Although Africa has historically encountered obstacles in delivering on its infrastructure goals, the Bridging Africa’s Infrastructure execution gap report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) points to a promising shift.
It reveals how the continent’s portfolio of approximately 130 transnational projects across energy, transport, digital, and water sectors can be rapidly accelerated through innovative coordination and strategic private sector partnership, with the potential to unlock up to $6 billion in GDP value for every $1 billion invested.
Analysis undertaken by BCG demonstrates that Africa possesses all the fundamental building blocks for infrastructure success, political commitment, identified projects, available financing mechanisms, and proven delivery models.
With strategic coordination and targeted interventions, the continent can transform its development trajectory whilst creating 74 million new jobs and generating $500 billion in additional economic value.
Key regional achievements showcased in the report provide blueprints for continental expansion.
North Africa’s electrification success demonstrates what’s possible when infrastructure delivery is prioritised, whilst East Africa’s progress in trade facilitation has delivered tangible results, Kenya’s post-2010 trade value growth outperformed regional peers through harmonised customs systems and one-stop border posts.
These successes prove that strategic infrastructure investments can rapidly transform economic prospects when properly coordinated.
Nigeria, as the continent’s largest economy, plays an important role in the West African Power Pool (WAPP), an initiative aiming to connect and stabilise energy grids across the region and enable efficient electricity trade for millions.
The WAPP has achieved notable milestones in improving regional energy cooperation, though it continues to face regulatory and financing challenges.
The report notes that Nigeria’s efforts in harmonising market rules and supporting public-private partnerships are making a positive impact, but sustained collaboration will be essential to achieving reliable and affordable power across West Africa.
“Africa’s infrastructure opportunity is both significant and attainable. We are seeing steady progress in various regions, key to accelerating this growth however is reviewing and replicating success elements from models like the West African Power Pool,” says Tolu Oyekan, managing director & partner at BCG Lagos, and co-author of the report. “We are seeing how Nigeria’s focus on regional coordination and regulatory consistency is advancing energy access and fostering stronger economic integration across West Africa. Scaling these solutions through improved coordination and greater private sector involvement will be essential for continent-wide success.”
The private sector opportunity is particularly compelling. While current private participation in major continental projects stands at 3%, other emerging regions have successfully achieved participation rates exceeding 15% representing a potential five-fold increase in available capital for African infrastructure.
This potential, combined with growing investor interest in the continent’s long-term prospects, creates key opportunities for public-private partnerships.
The Lobito Corridor is another example highlighted in the report of Africa’s infrastructure potential realised. After years of underutilisation, coordinated action in 2023 through the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agreement delivered remarkable results.
Rail transit times for copper shipments reduced from 25 to just six days, freight costs fell below road alternatives, and the corridor attracted over $500 million in blended financing. Demonstrating how strategic coordination can rapidly unlock dormant infrastructure assets.
Building on these successes, the report proposes sharper coordination from the apex to serve as Africa’s infrastructure acceleration engine.
Building on the lessons of the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative, the African Union Commission for Infrastructure, Energy and ICT would coordinate cross-border initiatives, enhance project bankability, structure innovative funding pathways, and drive accountability across multi-stakeholder projects.
This would leverage private sector expertise whilst building on existing AU institutional strengths.
Regional opportunities are available across all corners of the continent. Sub-Saharan Africa’s 51% electrification rate, whilst below North African levels, represent key growth and investment return opportunities.
The continent’s 27% internet penetration rate signals potential for digital infrastructure expansion that could leapfrog traditional development pathways.
Transport infrastructure improvements can unlock agricultural productivity and manufacturing competitiveness that positions Africa as a global supply chain hub.
The skills development opportunity is equally promising. The continent’s need for 5 million additional infrastructure professionals including engineers, technicians, and artisans, represents a generational opportunity to build world-class local capabilities.
The AU’s Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA), partnering with AUDA-NEPAD and international development agencies, is already laying foundations for systematic capability-building that will ensure sustainable, locally driven infrastructure delivery.
“Our report highlights that Africa’s infrastructure story is fundamentally one of opportunity, not deficit,” emphasises Tolu. “We are seeing transformation taking place through the projects, financing mechanisms, and increasingly, the political alignment needed for transformation.”
The timing for this infrastructure acceleration could not be better. Key stakeholders across the continent are aligned on the need for coordinated action.
Standard Bank Group CEO Sim Tshabalala, Chair of the B20 Finance and Infrastructure Task Force, champions stronger project preparation and streamlined regulatory processes.
Whilst AU Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and ICT, H.E. Lerato Mataboge, brings execution-focused leadership and commitment to enhanced private sector participation.
The report identifies clear pathways to success through three strategic levers: targeted private sector participation to unlock funding and capability, strengthened cross-border regulatory harmonisation, and enhanced project bankability through improved risk management. These levers, working in combination, can transform Africa’s infrastructure landscape within the current decade.
“Africa’s time is now,” concludes Tolu. “By leveraging strategic collaboration, creative financing, and robust partnerships, the continent can fully unlock its infrastructure potential and set the stage for long-term, inclusive prosperity. The real question is no longer if transformation will happen, but how rapidly we can achieve it.”
Download the full report.
