Addressing regional connectivity challenges in Africa

The importance of infrastructure and industrial development in fostering regional integration in Africa cannot be overstated. CNBC Africa's Esther Awoniyi recently sat down with Pierre Guislain, the Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialization at the African Development Bank (AfDB), to discuss the challenges and opportunities in addressing regional connectivity in Africa. Regional integration, a key theme of this year's annual meetings, is intrinsically linked to regional connectivity, encompassing transport, ICT, and power infrastructure. Guislain highlighted the significant progress that has been made in recent years, citing various projects funded by the AfDB to enhance regional connectivity across the continent. These include the financing of the final segment of the Cape Town to Cairo Road in Tanzania, the inauguration of the Senegambia River Bridge connecting Gambia and Senegal, and the development of critical infrastructure in Namibia's Walvis Bayport. These projects play a crucial role in connecting countries and regions, facilitating trade and economic growth. One of the key challenges in promoting regional connectivity is the issue of landlocked countries in Africa. Guislain pointed out that 16 countries on the continent are landlocked, underscoring the importance of infrastructure linkages to coastal cities for their economic development and integration into regional markets. In addition to funding infrastructure projects, the AfDB also works with governments to streamline transport and trade logistics, addressing border delays and bureaucratic hurdles that impede the smooth flow of goods and people. An essential component of regional integration is the facilitation of travel and trade through policy measures such as the Visa Openness Index. While progress has been made in reducing visa requirements for African travelers, Guislain emphasized the need for further improvements to promote intra-African tourism and economic interactions. By highlighting success stories like Rwanda's visa openness initiatives, countries can unlock economic benefits and enhance regional cooperation. The recent entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) represents a significant milestone in regional integration efforts. However, Guislain acknowledged that translating the CFTA agreement into practical measures and overcoming behavioral barriers will be a complex task requiring sustained effort. The AfDB is committed to supporting the implementation of the CFTA through initiatives such as establishing the Secretariat and collaborating with countries to enhance border crossings and trade facilitation. Crucially, Guislain emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in driving the success of regional integration initiatives. By advocating for policy reforms, promoting cross-border investment, and supporting government efforts to liberalize trade, the private sector can unlock new opportunities for businesses and individuals in Africa. Collaboration between the public and private sectors will be essential in realizing the vision of a unified African market and fostering sustainable economic growth. As Africa continues its journey towards greater regional connectivity and integration, the key lies in leveraging infrastructure development, policy reforms, and private sector engagement to forge stronger economic ties and unlock the continent's vast potential. With a concerted effort from all stakeholders, Africa's regional integration agenda can become a reality, paving the way for shared prosperity and sustainable development across the continent.