Editor’s Note: This chapter is part of the 2013 Foresight Africa full report, which details the top priorities for Africa in the coming year. Read the full report here.
Today, intra- and inter-African trade is being hampered by a lack of appropriate physical infrastructure. In fact, the failure of many rural inhabitants in African countries to efficiently access urban markets via farm-to-market roads has made it very difficult for these citizens to improve farm productivity through specialization and trade. Past efforts to improve infrastructure in Africa have too often been hindered by political opportunism and unclear objectives.
John Mukum Mbaku analyzes past and present efforts to increase Africa’s infrastructure capacity. In addition to smart project planning, innovative financing solutions, and regional cooperation, Mbaku calls for institutions that adequately constrain each country’s civil servants and political elites, and minimize their ability to act with impunity.
