateful for ITS-Davis’ and the Bay Area Council’s leadership and coordination making the delegation to Africa possible and successful. Thank you as well to Governor Newsom for steadfast support in this critical work.”

Looking ahead, UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May will lead a follow-up delegation to Nairobi in November 2025 to build on the momentum from this trip, further expanding research partnerships and advancing the goals of the ACT Initiative.

About the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis)

ITS-Davis is the world’s leading university center on sustainable transportation, conducting cutting-edge research, informing policy, and training future leaders to create a more equitable, low-carbon transportation future.