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Infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa : a scorecard

Author

Listed:
  • Calderon,Cesar
  • Cantu Canales,Martha Catalina
  • Chuhan-Pole,Punam

Abstract

Infrastructure is viewed as a crucial ingredient to foster growth and productivity. Amid the post -- global financial crisis slowdown, Sub-Saharan Africa is in dire need to continue the growth momentum it experienced during the period of the Africa Rising narrative. An emerging consensus in the empirical literature is that, under the right circumstances, an adequate supply of infrastructure can help foster growth in the region. This paper provides a scorecard on infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past decades along four sectors (telecommunications, electric power, transportation, and water and sanitation) and three dimensions (quantity, quality, and access). First, it documents the existence of a large gap in infrastructure in the region?although the magnitude of the gap depends on the sector, dimension, and country/group. Second, the potential growth benefits from closing the infrastructure gap are large. Third, the infrastructure financing needs are very large, and the public sector so far is unable to meet these needs. Other options that involve the private sector may be available for the region. Finally, there is room for improving the efficiency of public infrastructure spending (that is, the quality of public investment management systems and procurement methods), which, in turn, may increase the output multiplier of investment spending.

Suggested Citation

  • Calderon,Cesar & Cantu Canales,Martha Catalina & Chuhan-Pole,Punam, 2018. "Infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa : a scorecard," Policy Research Working Paper Series 8425, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:8425
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    File URL: http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/866331525265592425/pdf/Infrastructure-development-in-Sub-Saharan-Africa-a-scorecard.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Youtang Zhang & Eshetu Yesuf Ayele, 2022. "Factors Affecting Small and Micro Enterprise Performance with the Mediating Effect of Government Support: Evidence from the Amhara Region Ethiopia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-20, June.
    2. Eric Tchouamou Njoya & Ahmad Muhammad Ragab, 2022. "Economic Impacts of Public Air Transport Investment: A Case Study of Egypt," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-19, February.
    3. Young, Sera L., 2021. "Viewpoint: The measurement of water access and use is key for more effective food and nutrition policy," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).
    4. Lu, Qiongfang & Wilson, Craig, 2024. "Infrastructure financing in Africa," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    5. Wolde-Rufael, Yemane & Mulat-Weldemeskel, Eyob, 2023. "Is natural capital a blessing or a curse for capital accumulation in low income countries?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    6. Kodongo, Odongo & Mukoki, Paul & Ojah, Kalu, 2023. "Bond market development and infrastructure-gap reduction: The case of Sub-saharan Africa," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    7. Nawaz, Saima & Mangla, Inayat Ullah, 2021. "The economic geography of infrastructure in Asia: The role of institutions and regional integration," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).

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