Ramaphosa Urges Bold Push to Fast-Track Africa’s Infrastructure Agenda

President Ramaphosa concluded by reaffirming Africa’s commitment to African-led development.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for renewed political will, stronger institutions and sustainable financing to accelerate infrastructure development across Africa, warning that delays could undermine the continent’s long-term growth and integration ambitions.

Addressing the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative (PICI) Heads of State and Government Meeting at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Friday, the President said strategic infrastructure must remain central to Africa’s transformation, trade integration and economic resilience.

“Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey. Through the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative, we are charting a course to accelerate the continent’s transformation by placing strategic infrastructure at the heart of our shared vision,” President Ramaphosa said in his closing remarks.

The meeting assessed progress across the PICI project portfolio and considered joint actions required to sustain momentum ahead of the African Union Summit scheduled for mid-February.

President Ramaphosa stressed that infrastructure development must deliver real benefits at community level, beyond physical assets.

“This initiative is not simply about building roads, bridges and energy corridors. It is about connecting our people, our economies and our aspirations. We must ensure these projects translate into tangible progress for every community, every region and every citizen,” he said.

In his opening address, the President described infrastructure as a catalyst for inclusive growth, expanding access to markets, essential services and economic opportunity.

“Infrastructure drives inclusive development. By prioritising infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic resilience and continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.

Citing a joint OECD–African Union Commission report, President Ramaphosa noted that Africa could double its GDP by 2040 if infrastructure investment is significantly scaled up. However, he cautioned that the funding gap remains substantial, with an estimated $130 billion to $170 billion required annually.

Governments currently contribute about 41% of infrastructure investment, highlighting their critical role in mobilising resources alongside development partners and the private sector.

Despite fiscal pressures and geopolitical uncertainty, the President said flagship PICI projects continue to show resilience. He pointed to tangible progress on major cross-border initiatives, including the Trans-Sahara Highway, now more than 90% complete, and the operational Algerian segment of the Nigeria–Algeria fibre optic link.

He also welcomed momentum around eliminating roaming charges in the East African Community, renewed political backing for the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline, and strong investor interest — exceeding $15 billion — in the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor.

To maintain progress, President Ramaphosa called for the PICI Secretariat to evolve into a dedicated project preparation facility capable of taking projects from concept to financial close.

“With adequate financial capacity, we can deploy high-level technical expertise, conduct rigorous feasibility studies and develop investment-ready project packages that meet international standards,” he said.

The President acknowledged persistent challenges, including financing constraints, weak coordination, limited institutional capacity and security risks, but said these obstacles can be overcome.

Looking ahead to the AU Summit, he said Africa must secure a clear mandate to strengthen political backing, institutional support and financing for the next generation of transformative infrastructure projects.

“We seek a mandate that re-energises political support, strengthens the institutional base and secures sustainable financing and partnerships,” he said.

President Ramaphosa concluded by reaffirming Africa’s commitment to African-led development.

“Africa’s development must be championed by Africans, driven by our leadership, financed through our ingenuity and sustained by our shared vision of a connected continent,” he said.

Established in 2011 following a proposal by South Africa, the PICI is a high-level platform designed to accelerate regional infrastructure development through political leadership. The initiative aligns with Agenda 2063 and currently comprises 12 member states, with Heads of State and Government serving as political champions under South Africa’s chairmanship.

Call to action for policymakers and investors

Governments, development partners and private investors are urged to engage proactively with PICI-backed projects, as Africa seeks to unlock growth, deepen integration and fast-track delivery of infrastructure that can reshape the continent’s economic future.