Africa needs $170bn annually to bridge infrastructure gap

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has stressed the urgent need for Africa to mobilize between $130 billion and $170 billion annually to bridge its infrastructure financing gap.
According to Managing Director Gwen Mwaba, failure to address this shortfall could significantly hinder the continent’s economic transformation.

Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2025 in Accra, Mwaba reiterated Afreximbank’s commitment to addressing Africa’s infrastructure deficit through innovative financing and strategic partnerships.
“Bridging Africa’s infrastructure gap requires an estimated $130 billion to $170 billion annually. Addressing this challenge demands innovative approaches. Afreximbank is committed to financing transformative projects that will reshape the continent’s infrastructure landscape,” she stated.
She further emphasized that sustainable infrastructure development requires not only financial backing but also policy harmonization to attract investments.

Infrastructure as the Backbone of Economic Growth
Mwaba highlighted the role of infrastructure in driving economic growth, fostering regional integration, and enhancing trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She reaffirmed Afreximbank’s dedication to funding projects that improve transport networks, energy systems, and digital connectivity, all of which are crucial to making Africa competitive on a global scale.
“To attract investment, we must create ecosystems that foster transparency, reduce risks, and drive innovation. Only then can we transform Africa into an interconnected marketplace that benefits all its people,” she added.
Beyond debt financing, Afreximbank is also supporting infrastructure development through equity investments under its subsidiary, the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA).
The bank is leveraging its guarantee offerings and project preparation facility to ensure the successful execution of key infrastructure projects.

Africa’s infrastructure financing gains momentum
The Secretary General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Dr. Fatima ElSheikh, disclosed that the institution has invested more than $15 billion in Africa to date, with the majority of the funds directed towards infrastructure development.

These investments align with the broader vision of creating a robust infrastructure framework that supports trade, connectivity, and industrialization across the continent.

Ghana’s Infrastructure Success Story
Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, commended the country’s progress in infrastructure development, describing Ghana’s airports as among the best in Africa.

Delivering the keynote address, she highlighted the importance of modernized ports and road networks in boosting trade and economic activity.
“Our airports are among the best on the continent, I must admit. Our ports are being modernized to facilitate trade, and we are expanding our road and rural networks to connect key economic zones,” she noted.
She also underscored Ghana’s investments in energy infrastructure, which aim to provide reliable and affordable power to industries and households. She praised President Mahama’s commitment to infrastructure development, describing it as a key driver of Ghana’s economic transformation.

A unified Africa for a stronger economy
Despite the progress, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged that much remains to be done across Africa.
She highlighted digital infrastructure as a critical area for investment, noting that mobile technology had already revolutionized financial inclusion across the continent.
She further called on African leaders to demonstrate collective will and decisive action to ensure the successful implementation of the AfCFTA.
Addressing over 4,000 delegates and more than eight heads of state, she emphasized that the single market presents a transformative opportunity for Africa’s economic growth.
“The success of the single market depends on our collective will and decisive action. We must accelerate progress to ensure that Africa’s gains are realized for this generation and the future ones,” she stated.
She urged policymakers, business leaders, and development partners to prioritize cooperation, share ideas, and work toward the seamless integration of African economies. According to her, eliminating trade barriers, enhancing infrastructure, and investing in digital connectivity will be critical to realizing the full potential of the AfCFTA.
“As we engage in today’s sessions, I encourage all of us to collaborate, exchange ideas, and push Africa closer to a fully integrated market,” she added.
A successful single market will not only boost intra-African trade but also drive industrialization, job creation, and global competitiveness for the continent.