While the legacy view that Africa's infrastructure ambitions have been crumbling under the weight of systemic execution failures is true, the ‘Bridging Africa’s Infrastructure Execution Gap’ report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) argues that this is set to change.

The report reveals how the continent's portfolio of about 130 transnational projects across energy, transport, digital and water sectors can be rapidly accelerated through innovative coordination and strategic private-sector partnership, with the potential to unlock up to $6-billion in GDP value for every $1-billion invested.

Analysis undertaken by BCG demonstrates that Africa has 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, BCG says that the continent can transform its development trajectory while creating 74-million new jobs and generating $500-billion in additional economic value.

"Africa's infrastructure opportunity is extraordinary and entirely achievable," says BCG Johannesburg MD and partner, and co-author of the report, Thomas Kingombe.

"We're seeing remarkable progress across multiple regions with the challenge now being in scaling these proven models continent-wide through better coordination and enhanced private-sector engagement."

BCG says key regional achievements showcased in the report provide blueprints for continental expansion.

The company notes that North Africa's electrification success demonstrates what is possible when infrastructure delivery is prioritised, while 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, argues BCG, adding that the private-sector opportunity is particularly compelling.

While current private participation in major continental projects stands at 3%, other emerging regions have successfully achieved participation rates exceeding 15% 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 transformation we're witnessing in projects like the Lobito Corridor shows exactly what's possible when coordination, innovation, and partnership come together," says Kingombe.

"We're not looking at theoretical solutions – we have proven models that are already delivering results."

BCG says the Lobito Corridor is a critical example of Africa's infrastructure potential realised, noting that, after years of underutilisation, coordinated action in 2023 through the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agreement delivered “remarkable results”.

The company notes that rail transit times for copper shipments reduced from 25 to just six days, freight costs fell below road alternatives and the corridor attracted over $500-million in blended financing, thereby demonstrating how strategic coordination can rapidly unlock dormant infrastructure assets.

Building on these successes, the report proposes sharper coordination from the apex to serve as Africa's infrastructure acceleration engine.

Building on the lessons of the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative, the African Union (AU) Commission for Infrastructure, Energy and ICT would coordinate cross-border initiatives, enhance project bankability, structure innovative funding pathways and drive accountability across multi-stakeholder projects, says BCG.

This would leverage private-sector expertise whilst building on existing AU institutional strengths, it adds.

The company expresses that there are regional opportunities available across all corners of the continent, noting that sub-Saharan Africa's 51% electrification rate, while below North African levels, represents key growth and investment return opportunities.

The continent's 27% Internet penetration rate signals potential for digital infrastructure expansion that could leapfrog traditional development pathways, says BCG, adding that transport infrastructure improvements can unlock agricultural productivity and manufacturing competitiveness that positions Africa as a global supply chain hub.

Moreover, the skills development opportunity is equally promising.

BCG points out that the continent's need for five-million additional infrastructure professionals including engineers, technicians and artisans, represents a generational opportunity to build world-class local capabilities.

It notes that the AU's Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA), partnering with the AU Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and international development agencies, is already laying foundations for systematic capability-building that will ensure sustainable, locally driven infrastructure delivery.

"Africa's infrastructure story is fundamentally one of opportunity, not deficit," emphasises BCG partner and co-author Trudi Makhaya.

"We have the projects, the financing mechanisms, the regional success stories and, increasingly, the political alignment needed for transformation."

The timing for this infrastructure acceleration could not be better, says BCG, noting that key stakeholders across the continent are aligned on the need for coordinated action.

Standard Bank Group CEO Sim Tshabalala, chair of the B20 Finance and Infrastructure Task Force, champions stronger project preparation and streamlined regulatory processes, while AU Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and ICT, Lerato Mataboge, brings execution-focused leadership and commitment to enhanced private-sector participation, says BCG.

The report identifies clear pathways to success through three strategic levers: targeted private-sector participation to unlock funding and capability, strengthened cross-border regulatory harmonisation, and enhanced project bankability through improved risk management.

These levers, working in combination, can transform Africa's infrastructure landscape within the current decade, says BCG.

“Africa's moment has arrived.

“Through strategic coordination, innovative financing, and enhanced partnership, the continent can realise its infrastructure potential and unlock decades of sustainable, inclusive growth. The question is no longer whether transformation is possible, but how quickly we can make it happen,” concludes Makhaya.