Book Chapter

Building Opportunities : Addressing Africa’s Lack of Infrastructure

Kenya announced a plan in late 2012, whereby $25 million will be spend on various infrastructure projects. Included with these projects was a 2000km pipeline from South Sudan to the Northern Kenyan town of Lamu and related improvements to Lamu’s port. Pres Jacob Zuma of South Africa have announced recently that the country will spend $97 billion on infrastructure investments. These funds are to be used specifically to improve and upgrade roads, transportation networks and ports. Like Kenya, South Africa plans to borrow the money for this ambitious investment plan. The international credit rating community is likely to view these ambitious investments with a pinch of skepticism because of the economic and political challenges associated with such public investments. To utilize the natural resources of Africa infrastructure needs to be developed to serve as the foundation of activities associated with wealth creation.