Scania is already running a BRT system in Ghana. This article is from 2018. (I can't post pictures due to Nairaland's picture problem, but you can see the pictures if you click on the link at the end).
Productivity through 245 connected buses
9 MARCH 2018
In Ghana’s capital city Accra, Scania is rolling out the most comprehensive and complete Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in the company’s history. With 245 connected buses operating in their own dedicated lanes, the system is improving quality of life in one of Africa’s large cities.
With a population of four million people, Accra struggles with the same problems as many other major cities in the world’s developing nations. Some 70 percent of Accra’s road network is overloaded with the number of cars on the road estimated to have grown by a factor of five in the past 15 to 20 years.
Ghana’s Transport Minister, Hon. Dzifa Attivor, says it was the government’s responsibility to ensure a safe, high-quality bus system for Accra.
“Needed the whole package”
Representatives from the Ghanaian Government and the city of Accra studied bus systems in several countries before making a decision. “In Johannesburg in South Africa, we realised that a fleet of quality buses wasn’t enough,” says Attivor. “We needed the whole package, with a ticketing system, driver training, service, and maintenance. And for this type of solution, Scania was the best option.”
The Solution
In addition to 245 buses, the BRT system in Accra involves long-term financing, an electronic cash-free ticketing system, a big, modern workshop for service and maintenance of all the vehicles, training for 600 bus drivers, and advice and support on starting up and operating the BRT system. The buses are also adapted for those with disabilities.
“Scania has adopted a genuine customer perspective here,” says Fredrik Morsing, Managing Director for Scania West Africa. “We’re no longer just a bus manufacturer that provides vehicles and service. We have turned our perspective around and looked at what the customer really needs.”
Improving everyday life
The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, is very proud of the development project in the capital city.
”A high-quality BRT system allows us to increase safety, allows people to get to work on time and to arrive there conveniently. Modernising the city’s transport system doesn’t mean that the old system with minibuses is being thrown on the scrapheap. It will still play a role, but needs to be modernised and cooperation between operators increased," he says.
Hon. Dzifa Attivor is also keen to highlight the climate and environmental aspects of the capital city’s new bus system. These aspects go hand in hand with government savings.
A holistic view
“Given today’s climate change challenges, we need to look at this issue more holistically,” Hon. Dzifa Attivor says. “By introducing these large, efficient, high-quality buses, we can save money while at the same time doing the environment a favour.”
“This is the first time we have undertaken such a complete system,” Christian Persson, Project Manager for the implementation of the BRT system, says. “I think selling a complete transport solution packaged together with a financial solution is the right way to go in this part of the world. I see major potential in other African countries. Scania West Africa has been a pioneer with this project. This is Scania’s future!”
Obviously the trip wasn't just about Scania (no sensible person would think that it was just about Scania).
The Vice President held meetings with the Swedish prime minister, foreign minister, crown princess and other government officials and he also had meeting with Swedish companies, including Arla Foods, Scania, Epicenter, Elekta, SKF, and Ericsson.
There's also talk of establishing a factory in Nigeria (just last week). .
LAMATA urges Swedish bus manufacturer, Scania, to establish manufacturing plant in Lagos
Caleb Obiowo 6 days ago
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has called on Swedish bus manufacturer Scania to establish a manufacturing plant in Lagos to reduce the rising cost of procuring high-capacity buses.
LAMATA’s Managing Director, Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, made the request during a meeting with a delegation from the Swedish Honorary Consulate, led by Antonia Adenaya, Regional Director for North and West Africa, to discuss sustainable transportation initiatives.
The delegation included representatives from Scania, the International Council for Swedish Industries, and Business Sweden.
In a statement shared on LAMATA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Akinajo urged Scania to expand its partnership with Lagos, focusing on capacity building and knowledge transfer. She noted that setting up a local manufacturing plant would help reduce procurement costs and improve operational efficiency in the city’s transport sector.
“Following the huge cost of procuring high-capacity buses for passenger operations, Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo admonished Scania, a Swedish bus manufacturer, to set up manufacturing outlet in the city.
“According to Akinajo, Scania needed to expand its partnership with Lagos beyond bus sales and explore capacity building and knowledge transfer,” the statement read in part.
More insights
The statement noted that the meeting focused on the next steps after completing alternative fuel studies in Lagos and explored how the Swedish community could contribute to the city’s development.
LAMATA’s Managing Director welcomed the Swedish delegation and expressed gratitude for their continued support, recalling a study tour to Sweden to learn about the biofuel sector.
Antonia Adenaya commended the formation of a steering committee for the biogas initiative and stressed the need for concrete action, noting potential collaborations with Swedish firms.
What you should know
In December 2023, the Lagos State Government announced plans to explore the use of biofuel in public transportation to reduce carbon emissions.
