Publications

Abstract

Infrastructure development serves multiple objectives, including policy goals such as growth, productivity, affordability, inclusive development, and environmental objectives potentially being in opposition. How we can solve Africa’s infrastructure paradox remains an important conversation in economic growth across the continent. Despite the ambitious, collective, and positive vision of an integrated African economy by its leaders, adequate national and transnational infrastructure remains a mirage. An enduring enabling environment for successful infrastructure programmes is important; this includes the need to institutionalize transnational collaboration from project conception stages to delivery and operational stages. This article focuses on the characterisation of complexity, its impact on the delivery of infrastructure projects in Africa, and the policy options available for the future. Examining the context of this paradox and its root causes relies on extensive quantitative research across specific countries within each African region.