African Infrastructure and Transport Ministers have urged the African Development Bank (AfDB) to enhance its support for infrastructure projects, a crucial step for boosting regional integration and driving economic growth. This initiative aligns with the overarching goal of fostering sustainable transport networks across Africa.
The recent African Development Bank Transport Forum, held in Abidjan, spotlighted various challenges in the infrastructure sector while proposing innovative solutions. The forum’s theme, “Africa on the Move—Accelerating Sustainable Transport and Logistics Connectivity,” serves as a rallying cry to unlock transport’s vast potential, promoting prosperity across the continent.
Discussions revealed an urgent need for improved transport networks, essential for facilitating trade and enhancing mobility. Ministers underscored that modern infrastructure is a key driver of economic development, enabling nations to maximize their capabilities and compete effectively in the global marketplace.
The AfDB plays a unique role in advancing these initiatives, as highlighted by Solomon Quaynor, the Bank’s Vice President for the Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization. He noted the progress made through the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), which has significantly impacted energy, transport, cross-border waterways, and communication technologies.
Transport infrastructure investment is vital for Africa’s progress, directly influencing trade efficiency and market access. The Ministers called for increased funding and innovative financing mechanisms from the AfDB to support key infrastructure projects, highlighting the connection between transport and inclusive growth.
A panel discussion on “The State of Connectivity in Africa” emphasized the importance of transport in fostering job creation and reducing poverty. Frédéric Wiltmann from the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance stressed that affordable, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure is essential for driving growth.
Amid these discussions, challenges such as funding shortages, a lack of human capital, and insufficient digital technologies were identified as barriers to progress. Robert Lisinge from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa emphasized the synergy between trade and transport, expressing hope that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would strengthen both sectors.
Rail transport was also a focal point, with calls to move away from a colonial vision that prioritizes raw material extraction. Lubinda Sakanga from the Southern African Railways Association argued for a railway ecosystem that connects African countries, asserting the need for a comprehensive rail sector master plan.
The need for robust partnerships among African nations was a recurring theme, with the AfCFTA providing a framework to optimize connectivity through infrastructure. Panelists highlighted the aviation sector’s constraints and called for enhanced interconnectivity and funding for climate-resilient infrastructure.
As countries strive to create genuine economic opportunities through corridors and improved connectivity, the role of human capital in driving innovation was emphasized. Optimal use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in transport systems also emerged as a priority for the future.