Improving Infrastructure in Africa

Infrastructure development is a key driver of inclusive economic progress in Africa.

Expanding access to essential services — such as electricity, telecommunications, transportation and logistics, water and sanitation and waste management — helps drive inclusion and create markets and opportunities. Underpinned by digital connectivity, building smart infrastructure also strengthens economic efficiency and climate resilience.

Improved infrastructure has a particularly catalytic effect on women, who are disproportionately affected by infrastructure gaps, including digital infrastructure.

Through a combination of investment, advisory and upstream services, IFC’s focus in Africa is to work with public and private sector partners to support climate-smart, sustainable infrastructure services, which in turn open markets, spur growth, and create jobs. Over the last five years, IFC’s infrastructure commitments in Africa have almost doubled from $1.5 billion to $2.6 billion. About three quarters of the commitments were made across the energy, telecom, media and technology sectors.

With government budgets increasingly constrained, boosting private investment in Africa’s infrastructure has become more urgent and important than ever.

Learn more about IFC's work in infrastructure