Erasing infrastructure deficit key to Africa’s growth and development | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

Africa’s continued progress on growth and development targets will hinge on concerted efforts – from partnerships inside and outside the continent – to enhance infrastructure, a vital area that will facilitate diversification of African economies and unleash their full productive capacity, the President of the United Nations General Assembly said today.

Assembly President Sam Kutesa spotlighted infrastructure development as he opened the 193-member body’s annual consideration of the landmark New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), and other key issues concerning for the continent, including efforts to roll back malaria. The meeting caps what has become informally known as “Africa Week” (13 to 17 October) at UN Headquarters.

With the adoption of NEPAD’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) in July 2012, African Leaders laid a foundation for the development of critical regional and continental infrastructure,” he said.

“Africa needs hydropower dams and transmission lines to facilitate production. It needs roads, railways and ports to facilitate commerce and trade. It needs core ICT [information and communications technology] infrastructure to support trade in goods and services, as well as governance structures,” added Mr. Kutesa.

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