About the event

The Annual Roads Convention (ARC 2026) will bring together policymakers, transport professionals, researchers, infrastructure experts and industry stakeholders to explore how innovation and sustainable mobility can help address the challenges facing rapidly growing cities.

With a focus on smart cities, sustainable transport and congestion management, the convention will provide a platform to share knowledge, practical experience and innovative approaches to developing safer, more efficient, resilient and connected transport systems.

Key themes

Sessions will explore a range of issues, including:

• Smart cities and digital infrastructure – Using technology to improve urban mobility and infrastructure.
• Sustainable urban mobility – Developing low-carbon, inclusive and efficient transport systems.
• Traffic congestion management – Exploring innovative approaches to managing and reducing congestion.
• Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) – Applying digital technologies to improve traffic operations and infrastructure management.
• Climate-resilient and green infrastructure – Developing transport infrastructure that is resilient to climate change and minimises environmental impacts.
• Road safety and urban mobility planning – Putting safety, accessibility and people at the heart of transport planning.
• Public transport and policy reform – Strengthening public transport through effective policy, governance and innovation.
• Financing smart infrastructure – Exploring sustainable funding models for transport and infrastructure projects.
• Integrated land-use and transport planning – Connecting urban development with efficient and sustainable transport systems.
• Data-driven transport – Using data and analytics to improve planning, decision-making and transport system performance.

What will participants gain?

The convention will provide opportunities to:

• Explore best practice in smart cities and sustainable urban mobility.
• Discover emerging technologies and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
• Explore practical solutions to reduce urban traffic congestion.
• Understand climate resilience in transport infrastructure.
• Learn how data can support better transport planning and decision-making.
• Consider sustainable financing models for smart infrastructure and mobility projects.
• Share knowledge and build connections with transport professionals and organisations across Tanzania, Africa and internationally.

Organisers and partners

ARC 2026 is organised by Tanzania Roads Association (TARA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, Tanzania, the Tanzania Transportation Technology Transfer (TanT2) Centre, and other local and international institutions.

The convention is supported by a range of organisations working across roads, transport, infrastructure, research and road safety, including CIHT, TANROADS, TARURA, the Roads Fund Board, the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) and the Africa Transportation Research Alliance (ATRA).