Africa's Infrastructure Challenge: Execution Over Funding

Experts assert that Africa's infrastructure challenge has transitioned from merely securing funding to effectively executing projects. Lavagnon Ika, a Professor of Project Management at the Telfer School of Management, emphasized that the success of infrastructure projects is often determined before capital is spent.

The African Development Bank estimates that Africa requires approximately $400 billion annually to address its infrastructure needs, which include transport, energy, water, and digital connectivity. George Asamani, Managing Director of the Project Management Institute for Sub-Saharan Africa, noted that while governments are improving at attracting investment, the focus must now be on developing investment-ready projects.

South Africa's experience illustrates this gap, having attracted over $91 billion in investment pledges since 2018, yet only $38.6 billion had been realized by March 2026. Analysts indicate that a significant obstacle is the lack of bankable projects, with fewer than 10% of Africa's infrastructure projects reaching financial closure due to insufficient feasibility studies and regulatory approvals.