Building quality into every stage of the life-cycle of projects is essential if investment in infrastructure is to have a positive impact on Africa’s economic development.

This was one of the key messages from participants at this year’s annual meeting of the Infrastructure Consortium for Africa (ICA) held at the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, under the theme “Building Quality Infrastructure for Africa’s Development.”

The 150 participants agreed that while increasing funding for infrastructure development was important, it must be accompanied by improvements to the quality and sustainability of infrastructure.

“Adequacy of infrastructure helps determine one country’s success and another’s failure in diversifying production, expanding trade, coping with population growth and reducing poverty. Building quality infrastructure is not an option, it is critical if we want to see success along our journey to transform Africa,” said Moono Muputola, Director of Nepad, Regional Integration and Trade.

There was broad consensus on the need to include, during the investment phase, life-cycle costs of projects for adequate maintenance, environmental and social considerations. Delegates also insisted on adopting a participative approach to involve beneficiary communities when designing infrastructure projects.

Building in concepts of quality throughout the project life cycle, from feasibility planning and design to operation and maintenance was cited “as a key element in providing economically efficient and socially inclusive infrastructure.”

As Africa is likely to be impacted severely by climate change, delegates called on policy makers and infrastructure project owners to ensure climate resilience measures are built into infrastructure projects. This will require additional investment costs estimated at 10% and 15%.

Deliberations ended with a call for greater involvement and stronger support from the private sector to Africa’s infrastructure development despite issues of country risk, governance and capacity.

 

Good growth in 2015

A new report released by the ICA reveals that financial commitments to Africa’s infrastructure development in 2015 totalled $83.4 billion, a 12% increase from the previous year.

The Infrastructure Financing Trends in Africa 2015 report is a unique publication and an important tool for infrastructure planners, financiers and decision-makers across the continent. It includes a detailed analysis of the processes and dynamics that drive infrastructure investment, and incorporates the views of a wide range of stakeholders, including the private sector.

“The ICA is delighted that its flagship report makes such valuable contributions to Africa’s infrastructure development,” said Mohamed Hassan, Coordinator of the ICA Secretariat.