Critical Infrastructure Development in West Africa: A Strategic Imperative for Regional Integration and Economic Growth – APRI – Africa Policy Research Institute

Report on Sustainable Infrastructure Development in West Africa

1.0 Introduction: Aligning Regional Integration with the Sustainable Development Goals

The development of critical infrastructure is a foundational imperative for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to achieve its regional integration objectives and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As outlined in the ECOWAS Vision 2050, infrastructure is essential for production and mobility, directly supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). This report examines the status of infrastructure in West Africa, focusing on its role in achieving key SDGs, the challenges hindering progress, and strategic recommendations for the future. Infrastructure categories are intrinsically linked to specific SDGs:

• Transport Infrastructure (Roads, Railways, Ports): Crucial for SDG 9 and facilitating economic activity under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Energy Infrastructure (Grids, Pipelines): Foundational for SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), which enables progress in health, education, and economic development.
• Digital Infrastructure (Telecommunications, Broadband): A catalyst for SDG 9, promoting innovation and access to information necessary for SDG 4 (Quality Education).
• Social Infrastructure (Healthcare, Education): Directly contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4.
• Water Infrastructure: Essential for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

2.0 Analysis of Infrastructure Deficits and SDG Impediments

Significant infrastructure deficits across West Africa present major barriers to sustainable development and regional integration. These gaps directly impede the attainment of several SDGs.

2.1 Transport and Maritime Sector Inefficiencies

The maritime industry, which handles 90 percent of the region’s foreign trade, is hampered by inefficiencies. Dilapidated port infrastructure, congestion, and poor inland connectivity increase transport costs and undermine trade competitiveness. This situation directly constrains the achievement of SDG 8 by limiting economic productivity and growth potential.

2.2 Energy Access and Clean Energy Transition

With only 42 percent of the population having access to electricity, West Africa faces a severe energy crisis that obstructs progress on multiple fronts. This deficit is a primary obstacle to achieving SDG 7. Furthermore, it limits industrialisation (SDG 9) and negatively impacts outcomes in education (SDG 4) and health (SDG 3).

2.3 Digital and Water Infrastructure Gaps

Inadequate infrastructure also affects digital and water sectors, with significant consequences for sustainable development.

• Digital Divide: A low broadband penetration rate of 25 percent hinders the region’s ability to leverage digital technologies for economic growth (SDG 8) and innovation (SDG 9). This digital deficit also limits the effective implementation of initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• Water Scarcity and Sanitation: Poor water infrastructure and management of waterways lead to contamination from industrial and agricultural runoff. This directly threatens SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and exacerbates health crises, undermining SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as demonstrated by the 2010 Ebola outbreak.

3.0 Regional Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships for the Goals

ECOWAS has launched several key initiatives aimed at addressing infrastructure deficits, often in collaboration with international partners, reflecting a commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

3.1 Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway

This 1,028-kilometer highway project connecting five member states is a flagship initiative to bolster SDG 9. By improving transport connectivity between major economic hubs, it aims to facilitate trade, reduce transport costs, and stimulate economic growth in line with SDG 8. Funding from partners like the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Union (EU) exemplifies the multilateral cooperation required under SDG 17.

3.2 West African Power Pool (WAPP)

The WAPP initiative is a direct response to the region’s energy deficit and a critical component of achieving SDG 7. By creating an integrated regional electricity market, WAPP aims to improve energy supply, enhance grid stability, and promote cross-border energy trade. The AfDB has committed over USD 122.49 million to various WAPP projects, underscoring the importance of international financing partnerships.

4.0 Barriers to Sustainable Infrastructure Development

Progress is constrained by a combination of geopolitical, policy, and financial challenges that undermine the institutional stability required for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

4.1 Policy and Regulatory Disharmony

The absence of a cohesive regulatory framework across ECOWAS member states is a major obstacle. Inconsistent standards, tariffs, and procurement policies create implementation delays and deter private investment, hindering progress on large-scale projects vital for SDG 9.

4.2 Governance and Geopolitical Factors

Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies lead to project delays and resource misallocation, weakening governance structures essential for SDG 16. Furthermore, recent geopolitical shifts, including the withdrawal of three member states from ECOWAS, and regional security challenges threaten cross-border cooperation and the viability of key infrastructure projects, impacting SDG 17.

4.3 Financing Challenges

A regional infrastructure financing gap estimated at USD 20-36 billion annually is a critical barrier. Limited domestic budgets, often prioritized for recurrent expenditures, necessitate reliance on external financing and innovative models.

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Identified as a key mechanism under SDG 17, PPPs like the Dakar-Diamniadio Toll Highway (Senegal) and the FasoBiogaz project (Burkina Faso) demonstrate potential. However, their success depends on transparent, well-structured contracts and strong regulatory frameworks (SDG 16) to ensure financial sustainability and avoid exacerbating public debt.
• Innovative Financing: Mechanisms such as green bonds and climate financing offer opportunities to fund projects aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 7. Mobilizing resources through entities like Nigeria’s InfraCorp can reduce reliance on external debt and create a stable investment environment.

5.0 Recommendations for an SDG-Focused Infrastructure Strategy

To accelerate progress, ECOWAS and its member states should adopt a multi-faceted strategy that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and strong governance.

