There is a growing realisation that large-scale infrastructure development in Africa will only be achieved through a co-funding arrangement with the private sector – but even then there are plenty of technical hurdles that projects must clear, notes to SRK Consulting partner and principal environmental consultant Darryll Killian.
Africa clearly needs infrastructure improvements to open doors to trade and create opportunities for economic investment. As the implementing arm for the African Union’s 2063 development strategy, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) focuses on incubating high-impact projects that demonstrate proof-of-concept. These are intended to translate the AU’s strategic development frameworks into national priorities.
The drive for high-impact initiatives has led a few sub-Saharan countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda, to partner with the private sector on some infrastructure projects. Despite the ample opportunities for public–private partnerships (PPPs), and their obvious benefits, governments have been slow to drive this agenda. This may be the result of prior bad experiences with ill-prepared PPPs or even with less than competent PPP project sponsors. However, there are well-proven strategies and lessons that can pave the way for efficient, cost-effective and manageable infrastructure building.
