Emma Okonji

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has released its latest report titled: ‘Bridging Africa’s Infrastructure Execution Gap,’ which highlights a promising shift, revealing how the continent’s portfolio of approximately 130 transnational projects across trade, energy, transport, digital, and water sectors can be rapidly accelerated through innovative coordination and strategic private sector partnership.

Although Africa has historically encountered obstacles in delivering on its infrastructure goals that support the listed sectors, the report estimated that the 130 transnational projects have the potential to unlock up to $6 billion in GDP value for every $1 billion invested.

Analysis undertaken by BCG demonstrates that Africa possesses all the fundamental building blocks for infrastructure success—political commitment, identified projects, available financing mechanisms, and proven delivery models. With strategic coordination and targeted interventions, the continent can transform its development trajectory whilst creating 74 million new jobs and generating $500 billion in additional economic value, the report said.

Key regional achievements showcased in the report provided blueprints for continental expansion.

According to the report, North Africa’s electrification success demonstrates what’s possible when infrastructure delivery is prioritised, whilst East Africa’s progress in trade facilitation has delivered tangible results, Kenya’s post-2010 trade value growth outperformed regional peers through harmonised customs systems and one-stop border posts. These successes prove that strategic infrastructure investments can rapidly transform economic prospects when properly coordinated.

“Nigeria, as the continent’s largest economy, plays an important role in the West African Power Pool (WAPP), an initiative aiming to connect and stabilise energy grids across the region and enable efficient electricity trade for millions. The WAPP has achieved notable milestones in improving regional energy cooperation, though it continues to face regulatory and financing challenges,” the report said, adding that Nigeria’s efforts in harmonising market rules and supporting public-private partnerships are making a positive impact, but sustained collaboration will be essential to achieving reliable and affordable power across West Africa.

Analysing the report, Managing Director & Partner at BCG Lagos, and co-author of the report, Tolu Oyekan, said: “Africa’s infrastructure opportunity is both significant and attainable. We are seeing steady progress in various regions, key to accelerating this growth however is reviewing and replicating success elements from models like the West African Power Pool. We are seeing how Nigeria’s focus on regional coordination and regulatory consistency is advancing energy access and fostering stronger economic integration across West Africa. Scaling these solutions through improved coordination and greater private sector involvement will be essential for continent-wide success.”

According to Oyekan, the private sector opportunity is particularly compelling. While current private participation in major continental projects stands at 3 per cent, other emerging regions have successfully achieved participation rates exceeding 15 per cent representing a potential five-fold increase in available capital for African infrastructure. This potential, combined with growing investor interest in the continent’s long-term prospects, creates key opportunities for public-private partnerships.

The report further explained that continent’s internet penetration rate signals potential for digital infrastructure expansion that could leapfrog traditional development pathways. Transport infrastructure improvements can unlock agricultural productivity and manufacturing competitiveness that positions Africa as a global supply chain hub.

According to the report, Africa’s need for 5 million additional infrastructure professionals including engineers, technicians, and artisans, represents a generational opportunity to build world-class local capabilities. The AU’s Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA), partnering with AUDA-NEPAD and international development agencies, is already laying foundations for systematic capability-building that will ensure sustainable, locally driven infrastructure delivery.

“Our report highlights that Africa’s infrastructure story is fundamentally one of opportunity, not deficit. We are seeing transformation taking place through the projects, financing mechanisms, and increasingly, the political alignment needed for transformation,” Oyekan said.

The report identified clear pathways to success through three strategic levers: Targeted private sector participation to unlock funding and capability; Strengthened cross-border regulatory harmonization; and Enhance project bankability through improved risk management. These levers, the report said, working in combination, could transform Africa’s infrastructure landscape within the current decade.

“Africa’s time is now. By leveraging strategic collaboration, creative financing, and robust partnerships, the continent can fully unlock its infrastructure potential and set the stage for long-term, inclusive prosperity. The real question is no longer if transformation will happen, but how rapidly we can achieve it,” the report further said.

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