Practices and challenges of mobility in greater Lomé: An analysis of urban dynamics

The main objective of this article is to analyze the practices and challenges of mobility in Greater Lomé by identifying the socio-economic and spatial determinants that influence modal choices and daily travel behaviors. The study also seeks to fill a scientific gap by proposing an analytical framework that links urban mobility dynamics to the principles of sustainable mobility. In this context, “urban dynamics” refer to the interactions between spatial organization, socio-economic conditions, and travel behavior within the metropolitan area. This study analyzes mobility practices and challenges in Greater Lomé through the lens of sustainable urban mobility, focusing on accessibility, safety, efficiency, and environmental performance. The research focuses on home-to-work travel and modal choices, using a participatory methodology combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. A household survey was conducted among 450 households, and statistical analyses such as Chi-square tests, variance analyses (ANOVA), and logistic regression were applied to examine the relationships between transport modes, income levels, and travel time. Findings reveal that walking remains the primary mode of transportation (over 50%), while personal motorcycles and motorcycle taxis account for about 80% of motorized trips. Public transport, dominated by the Lomé Transport Company (SOTRAL), remains marginal (less than 3% of trips). These results underscore the persistence of an informal transport system that fills the gap left by weak institutional structures, but also contributes to congestion, insecurity, and environmental degradation. Compared to other African cities such as Accra, Dakar, Ouagadougou, and Cotonou, Lomé shows significant disparities that justify the need for structural reforms. Recommendations include improving pedestrian infrastructure, regulating informal transport, strengthening public transport coverage, and promoting innovative digital solutions (e.g., mobile booking applications) as levers to enhance accessibility, safety, and efficiency in Greater Lomé’s transport system. By integrating these strategies, the city could move toward a more inclusive and sustainable model of urban mobility aligned with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Overall, the study contributes to the advancement of empirical research on African urban mobility by providing an integrated analytical framework that captures how socio-economic inequalities, spatial configuration, and modal accessibility interact to shape daily mobility patterns in medium-sized cities such as Greater Lomé. This study aims to identify and analyse the structural challenges of mobility in Greater Lomé, addressing a key research gap on mobility dynamics in secondary African cities. Using microdata collected from 450 households, the study evaluates accessibility, modal efficiency, safety perception and environmental sustainability. Results reveal strong dependence on informal and non-motorised modes, constrained accessibility and limited public transport offer. Policy recommendations are proposed to support sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.