Infrastructure News

Egypt is the most attractive African country for investment according to Rand Merchant Bank's eight edition of 'Where to invest in Africa'. The analysts believe that efficient infrastructure is essential to uncovering opportunities and unlocking Africa's growth potential.

African governments need to embrace private sector infrastructure investment to alleviate the burden on the public purse. Sukuk – the Islamic equivalent of bonds – give investors a share of an asset together with the attendant cash flows and risk.

The current mismatch between capital seeking profitable ventures and the chronic deficit of large-scale investments in Africa can be addressed through closer collaboration with institutions such as the World Bank Group.

A war of words is emerging between China and the West over who has the best interests of Africa at heart when it comes to vitally needed investment.

An Africa power sector scorecard shows that solar will make inroads into the African energy sector over the next two years, accounting for 9% of new capacity additions.

A study has found that 60% of international public finance in African energy goes to fossil fuels, compared to just 18% to cleaner alternatives. Are wealthy countries offshoring emissions?

African Development Bank chief denies nations have been pushed into a debt trap but says they should take ownership of deals.

The UK government's pledge to generate up to £8bn of public and private investment in Africa is the latest example of a trend where governments are turning to innovative finance, mobilising the private sector to make their development funds achieve larger impact.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday pledged $60 billion in financing for projects in Africa in the form of assistance, investment and loans, as China furthers efforts to link the continent's economic prospects to its own.

China’s President Xi Jinping pledged $60 billion in financing for Africa’s development and waived some debt owed by the continent’s poorest countries, batting away criticism that Chinese investments may be exacerbating a looming African debt crisis.

Xi Jinping, China’s president, has pledged $60bn for African development over the next three years while countering criticism that Beijing is trying to ensnare African governments in a debt trap.

While US politicians are ringing alarms about over-reliance on Chinese financing, analysts who study Sino-Africa relations see fresh opportunities for African leaders to negotiate deals that better serve their countries’ interests.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told African leaders on Monday that China's investments on the continent have "no political strings attached" and are not for “vanity projects”, even as Beijing is increasingly criticised over its debt-heavy deals abroad.

African countries have shown a healthy appetite for Chinese loans but some experts now worry that the continent is gorging on debt, and could soon choke.

Infrastructure growth in Africa has been seen mainly in the ICT and energy sectors while the water supply and sanitation sector is still lagging behind.

UK aid will help over 11 million people living off the grid access clean energy. UK aid is supporting the growth of innovative solar technology companies which are providing clean energy to off-grid households in Africa.

Any African country interested in making progress should follow the Rwandan model and invest in a wall-to-wall ICT infrastructure to facilitate e-governance, or risk being left behind.

The UK has pledged to provide new investment of up to £300 million to build essential infrastructure such as power, roads and water in Africa.

By leaving the EU, the UK will soon have the freedom to make new alliances — no longer bound by its role as the most reluctant member of a 28-nation bloc. The opportunity is to treat African nations as partners and equals, not as risks or charity cases.

Africa has emerged as a hotbed for solar investment. In the last three years, solar has been one of the most popular sectors for development institutions and private sector investors targeting areas with significant potential for social and economic returns.