Africa’s Infrastructure Integration Lags Behind Economic Growth: Report
In a recent report released by the African Development Bank (AfDB), it has been highlighted that while infrastructure investments have been a significant driver of Africa’s economic growth, the continent still faces substantial challenges in achieving regional integration in terms of its infrastructure.
According to the findings of the 2018 edition of the AfDB’s Infrastructure Development Index, infrastructure investments have accounted for over half of Africa’s recent economic growth. However, this growth is primarily attributed to improvements in information and communication technology. To sustain and maximize this growth, it is imperative that infrastructure development extends beyond national borders to facilitate connections within countries, across regions, and even globally.
The AfDB’s report emphasizes the importance of regional integration for Africa’s development, particularly in fostering economic links in trade, finance, production, and social development. Despite the acknowledged significance, the report reveals a concerning reality: Africa’s infrastructure integration is far from optimal.
The report introduces the African Regional Integration Index (ARII), which employs indicators to measure the extent of Africa’s infrastructure integration. While some indicators, such as cross-border road connectivity and cross-border electrical infrastructure, are preferred for assessing regional integration, comprehensive and reliable data for these elements are currently lacking.
One notable finding of the report is the low score Africa receives on the infrastructure integration front, with a mere 0.220 out of 1. Shockingly, infrastructure integration is identified as a significant challenge for 31 African countries, with only 11 countries boasting moderately well-integrated infrastructure within their respective regions.
The report highlights both top performers and bottom performers in terms of infrastructure integration. South Africa emerges as the continent’s leader in infrastructure integration, followed by Egypt, Seychelles, Morocco, and Tunisia. These countries demonstrate relatively better flight connections within the continent, contributing to their higher integration scores.
Conversely, countries such as South Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, Chad, and Niger are identified as bottom performers, with infrastructure integration scores near zero. These countries not only exhibit poor infrastructure development but also lack adequate flight connections within the continent, further hindering their integration efforts.
The report underscores the urgency of addressing Africa’s infrastructure deficit and implementing strategies to enhance integration without delay. While some countries have made strides in improving their infrastructure, there remains a pressing need for concerted efforts at both national and regional levels to overcome the existing challenges and unlock Africa’s full economic potential.
The AfDB’s report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, urging them to prioritize infrastructure development and regional integration initiatives to foster sustainable economic growth and development across the African continent.