1. Advance Regional Energy Integration for SDG 7: Fully implement the West African Power Pool (WAPP) to create an interconnected regional electricity market. This will enhance energy security, lower costs, and encourage joint investments, fostering collaborative development in line with SDG 17.
2. Establish a Regional Infrastructure Policy Forum: Create a multi-stakeholder forum to harmonize standards for taxation, customs, and energy pricing. This will strengthen institutional capacity (SDG 16) and create a predictable environment for private investment, crucial for achieving SDG 9.
3. Prioritize Inclusive Infrastructure for SMEs and the Informal Sector: Tailor infrastructure investments to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and the informal sector. Providing reliable power, affordable transport, and digital connectivity will enhance productivity and promote inclusive economic growth, directly contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 1 (No Poverty).
4. Launch a Regional Infrastructure Investment Fund: The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development should establish a dedicated fund in partnership with multilateral banks, sovereign wealth funds, and the private sector. This initiative would mobilize diverse financial resources under SDG 17 to close the financing gap for critical, sustainable infrastructure projects.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article highlights the issue of “inadequate water infrastructure and the poor management of waterways,” which leads to water contamination from “industrial waste, sewage and agricultural runoff.” This directly impacts the availability of clean water and contributes to health crises like the spread of “waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid,” connecting the discussion to the core objectives of SDG 6.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article explicitly addresses energy deficits in West Africa, stating that “only 42 percent of West Africa’s population has access to electricity.” It discusses initiatives like the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and renewable energy projects such as the FasoBiogaz project and the promotion of green bonds, all of which are central to achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The central theme of the article is that infrastructure development is a “strategic imperative for… economic growth.” It explains how infrastructure deficits in transport and energy “hinder its economic growth and integration.” Furthermore, it recommends prioritizing investments tailored to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and the informal sector, which “account for 50–60 percent of the region’s GDP,” linking infrastructure to sustainable economic productivity and job creation.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire text focuses on developing “quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.” It details specific projects across different sectors: transport (Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway, ports), energy (electricity grids, WAPP), and digital (broadband, fiber-optic networks). The challenges of infrastructure deficits and the need for investment directly align with the goals of SDG 9.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The article identifies significant institutional barriers to infrastructure development. It points to the “lack of a cohesive regulatory framework,” “corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks,” and “lengthy approval processes” as major obstacles. These issues directly relate to the need for effective, accountable, and transparent institutions to reduce corruption and ensure the rule of law in project implementation.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article extensively discusses the multi-stakeholder partnerships required to finance and implement infrastructure projects. It details the roles of regional bodies (ECOWAS), international partners (African Development Bank, World Bank, European Union), Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and innovative financing mechanisms like green bonds and sovereign wealth funds. This highlights the importance of collaboration to mobilize financial and technical resources.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 6:
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water. This is implied by the discussion of contaminated water sources that are “unsafe for drinking.”
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution. The article mentions contamination from “industrial waste, sewage and agricultural runoff,” which directly relates to this target.
   • Target 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation. The article underscores the “need for cross-border cooperation to resolve those challenges,” referencing the management of waterways like the River Niger.
2. Under SDG 7:
   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. The article’s statistic that “only 42 percent of West Africa’s population has access to electricity” directly addresses this target.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology. The funding provided by the African Development Bank and the EU for projects like the West African Power Pool (WAPP) is a clear example of this cooperation.
3. Under SDG 8:
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises. The recommendation to “prioritise infrastructure investments tailored to the needs of SMEs and the informal sector” directly aligns with this target.
4. Under SDG 9:
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development. The entire article is focused on this, with the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway and the WAPP serving as prime examples of regional and transborder infrastructure projects.
   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet. The article highlights the “inadequate digital infrastructure” and a “broadband penetration rate of only 25 percent” as barriers, directly connecting to this target.
5. Under SDG 16:
   • Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms. The article identifies “corruption” as a cause for “delays in project execution, cost overruns and resource misallocation.”
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The call to overcome “bureaucratic bottlenecks,” “lengthy approval processes,” and the “lack of a cohesive regulatory framework” points directly to the need for better institutions.
6. Under SDG 17:
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources. The article discusses the need to close an infrastructure gap of “USD 20 billion to USD 36 billion per year” through financing from international partners, FDI, and multilateral organizations.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The article dedicates a section to the “Role of public-private partnerships (PPPs)” and provides examples like the Dakar-Diamniadio Toll Highway, identifying PPPs as a key strategy for closing the infrastructure gap.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 6:
   • An implied indicator for water quality (Target 6.3) is the prevalence of “waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid,” which would decrease as water infrastructure and management improve.
2. For SDG 7:
   • A direct indicator for Target 7.1 is the “proportion of population with access to electricity,” which the article states is currently “42 percent in West Africa.” Progress would be measured by an increase in this percentage.
3. For SDG 8:
   • An indicator for Target 8.3 is the contribution of SMEs and the informal sector to the economy. The article provides baseline data, stating they account for “50–60 percent of the region’s GDP” and “70–90 percent of the non-agricultural workforce.”
4. For SDG 9:
   • An indicator for Target 9.1 is the development of new transport infrastructure, such as the “Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway, a 1,028-kilometer road.”
   • A direct indicator for Target 9.c is the “broadband penetration rate,” which the article specifies is “only 25 percent” in West Africa.
5. For SDG 16:
   • An implied indicator for institutional inefficiency (related to Target 16.6) is project cost overruns and delays. The article cites the Lagos-Ibadan Railway project, which saw a “20 percent increase in the price of project materials” due to bureaucratic delays.
6. For SDG 17:
   • Indicators for Target 17.3 include the total financial flows for infrastructure. The article provides specific figures, such as the AfDB’s commitment of “over USD 122.49 million to WAPP” and the EU’s contribution of “USD 10.38 million” to the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway.
   • An indicator for Target 17.17 is the number and value of PPP projects. The article mentions specific examples like the “Dakar-Diamniadio Toll Highway” and the “FasoBiogaz project.”

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: afripoli.org