Lack of political will has been identified as the key cause of slow implementation of vital regional infrastructure projects in Africa.

African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Donald Kaberuka

African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Donald Kaberuka, says failed launch and completion of critical regional infrastructure projects should be blamed on lack of inter-country co-operation, rather than funding.

He gave the example of Gambia Bridge that was supposed to link The Gambia and Senegal, as one AfDB project that had been delayed due to political reasons.

He, however, observed that following intervention by the bank, construction of the bridge is expected to begin soon. It is set to replace a ferry service, a move that would boost trade in southern Africa.

Kaberuka said mutual inter-country co-operation is key to the timely execution of infrastructure projects that enhance increased intra-African trade and boost the continent’s economic growth.
Inter-African trade

“Africa must emphasise inter-country co-operation to build a strong foundation for promotion of intra-African trade, which remains too low compared to other regions and accounts for less than 10 per cent of total trade,” he said.

The AfDB boss said the experience within the EAC and Comesa was a testimony enough that nations cannot operate and succeed within their borders.

In line with its commitment to support integrated infrastructure development in the regional member countries, AfDB is currently pursuing other infrastructural projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi-Addis Ababa road corridor.

This involves the construction and tarring of 438km road sections, including 245 kilometre Merille River-Marsabit-Turbi road section in Kenya and 193km Ageremariam-Yabelo-Mega road section in Ethiopia.

The goal, according to the bank, is to improve transportation between Kenya and Ethiopia.

In turn, this is expected to significantly boost trade between the two countries.

By JOHN OYUKE, The Standard

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