Projects: Strategic Connectivity and Regional Transport
Food Security, Rural Connectivity & DRM in Fragile States, 2026
This World Bank study, financed by a GFDRR grant, develops and deploys a modelling framework to study the role of the transport network and logistic chain in relation to food security. The framework diagnoses weaknesses in the transport/logistic network considering chronic food insecurity and acute food insecurity caused by climatic shocks to production, disturbance in global shipping and impact of flooding, landslides and conflict upon the network. The framework supports the planning and prioritisation of transport and logistic interventions to improve food security, network resilience and contingency planning. The study applies this framework to two diverse countries: Ethiopia and Haiti.
For each country, the study provides an assessment of rural connectivity and food security vulnerabilities, vulnerability of the network to hazards and a prioritized set of road and logistic improvements to inform World Bank program financing. The transport model is developed in python and utilizes open-source datasets and can be easily redeployed to study other countries. A set of indicators was developed to assess the network performance, hazard vulnerability and conduct scenario analysis.
Zambia Infrastructure Investment Economic Evaluation, 2025
The UK FCDO launched a campaign for Responsible Infrastructure Investment (RII), promoting economic appraisal in project development, competitive procurement, and transparent Public Investment Management processes. To support this campaign, DTS led a study examining Zambia’s transport infrastructure investments between 2010 and 2020.
The report, published in 2025, reveal that inefficient decisions may have cost the Zambian economy $7.2 billion. Of the $3.8 billion spent on 27 road projects, only 10 delivered positive economic benefits, while road maintenance spending fell by 75% to fund new construction.
The study offers important lessons. Projects that underwent formal economic appraisal contributed positively to the economy, demonstrating the value of evidence-based decision-making. Road maintenance delivered a benefit-cost ratio of 3.0, significantly outperforming new construction.
read the full report
Caribbean Infrastructure Fund, Independent Evaluation, 2022
The Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF) is a £300m program for critical infrastructure investment across the Caribbean that supports climate resilience, economic growth and poverty reduction. The projects include roads, bridges, sea defense, seaports, airports, water, sanitation, wastewater, irrigation, renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
DTS conducted an independent evaluation of the program, specifically focused on the road sector. This covered delivery and impact. In terms of delivery, the progress and achievements of the program were reviewed including lessons learnt on the conditions for successful and sustainable completion of public infrastructure investments. In terms of impact, the contribution of the infrastructure to provide inclusive economic productivity and improved livelihoods, particularly of the poorest, was assessed. Climate resilience and network resilience to hazards was also assessed in light of rising sea levels, worsening storms and increasing temperature extremes.
Uganda Inland Waterway Masterplan, 2020
DTS supported the development of a 25-year Inland Waterway Transport Masterplan and Development Strategy for Uganda focusing on Lake Victoria. For the UK Department for International Development’s program for Cities and Infrastructure for Growth (CIG). The masterplan integrates reliable, efficient, safe, and regular passenger services with landside networks, and promotes cargo services, tourism and fishing. The masterplan presents a strategy to attract public and private sector investment to support of local economic development – multiplier effects in business aim to create jobs and reduce poverty.
DTS developed a comprehensive and integrated package of investments. For the package and each element, DTS developed demand forecasts, assessed the change in travel patterns, developed costings and assessed life-cycle costs. Economic appraisal included wider economic benefits and the impact of improved economic inclusion for disadvantaged groups. The formulation of investment opportunities and a strategy for public sector involvement supported the financial appraisal.
