Renowned Sub-Saharan African infrastructure development expert, Dr. Tinashe Manzungu has urged African nations to prioritise infrastructure development as a fundamental element of achieving the goals set out in the Africa Agenda 2063.
In an interview, Manzungu highlighted the critical role of infrastructure development in realising the vision of ‘The Africa We Want’ and stressed the importance of leveraging regional blocs to optimise financial benefits and effectively implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Currently, growth in African countries is progressing at a slow rate, averaging 2 per cent per annum. At this pace, achieving our objective of making Africa a global powerhouse by 2063 is challenging. We need to open up borders, enhance road transport, and develop efficient railway networks to facilitate trade. A robust infrastructure is essential for the success of the AfCFTA,” stated Manzungu.
He emphasised that investing in roads and railways would significantly improve the viability of AfCFTA, addressing the current challenges posed by high logistics expenses for transporting goods within Africa. Manzungu noted that intra-trade in Africa faces hindrances due to restrictive borders with high charges and taxes at control points.
“It is currently cheaper to transport goods from Europe to Africa than within Africa. Border controls impose excessive charges, making it more cost-effective to bring in products from other continents. Developing our infrastructure, both in terms of road and railway networks, is vital for achieving economic benefits through trade,” he added.
While acknowledging the agreement on AfCFTA, Manzungu stressed the need for comprehensive implementation in regions with practical policies that can be monitored and evaluated for effective results. He highlighted the significance of utilising existing regional blocs, such as the SADC secretariat, African Business Council, East African Union and West African National Secretariat, as platforms for strategic agreements, particularly in public-private partnerships.
“As we strive to attain the Africa we envision by 2063, we must recognise that our challenges will be solved within Africa by Africans. Clear policies that promote infrastructure development should be formulated and adhered to religiously by African governments,” urged Manzungu.
Africa Agenda 2063 serves as the continent’s blueprint for transforming into a global powerhouse. It represents a strategic framework focused on achieving inclusive and sustainable development, embodying the principles of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance, including self-determination, freedom, progress, and collective prosperity. Manzungu’s advocacy emphasises the pivotal role infrastructure development plays in realising these ambitions.
