The legacy view that Africa’s infrastructure ambitions have been crumbling under the weight of systemic execution failures is true however, according to the Bridging Africa’s Infrastructure Execution Gap report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) this is set to change.
The report reveals how the continent’s portfolio of approximately 130 transnational projects across energy, transport, digital, and water sectors can be rapidly accelerated through innovative coordination and strategic private sector partnerships, with the potential to unlock up to $6 billion in GDP value for every $1 billion invested,
Analysis undertaken by BCG demonstrates that Africa possesses all the fundamental building blocks for infrastructure success—political commitment, identified projects, available financing mechanisms, and proven delivery models.
With strategic coordination and targeted interventions, the continent can transform its development trajectory whilst creating 74 million new jobs and generating $500 billion in additional economic value.
“There has never been a more exciting or attainable opportunity for Africa’s infrastructure advancement,” said managing director and partner at BCG Nairobi, Takeshi Oikawa.
“We are seeing outstanding achievements in different regions, and as our report highlights, the next step is scaling up these successes continent-wide by strengthening coordination and engaging the private sector more deeply.”
Key regional achievements showcased in the report provide blueprints for continental expansion.
North Africa’s electrification success demonstrates what’s possible when infrastructure delivery is prioritised, whilst East Africa’s progress in trade facilitation has delivered tangible results, Kenya’s post-2010 trade value growth outperforming regional peers through harmonised customs systems and one-stop border posts.
These successes prove that strategic infrastructure investments can rapidly transform economic prospects when properly coordinated.
A key example of Kenya’s infrastructure leadership is its role in the development and modernisation of the Northern Corridor, the primary trade artery connecting the Port of Mombasa to landlocked countries across East and Central Africa.
Through targeted investments in road, rail, and port facilities, aligned to the implementation of customs harmonisation and one-stop border posts, Kenya has significantly enhanced the efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness of cross-border trade.
These efforts have reduced transit times, lowered costs for businesses, and created new opportunities for regional integration and economic growth.
“Kenya’s ongoing advancements along the Northern Corridor clearly illustrate the power of sustained investment, regional cooperation, and execution discipline,” adds Takeshi.
“By modernising critical trade routes and streamlining border processes, Kenya is not only driving its own economic growth but also enabling prosperity and connectivity across East and Central Africa.”
These tangible benefits for the private sector opportunity are particularly compelling. While current private participation in major continental projects stands at 3%, other emerging regions have successfully achieved participation rates exceeding 15% representing a potential five-fold increase in available capital for African infrastructure.
This potential, combined with growing investor interest in the continent’s long-term prospects, creates key opportunities for public-private partnerships.
“The ambition and related transformation we’re witnessing in projects like the Northern Corridor highlights the value of coordinated strategy, operational discipline and innovation in complex infrastructure projects,” noted Takeshi. “We’re not looking at theoretical solutions—we have proven models that are already delivering results.”
The Lobito Corridor is another critical example of Africa’s infrastructure potential realised. After years of underutilisation, coordinated action in 2023 through the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agreement delivered remarkable results.
Rail transit times for copper shipments reduced from 25 to just six days, freight costs fell below road alternatives, and the corridor attracted over $500 million in blended financing. Demonstrating how strategic coordination can rapidly unlock dormant infrastructure assets.
Building on these successes, the report proposes sharper coordination from the apex to serve as Africa’s infrastructure acceleration engine.
Building on the lessons of the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative, the African Union Commission for Infrastructure, Energy and ICT would coordinate cross-border initiatives, enhance project bankability, structure innovative funding pathways, and drive accountability across multi-stakeholder projects.
This would leverage private sector expertise whilst building on existing AU institutional strengths.
Regional opportunities are available across all corners of the continent. Sub-Saharan Africa’s 51% electrification rate, whilst below North African levels, represent key growth and investment return opportunities.
The continent’s 27% internet penetration rate signals potential for digital infrastructure expansion that could leapfrog traditional development pathways. Transport infrastructure improvements can unlock agricultural productivity and manufacturing competitiveness that positions Africa as a global supply chain hub.
The skills development opportunity is equally promising. The continent’s need for five million additional infrastructure professionals including engineers, technicians, and artisans, represents a generational opportunity to build world-class local capabilities.
The AU’s Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA), partnering with AUDA-NEPAD and international development agencies, is already laying foundations for systematic capability-building that will ensure sustainable, locally driven infrastructure delivery.
The timing for this infrastructure acceleration could not be better. Key stakeholders across the continent are aligned on the need for coordinated action.
Standard Bank Group CEO Sim Tshabalala, chair of the B20 Finance and Infrastructure Task Force, champions stronger project preparation and streamlined regulatory processes.
Whilst AU commissioner for infrastructure, energy and ICT, H.E. Lerato Mataboge, brings execution-focused leadership and a commitment to enhanced private sector participation.
The report identifies clear pathways to success through three strategic levers: targeted private sector participation to unlock funding and capability, strengthened cross-border regulatory harmonisation, and enhanced project bankability through improved risk management.
These levers, working in combination, can transform Africa’s infrastructure landscape within the current decade.
“The opportunity for Africa has never been greater. Strategic alignment, innovative financial approaches, and enhanced collaboration are the keys to realising the continent’s infrastructure ambitions and sustaining inclusive growth. The issue is no longer about possibility, but about the speed of execution,” concluded Takeshi.
