Report on the Role of Local Firms in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through African Infrastructure

Introduction: A Call for Localized Development

A recent statement by Anthony Ovunda, United Nations Ambassador for promoting infrastructural development, underscores the critical role of local African firms in resolving the continent’s infrastructure deficit. The report highlights that empowering indigenous companies is fundamental to building resilient infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, directly aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

Empowering Local Enterprise for Sustainable Growth

Ambassador Ovunda’s position is that a paradigm shift is occurring, with local entities moving from participation to leadership in shaping Africa’s future. This internal capacity building is crucial for achieving several SDGs.

• Self-Reliance Over External Dependency: The statement, “We are rising from within with talent, tools, and tested commitment,” signals a move towards self-sufficiency.
• Fostering Economic Growth: Prioritizing local firms stimulates domestic economies, creating jobs and promoting equitable growth, in line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• People-Centric Development: The emphasis is on projects that serve communities, contributing to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Case Study: Aligning Projects with Specific SDGs

The work of OVI Construction Company Limited was cited as a prime example of how local firms are implementing projects that target specific development goals. The company’s portfolio of over 40 projects demonstrates a tangible impact on sustainability targets.

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) & SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The installation of solar-powered water systems in rural schools directly addresses the need for clean water and leverages renewable energy.
• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The development of clean energy installations in underserved areas expands access to sustainable power sources.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By focusing on essential services, these projects help build inclusive, safe, and resilient human settlements.

Redefining Success Metrics for Sustainable Impact

The report argues for a re-evaluation of how project success is measured, moving beyond cost to focus on long-term value and genuine need. Unsustainable outcomes are defined as failures to meet development goals.

• A paved road prone to flooding fails to provide resilient infrastructure (violates SDG 9).
• A borehole without proper filtration fails to provide safe drinking water (violates SDG 6).
• A solar grid without a maintenance plan fails to provide sustainable energy (violates SDG 7).

Guiding Principles for SDG-Compliant Infrastructure

Ambassador Ovunda outlined a framework of guiding principles essential for ensuring infrastructure projects effectively contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

1. Multi-Sector Partnerships: Collaboration across sectors is vital for holistic development, a core tenet of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
2. Integrity and Transparency: Honesty in project execution is paramount for building trust and ensuring resources are used effectively.
3. Context-Specific Innovation: Solutions must be tailored to local needs and environments rather than importing one-size-fits-all models.
4. Sustainable and People-Centric Engineering: The ultimate goal is to ensure that “engineering must be sustainable, construction must be people-centred, and every project must answer a real need.”

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

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article’s core theme is infrastructure development in Africa. It directly addresses the need to “build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.” The statement by Anthony Ovunda focuses on building “sustainable, people-focused projects” and emphasizes that “Engineering must be sustainable, construction must be people-centred.”

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  The article explicitly mentions infrastructure projects related to water, such as “solar-powered water systems in rural schools” and the failure of a “borehole without proper filtration.” This connects directly to the goal of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The text refers to “clean energy installations in underserved areas” and the problem of a “solar grid without maintenance.” This highlights the push towards ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy, a key objective of SDG 7.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  By focusing on infrastructure that serves people’s needs, including in “rural schools” and “underserved areas,” the article touches upon making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The critique of a “paved road that floods in the rainy season” points to the need for resilient and sustainable urban and rural infrastructure.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article concludes by laying out “guiding principles for effective infrastructure, including partnerships across different sectors.” This directly aligns with the goal of strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.

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

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure

  This target is central to the article. Anthony Ovunda’s argument that the success of a project should be judged by “how long it lasts” and his examples of failures like a “paved road that floods” or a “solar grid without maintenance” directly address the need for infrastructure to be sustainable and resilient.

• Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

  The mention of projects like “solar-powered water systems in rural schools” and the warning against a “borehole without proper filtration” directly relate to efforts to provide safe drinking water, especially in underserved communities.

• Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services

  The reference to “clean energy installations in underserved areas” is a clear example of working towards this target. The focus is on expanding energy access to those who currently lack it.

• Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning

  The article’s emphasis on local firms leading development and implementing projects in “rural schools” and “underserved areas” supports the strengthening of links and development planning that benefits all areas, not just urban centers.

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships

  This is explicitly mentioned as a guiding principle for effective infrastructure, with the call for “partnerships across different sectors” to ensure projects are successful and sustainable.

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

• Indicator for Target 9.1:

  The article implies that a key indicator is not just the quantity but the quality and functionality of infrastructure. It critiques judging projects by cost and instead proposes judging them by “how well it meets genuine needs and how long it lasts.” An implied indicator is the number of infrastructure projects that remain functional and serve their intended purpose long-term (e.g., roads that do not flood, solar grids with maintenance plans).

• Indicator for Target 6.1:

  The article mentions “solar-powered water systems in rural schools” and the need for “proper filtration.” An implied indicator is the number of functional and safely managed water systems installed in rural and underserved areas, ensuring the water is safe for consumption.

• Indicator for Target 7.1:

  The reference to “clean energy installations in underserved areas” suggests an indicator: the number of households or communities in underserved areas connected to a reliable and maintained clean energy source, such as a solar grid.

• Indicator for Target 17.17:

  The call for “partnerships across different sectors” implies that a measure of success would be the number of multi-sectoral partnerships established for infrastructure development. The article itself highlights the work of a local firm, OVI Construction, as an example of a non-state actor leading development.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: businessday.ng