ZRST is helping Zambia shift toward cleaner, safer, and more resilient urban mobility by advancing electric public transport and embedding inclusive climate-resilient planning into transport decisions. With Zambia’s grid already 86% renewable, our work shows that electrifying high-utilisation public transport routes can deliver real carbon reductions while lowering operating costs and improving urban health.
In parallel, we are strengthening inclusive planning tools and piloting practical interventions that improve safety and access for vulnerable road users, especially women, children, persons with disabilities, and low-income communities, while ensuring transport infrastructure is better prepared for climate risks such as flooding and extreme heat.
Accelerating sustainable transport solutions through evidence-based research and inclusive planning
Impact at a Glance
What We Do
Accelerate EV Public Transport Transition
Evidence-based feasibility studies and pilot programs to transition public transport fleets to electric vehicles
- • Techno-economic analysis of EV adoption
- • Infrastructure planning and optimization
- • Fleet transition roadmaps
- • Stakeholder engagement and capacity building
Build Inclusive, Climate-Resilient Transport Planning
Comprehensive transport solutions that prioritize accessibility, safety, and climate adaptation
- • Gender-inclusive transport design
- • Climate vulnerability assessments
- • Community-centered planning approaches
- • Policy framework development
Flagship Work
EV Bus Network Feasibility (Lusaka)
Comprehensive analysis of electric bus implementation for Lusaka’s public transport system
What we did
- • Route optimization analysis
- • Charging infrastructure mapping
- • Financial modeling
- • Stakeholder consultations
What we found
- • 50%+ reduction in operating costs
- • Significant CO2 emissions reduction
- • Improved air quality benefits
- • Strong economic viability
What’s next
- • Pilot demonstration project
- • Policy framework development
- • Financing mechanism design
- • Capacity building programs
Inclusive Climate-Resilient Transport in Africa
Multi-country initiative promoting gender-inclusive and climate-adaptive transport solutions
What we tested
- • Gender-responsive design principles
- • Climate vulnerability assessments
- • Community engagement models
- • Safety and accessibility measures
What changed
- • Improved women’s mobility access
- • Enhanced safety protocols
- • Climate-adaptive infrastructure
- • Strengthened policy frameworks
What’s next
- • Scale to additional cities
- • Develop training curricula
- • Create policy toolkits
- • Establish monitoring systems
Our Approach
Research Methods
- • Techno-socioeconomic analysis
- • Stakeholder consultations
- • Pilot demonstrations
- • Gender-inclusive assessments
- • Climate vulnerability mapping
Key Deliverables
- • Feasibility studies and reports
- • Policy recommendations
- • Implementation roadmaps
- • Training materials
- • Monitoring frameworks
Our Partners
Working with leading organizations to drive sustainable transport transformation
How Partners Can Support
Donors
- • Fund pilot studies and demonstrations
- • Support charging depot development
- • Invest in resilient infrastructure upgrades
- • Enable capacity building programs
Government
- • Adopt policy incentives for EV adoption
- • Integrate resilience into project TORs
- • Support regulatory framework development
- • Enable public-private partnerships
Private Sector
- • Co-invest in charging infrastructure
- • Support fleet pilot programs
- • Sponsor safe, inclusive corridors
- • Provide technical expertise
