Africa's growing infrastructure gap must be urgently addressed - PIC

JOHANNESBURG - Executive head of research and project development at the Public Investment Corporation, Lucky Pane, said that Africa's growing infrastructure gap needs to be urgently addressed as the continent grapples with growth challenges.

Pane's call is part of key issues on the table at some of the G20 talks in the country ahead of the leaders' summit in November.

Improving roads, bridges, railways and power lines are among critical issues linked to trade and emerging economies, with infrastructure deficits slowing growth on the continent.

He said the infrastructure challenges hindered economic growth, suppressed productivity and impacted the emergence of new and developing industries.

"Without the capital needed, we will continue to face the challenge and we’ll not be able to achieve the sustainable development goals."

Pane said the gap is estimated at between 130 and 170 billion dollars a year.

"It is quite essential that we address this to unlock the economic growth and inclusive growth."