This initiative is part of a partnership between the state government and Swedfund, a Swedish development finance institution, which will provide support for the project.
LAMATA disclosed that Swedfund is working with CPCS Transcom Limited and Nexant Consulting Limited to conduct feasibility studies to evaluate the impact of alternate fuels on Lagos’ public transport system.
The exploration of biofuel in the Lagos public transport system aligns with Lagos State Government’s target to significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability in public transportation by aiming for 52% of the buses in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to be fuelled by clean energy by 2050.
This initiative is part of the Lagos State Transport Policy, which aims to ensure that the city’s transport system minimizes environmental impact.
I have often campaigned that we need more BRT systems in Nigeria. Other cities don't have the money to establish metro rail systems and I believe that BRT is a cheaper alternative.
Let's get to serious issues while others waste their time.
Sweden eyes investment in sustainable urban transport solution in Nigeria
Amaka Anagor-Ewuzie
January 30, 2024
Business Sweden, a Swedish Trade and Invest Council, and Scania West Africa Ltd. have expressed interest in investing in the development of a sustainable urban transport system and bus rapid transit (BRT) in Nigeria.
According to them, bringing investment into Nigeria will enable the Swedish Business community to build a transport system that promotes sustainability, operates on biofuel, and helps Nigeria to reduce her carbon footprint, which has been achieved in Sweden and some West African countries.
Using Lagos as a focal point, the Swedish team said Lagos, which is the commercial capital of Nigeria, is presently grappling with rapid urbanisation.
The team also pointed out that the state, home to 20 million residents, faces the reality of having one of the world’s worst traffic, which not only hinders time and productivity but also poses severe environmental challenges.
Speaking in Lagos recently during a sustainable urban transport event hosted by Scania West Africa Ltd, Annika Hahn-Englund, Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and ECOWAS, said that Sweden is currently exploring innovative partnerships in Nigeria that will create an opportunity to invest in urban transport development and alternative fuel solutions tailored for the Nigerian market.
Hahn-Englund added that the country is committed to environmental sustainability by implementing progressive policies and initiatives.
On her part, Anthonia Adenaya Huard, regional director, West Africa & Transport Industry Lead- Africa, said Business Sweden, which comprises Swedish companies, will be happy to enter into a strategic partnership with the Nigerian government to secure funding that would translate into investment in a sustainable future.
According to her, Team Sweden’s agenda focuses on accelerating net zero emission with keen effort in sustainable urban transport development.
She said Team Sweden, which comprises different organisations that specialise in different areas of the economy, would be happy to engage with Nigerian companies and the government to drive sustainable urban development.
Highlighting Scania’s effort in sustainable mobility in Africa, François Lechat, head of Scania West Africa, said the company is presently implementing its mobility solution in Accra, Ghana, and Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire.
He said the company operates a BRT system using biofuel generated from agricultural and household waste.
“Our target is to modernise urban mobility with bus rapid transit and manage waste by turning waste into an asset such as biofuel. We also want Nigeria to use the opportunity to create jobs by developing assemble plants, build capacity through training, and drive a shift towards a sustainable future,” he said.
Now that guy that never has anything sensible to say except to repeat the same questions over and over, even after they have been answered, is quoting me.
I hope lexy2014 doesn't expect me to read his post, because I am not going to waste my time.
Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered a compelling speech today at the Business Forum hosted at Epicenter, Stockholm's digital innovation hub.
Speaking to a diverse audience of Swedish and international business leaders, VP Shettima articulated Nigeria's vision for economic growth through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and highlighted the vast investment opportunities in Africa's largest economy.
Vice President Kashim Shettima continued his productive business visit to Sweden with a roundtable discussion with key Swedish business leaders today as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
The high-level meeting included representatives from prominent Swedish companies, including Arla Foods, Scania, Epicenter, Elekta, SKF, and Ericsson.
During the talks, VP Shettima highlighted Nigeria's vast investment opportunities and discussed potential collaborations in various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Vice President Kashim has kicked off engagements on his working visit to Sweden with the Business Forum at Epicenter in Stockholm.
He was received by Chairman, Partner & Head of Advisory at Epicenter, Edgar Luczak, and Head of Accelerate at Epicenter, Jack Melcher-Claësson.
The Swedish Export Credit Agency, Sweden's Development Finance Institution (Swedfund), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), International Council of Swedish Industry, Scania Group, SKF Group, Arla Foods and technology giants such as Ericsson and Elekta will explore investment opportunities in Nigeria. 🇳🇬🇸🇪
The Vice President is joined by Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Director-General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; and others.
#BREAKING Vice President Kashim Shettima has just arrived at the Royal Palace in Stockholm for a scheduled meeting with Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. 🇸🇪🇳🇬 #NigeriaSwedenRelations #InvestmentOpportunities #EconomicCooperation
Sweden and Nigeria – partnership for trade, green and digital transition, and economic growth.
