Africa is facing a massive infrastructure financing gap of approximately US$120.83 billion, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in its newly released 2025 Economic Report. The report emphasizes the urgent need for African countries to prioritize strategic infrastructure investments, embrace digital transformation, and enhance climate change adaptation efforts.
Speaking at the University of Zambia (UNZA) on Wednesday, Zodwa Mabuza, UNECA’s Chief for Sub-regional Initiatives in Southern Africa, highlighted the growing threat climate change poses to Africa’s aging and insufficient infrastructure. She pointed out that roads, especially in rapidly urbanizing and coastal areas, are at high risk from rising sea levels and extreme weather events. If current trends continue and adaptation measures are not implemented, the continent could suffer infrastructure damage costing up to US$4 billion annually by 2030.
Zodwa Mabuza, UNECA’s Chief for Sub-regional Initiatives in Southern Africa
Mabuza stressed that the effects of climate change are already being felt across Africa, with increasing instances of floods, droughts, heatwaves, and tropical cyclones. These events are not only damaging infrastructure but also threatening the continent’s food systems, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of people. She warned that without urgent action, the economic and social progress achieved over the past decades could be reversed, worsening poverty and inequality.
One of the key concerns highlighted was the vulnerability of Africa’s 16 landlocked countries, such as Zambia, which rely heavily on road networks and access to regional seaports for trade. Mabuza called for greater efforts to connect these countries to coastal infrastructure to improve market access, boost economic resilience, and cushion the impact of climate disruptions.
In order to improve trade efficiency and competitiveness throughout the continent, the UNECA report also recommends regulatory changes to expedite customs and transportation processes. To ensure that Africa can adjust to a rapidly changing climate while maintaining economic activity, investments in digital technologies and smarter infrastructure systems are considered essential.
The UNECA cautions that Africa may suffer severe setbacks if the infrastructure financing gap is not filled and climate threats are not addressed. However, the continent can create resilient infrastructure systems that promote sustainable growth and shield communities from future shocks with focused investments, regional cooperation, and climate-smart policies.
