The 5 best transport projects in Africa

Rapid population growth and vast natural resources are driving investment in Africa's transportation infrastructure, with $22 billion worth of projects currently being tendered.

The case for investing in transportation infrastructure

Africa is possibly the continent with the weakest transportation infrastructure. Africa has the fastest growing population and the largest natural reserves; However, moving goods and people can be a logistical nightmare.

It has a population of close to 1.4 billion people and is growing at a rate of 2.3% annually. By 2050, Africa will have nearly 2.5 billion people and the youngest population in the world.

Unlike Europe or the United States, Africa does not have an integrated road or railway network. Except for countries like South Africa or Egypt, most countries need to make large investments to develop their transportation infrastructure.

The 5 best transportation projects

The transport sector in Africa currently has $ 22 billion worth of transport projects in the tender or bidding phase. Below are five projects worth mentioning for their impact on the communities they will serve.

Fourth continental bridge

This project is a $ 2.2 billion project that will improve the flow of goods and people in Africa's second most populous city. The project is being developed by the Ministry of Works and Housing and is partly funded by the Africa Finance Corporation.

Cairo Metro Line 4 Phase 2

Developed by the Egyptian National Tunnel Authority, this section will have 16 stations and the project has an estimated budget of about $ 2 billion. The Japan International Cooperation Agency partly finances it.

Matakong Harbor

The Matakong port, located in Guinea, is part of the larger Simandou iron mine project. It is a deep water port and will be used to export iron ore from the Simandou mine.

Port Macuse

The port of Macuse in the province of Zambesia, Mozambique, is developed by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The port will have the capacity to handle bulk cargo vessels of up to 150,000 dead weight tonnes (DWT) and additional container facilities.

Mombasa Gate Bridge

The developer of the Mombasa Gate Bridge is the Kenya National Highway Authority and is partly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. It is a 1.4 km long bridge that will connect the island of Mombasa with the mainland.

Source: ABIConsuting