Yesterday, Nigeria’s Vice President @KashimSM, Plateau State Governor @CalebMutfwang, Minister of Foreign Affairs @YusufTuggar and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy @bosuntijani arrived in Sweden for two days of meetings and discussions on Sweden and Nigeria’s future partnership on trade, innovation and digitalisation.
Nigeria is Africa's largest economy and is expected to be one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa for the foreseeable future. The country is an important African trade partner to Sweden and a prioritized market for Swedish companies.
#TeamSweden
Maria M Stenergard @MariaStenergard
Today I had the pleasure of meeting His Excellency Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sweden greatly values its partnership with Nigeria, and we see many opportunities to deepen our cooperation in areas such as trade, digitalisation and sustainable development.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm.
The high-level talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with discussions covering trade expansion, strategic partnerships, regional security cooperation and deepening collaborations across various sectors.
Nigeria, Ericsson sign MoU to establish 5G innovation lab
Ugonnia Ozibo by Ugonnia Ozibo
Nigeria and Swedish telecom giant, Ericsson, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a 5G Innovation Lab aimed at advancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
This was revealed by Vice President Kashim Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, during the Vice President’s working visit to Sweden.
Ericsson, one of the world’s leading providers of telecommunications technology, is known for pioneering mobile networks globally, including the rollout of 5G technology.
The company’s involvement in Nigeria’s 5G Innovation Lab is expected to significantly boost the country’s telecommunications capabilities, enabling faster internet speeds, improved connectivity, and fostering innovation in various sectors.
Backstory
Vice President Shettima embarked on a 2-day trip to Sweden on October 16, 2024, at the direction of President Bola Tinubu.
The visit is focused on fostering stronger bilateral ties between Nigeria and Sweden in areas like information and communication technology (ICT), digitalization, innovation, and sustainable transport. High-level talks are underway with key Swedish government officials, including Crown Princess Victoria and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Shettima also held discussions with Norrsken, a Stockholm-based venture capital firm that recently launched a $205 million tech investment fund, Norrsken22, dedicated to supporting African startups.
About 40% of the fund’s investments will be directed toward Nigerian tech entrepreneurs, providing critical support for the country’s growing digital economy.
Fed. Min. of Comms, Innovation & Digital Economy @FMCIDENigeria
Honourable Minister, Dr. @bosuntijani is currently in Sweden on a 2-day working visit as part of Nigeria’s delegation to the country led by Vice President @officialSKSM.
His engagements in the Scandinavian country are focused on exploring opportunities for partnership and investment in innovation and technology for the growth of our digital economy.
Nigeria is of strategic importance to Sweden, especially in the area of technology startup and innovation.
In another high-level engagement during his visit to Sweden, Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently meeting with top executives at Ericsson, the multinational telecommunications company.
The Vice President was received by Mr. Patrick Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Middle East and Africa at Ericsson, along with Mr. Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Head of Ericsson Nigeria.
The talks are focused on collaborations to enhance Nigeria's telecommunications sector, 5G implementation and digital infrastructure development.
Discussions also cover the digital economy and revolution, digital education, communication, telecom, global communication outsourcing, future generation and tech evolutions.
VP Shettima's engagement with Ericsson follows his earlier visit to Scania.
Nigeria Seals Deal With Ericsson To Advance 5G Tech Development
*** VP Shettima, Swedish PM agree to deepen collaboration, strategic partnerships between Nigeria, Sweden
*** As Nigerian VP explores green transport solutions at Scania HQ
Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM has led other Nigerian officials to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and telecom giant, @ericsson, on a 5G Innovation Lab.
The deal is aimed at placing Nigeria among the world's top users of the 5G network in terms of productivity and boosting Nigeria's technological capabilities.
The MoU, signed on Friday at Ericsson's Global Headquarters and Research and Development Lab in Kista, North of Stockholm, Sweden, was witnessed by Vice President Shettima, and Ericsson's Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Middle East and Africa.
Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani @bosuntijani, signed the MoU on behalf of the Nigerian government, while Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Country Manager, Ericsson Nigeria @EricssonMEA, signed on behalf of the telecom giant.
5G is the fifth generation of cellular networks said to be 100 times faster than 4G, thereby creating unprecedented opportunities for people, businesses and technology across the world.
Outlining the importance of the MoU, Minister for Communications, Dr. Tijani, expressed optimism that Nigeria will make the most of 5G technology as its wide coverage will lead to rapid development and growth of the Nigerian economy.
The Minister said, "It is important that we use the strength of the VP's visit to truly deepen the relationship with some of our tech partners, and that is what the VP is doing in all the meetings he has had.
