INFRASTRUCTURE
THE INFRASTRUCTURE TURNING POINT BY TARRYN-LEIGH SOLOMONS
ACROSS AFRICA, CRANES ARE RISING AND CORRIDORS ARE LINKING UP. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT SMARTER COORDINATION, PRIVATE INVESTMENT AND PROVEN DELIVERY MODELS COULD TURN THE CONTINENT’ S AMBITIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE PIPELINE INTO TANGIBLE GROWTH, JOB CREATION AND LASTING ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION.
A new report by the Boston such as Kenya’ s harmonised customs systems Consulting Group( BCG), Bridging and one-stop border posts – have considerably Africa’ s Infrastructure Execution boosted trade volumes since 2010. Gap, indicates that the long-held belief that Africa’ s infrastructure ambitions fail due to systemic execution challenges is changing.
The study emphasises how improved coordination and stronger private sector collaborations can speed up progress across 130 major transnational projects in energy, transport, digital, and water infrastructure – unlocking up to $ 6 billion in GDP value for every $ 1 billion invested.
BCG’ s analysis shows that Africa already possesses the essential ingredients for success: political will, identified projects, existing financing mechanisms, and proven delivery models. With targeted interventions and better coordination, the continent could generate $ 500 billion in additional economic value and create up to 74 million new jobs.
“ Africa’ s infrastructure opportunity is extraordinary and entirely achievable,” says Thomas Kingombe, Managing Director and Partner at BCG Johannesburg and co-author of the report.“ We’ re seeing remarkable progress across multiple regions. The challenge now is scaling these successful models across the continent through better coordination and stronger private sector engagement.”
Regional examples highlight effective strategies. North Africa’ s swift electrification shows what can happen when infrastructure is given priority. Simultaneously, East Africa’ s trade reforms –
The private sector opportunity equally shows promise. Private investment in continental projects is currently just 3 %, whereas in other emerging markets it exceeds 15 %, indicating substantial untapped potential for mobilising capital.
“ The transformation we’ re seeing through initiatives like the Lobito Corridor shows exactly what’ s possible when coordination, innovation, and partnership come together,” says Kingombe.
The Lobito Corridor serves as a prime example. Following the 2023 Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agreement, copper rail transit times dropped from 25 to six days, freight costs decreased, and over $ 500 million in blended financing was secured. This collaboration demonstrates how strategic partnerships can revitalise dormant infrastructure assets.
“ Africa’ s infrastructure story is one of opportunity, not deficit,” says Trudi Makhaya, Partner and co-author at BCG.“ We have the projects, the financing mechanisms, the regional success stories, and, increasingly, the political alignment needed for transformation.”
“ Africa’ s moment has arrived,” she concludes.“ With strategic coordination, innovative financing, and meaningful partnerships, the continent can realise its full infrastructure potential – unlocking decades of sustainable and inclusive growth.” IB
44 INBOUND SA / December 2025