Africa's Infrastructure Growth Depends on Execution Gap Closure

Experts in project management assert that Africa's infrastructure opportunities are contingent upon closing the execution gap, which is the challenge of converting capital into effective project delivery. Lavagnon Ika, a professor at the Telfer School of Management, noted that while funding gaps are often discussed, the execution gap is crucial for development outcomes.

George Asamani, Managing Director for sub-Saharan Africa at the Project Management Institute, stated that governments are becoming adept at raising capital, with investment conferences gaining global interest and new financing vehicles emerging. However, the African Development Bank estimates that the continent requires approximately $400 billion annually for infrastructure financing.

Tidjane Thiam, former CEO of Swiss Credit, indicated that global investors are eager to invest in Africa, but the real challenge lies in connecting capital with viable projects through improved project preparation and advisory support. Asamani highlighted the visible challenges in major infrastructure initiatives, referencing the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), which has made significant progress.