Africa is teeming with opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation. Logistics is instrumental in facilitating these trades, effectively connecting businesses across diverse markets. Despite the promise of economic potential, inadequate road infrastructure poses serious risks to Africa’s development and competitiveness.The transportation sector within Africa is yet to scratch the surface of its potential and that is majorly due to poorly maintained and deteriorating road networks.
Intra-African trade has been on the rise, reaching $192 billion in 2023—a 7.2% increase from the previous year, and accounting for 15% of all African trade, up from 13.6% in 2022. However, compared to global trade, intra-African trade actually declined slightly from 14.5% in 2021 to 13.7% in 2022.
The predominant mode of transportation for intra-African trade is road transport, responsible for over 90% of goods transported within the continent. This highlights the critical importance of road networks and the urgent need to keep them functional. Unfortunately, the state of many African roads is dismal and inadequate.
Africa ranks lowest globally in road infrastructure development, including quantity, quality, cost, and access. Excluding South Africa, Africa has approximately 171,000 kilometres of paved roads—a fraction of what is necessary for efficient transportation. Among the paved roads, most are in fair condition at best, while 85% of rural feeder roads are in poor condition, becoming impassable during the rainy season.
This situation stems from systemic negligence by the authorities responsible for road maintenance. Corruption among public officials has contributed significantly, as funds allocated for infrastructure development are often misappropriated.
Furthermore, some African nations lack the financial capacity to develop and maintain extensive road networks. Building infrastructure requires substantial capital and continuous investment in maintenance and management. Many countries are already burdened with debt, directing much of their revenue toward debt servicing rather than critical infrastructure projects.
The dire state of road infrastructure has led to partnerships between governments, NGOs, and private businesses. While government bodies remain the primary providers of road infrastructure, the involvement of the private sector has alleviated some of the burden and improved efficiency for businesses across Africa. Although private sector participation often comes with incentives, this collaboration benefits all parties.
To address these challenges, transparency and accountability among public officials are crucial. Elected leaders must uphold their responsibilities, ensuring that infrastructure projects are not only funded but also completed. If officials fail to meet their obligations, the provisions of each country’s constitution should be enforced rigorously.
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African leaders must prioritise the provision of reliable road infrastructure to improve mobility within the continent and enhance logistics in intra-African trade. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will depend heavily on well-developed road networks to achieve their full potential. Developing alternative transport modes, such as rail networks, will also be vital for the AfCFTA’s success.
Africa has the potential to compete with regions like Asia and Europe in trade and commerce. However, to unlock this potential, African leaders must commit to building robust road infrastructure to support intra-African trade. As the world pursues economic growth, it is crucial for Africa to strengthen its road networks for a more integrated and prosperous continent.
