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AFD Bouaké SERIOUS Road Safety Project Awarded Prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award
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The groundbreaking AFD-funded SERIOUS project (SystEm for suRveIllance of rOad and health accidentS), an innovative digital initiative that transforms road safety data management in Bouaké, Ivory Coast, has been honoured with the esteemed Prince Michael International Road Safety Award. The project was officially recognized at an award ceremony in London Tuesday 25th November for its outstanding contribution to improving road safety.
The SERIOUS project is a first-of-its-kind system in Bouaké, designed to fill a critical gap in crash and injury data collection through the digital integration of information from police, firefighters, health services, and road safety authorities. Leveraging real-time geospatial data and an open online dashboard, SERIOUS empowers local governments and stakeholders with actionable insights to identify accident hotspots, inform targeted interventions, and drive effective road safety policies.
Funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented through a partnership led by the French National Research Institute of Sustainable Development (IRD) and the University of Bouaké, the project has already established new standards for data transparency and accuracy. Since its launch in early 2022, SERIOUS has recorded over 3,500 accidents and provided detailed analysis used to guide citywide interventions—including improved road infrastructure and awareness campaigns at schools. Specialised multi-sector teams trained through the project ensure the city can continuously monitor and respond to road safety issues using robust, high-quality data.
The award recognizes both the innovative nature and tangible impact of the project: SERIOUS not only improves data reliability, but its scalable, open-source design allows for future expansion across Côte d'Ivoire and other African countries. The project’s ongoing commitment is underscored by continued support from European partners, with new funding secured to extend and enhance road safety work in Bouaké and beyond.
“We are proud to receive the Prince Michael Award, which highlights the importance of modern, integrated approaches to road safety. SERIOUS demonstrates how local partnerships, digital innovation, and evidence-based policy can save lives and strengthen urban communities. This award is a testimony to the hard work of all our partners in Bouaké.” – Valentine Monnier, Project Lead, at AFD.
“Through continuous monitoring and systematic field data collection, the SERIOUS project has generated precise evidence on the dynamics of road crashes and trauma. Our work has identified high-risk areas and vulnerable groups, paving the way for targeted, evidence-based interventions. The scientific results now contribute to improving emergency care organization, guiding prevention policies, and strengthening road safety for the most at-risk populations.” Dr. Emmanuel Bonnet, Research Director, IRD
About IRD (Research Institute for Sustainable Development)
The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), is a French science and technology establishment under the joint supervision of the French Ministries of Higher Education and Research and Foreign Affairs.
https://www.roadtraumaresearch.com/services-4
Press contacts :
IRD: Mathilde Lebourgeois Mathilde.lebourgeois@ird.fr
AFD: Chloé Odstrcil, odstrcilc.ext@afd.fr