"So we signed the MoU to set up an Innovation Lab with Ericsson, and the focus of that Lab will be to come up with applications based on 5G technology for our projects and practices in agriculture, mining, education, as well as for the general usage of connectivity to improve the quality of life for our people.
"Again, the President's Renewed Hope Agenda, in particular, ties into what we are trying to do with the reforms. The aim of the reforms is to diversify our economy, and it is clear that we cannot diversify our economy without digital technology".
Vice President Shettima @officialSKSM, while being briefed on the company's technological evolution, radio spectrum matters, standardisation, as well as Cyber and Network Security, inquired about the possibility of deploying 5G technology to help Nigeria improve security of oil facilities, prevent oil theft, and pipeline vandalization.
Senator Shettima noted that it was crucial for management and planning of the nation's oil economy.
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima met with Swedish Prime Minister @SwedishPM Ulf Kristersson @tomsamuelsson in Stockholm today.
The high-level talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with discussions covering trade expansion, strategic partnerships, regional security cooperation, deepened collaborations, and proactive interventions.
VP Shettima was joined in the talks by Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang @CalebMutfwang; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and some Embassy officials.
VP Shettima Explores Green Transport Solutions at Scania HQ
Earlier on Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM also toured automobile giant @ScaniaGroup's headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden, describing it as a strategic engagement to discuss Nigeria's market potential and explore deeper collaboration opportunities.
Exploring biofuel solutions for Nigeria's transport sector, VP Shettima stressed that all options must be on the table to address Nigeria's transportation challenges.
This, he said, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's push for cleaner and more efficient transportation, especially considering the recent emphasis on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The Vice President who was received by Mr. Fredrik Wijkander of the @ScaniaEA Group also held discussions that could contribute to innovative solutions to ease Nigeria's transportation challenges.
From heavy-duty trucks to buses, Scania's expertise is expected to play a crucial role in modernizing Nigeria's transport infrastructure.
Others who joined the Vice President on the visits included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission, Engr. Aminu Maida, and Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.
Others were Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi; Chargé d'Affaires, Nigerian Embassy, Sweden, Mallam Aliyu Mahmud, and Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Dr. Salihu Dasuki Nakande, among others.
Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President) 18th October, 2024
Scania has hosted a meeting in Lagos where they spoke about establishing BRT systems in Nigeria (they are already running BRT systems in other West African countries).
They would get funding for the BRT lanes and they would provide buses that run on green fuel.
Specifically, they are talking about getting CNG from rotting garbage and that will be the fuel that will power the buses.
Scania will provide the funds (that's why it's called an investment), yet somebody is talking about purchasing buses, can you imagine that?
VP Shettima Explores Green Transport Solutions at Scania HQ
Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently touring Scania's headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden. This visit to the renowned manufacturers of Scania motors goes beyond a facility tour – it's a strategic engagement to discuss Nigeria's market potential and explore deeper collaboration opportunities.
Key focus: Biofuel solutions for Nigeria's transport sector. This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's push for cleaner, more efficient transportation, especially considering the recent emphasis on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The Vice President, who was received by Mr. Fredrik Wijkander of the Scania Group had discussions that could contribute to innovative solutions to ease Nigeria's transportation challenges. From heavy-duty trucks to buses, Scania's expertise is expected to play a crucial role in modernising Nigeria's transport infrastructure.
Earlier on Friday, Vice President @KashimSM toured automobile giant @ScaniaGroup’s headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden, describing it as a strategic engagement to discuss Nigeria's market potential and explore deeper collaboration opportunities.
Exploring biofuel solutions for Nigeria's transport sector, VP @KashimSM stressed that all options must be on the table to address Nigeria's transportation challenges.
This, he said, aligns with President @officialABAT's push for cleaner and more efficient transportation, especially considering the recent emphasis on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The Vice President who was received by Mr. Fredrik Wijkander of the Scania Group also held discussions that could contribute to innovative solutions to ease Nigeria's transportation challenges.
From heavy-duty trucks to buses, Scania's expertise is expected to play a crucial role in modernizing Nigeria's transport infrastructure.
Others who joined the Vice President on the visits included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador @YusufTuggar; Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission, Engr. @Dr_AminuMaida, and Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (@NASENIHQ), Mr. @KSHalilu.
Others were Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (@NITDANigeria), Mallam @KashifuInuwa; Chargé d'Affaires, Nigerian Embassy, Sweden, Mallam Aliyu Mahmud, and Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Dr. @SNakande, among others.
Politics › Re: Kashim Shettima Explores Green Transport Solutions at Scania HQ by naptu2(op): 7:28am On Oct 22, 2024*. Modified: 7:51am On Oct 22, 2024
How does creating a 5G innovation lab = forcing Ericsson on telcos?
