Infrastructure in Africa

Abstract

As a continent, Africa is the least endowed region in the world in terms of infrastructure. It also does not perform well on the quality of infrastructure services delivered to users. Infrastructure is scarce, and its performance is generally poor: high cost, erratic, and undependable. Africa’s low infrastructure endowment is particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), above all a reflection of this region’s low gross domestic product (GDP) per capita income levels and low population density. Poor quality of infrastructure services results from chronic financial weakness in the sector, as users do not pay full cost for services they receive, as well as from weak operational and financial management. Spending needs are not met, assets are not well maintained, and the sector suffers from a deficit in management skills. However, it will not be enough to simply increase financing flowing to infrastructure investments. New sources of financing and systemic changes to the way infrastructure services are delivered to improve their quality will also be needed to ensure that Africa’s infrastructure is operated efficiently and maintained effectively.