African Infrastructure Research - Free Resources

[Lauri Elliott]

Originally posted at www.afribiz.info.

The results of the African Infrastructure Country Diagnostic (AICD) study was released by the World Bank today. It provides detailed data and analysis of the ICT, Power, Transport, Air Transport, Ports, Railways, Roads, Irrigation, Water Resources, Water Supply and Sanitation infrastructure sectors in 30 African countries. This research serves as a baseline for future infrastructure development in Africa.

But for the investor or business person, it helps you assess where to strategically place your business in Africa. One key element of any business model is the distribution channels for products/goods. The AICD study gives you plenty of details to narrow possible locations for operations when considering infrastructure. You can decide which country within a regional economic community, e.g., ECOWAS, to position your operations to streamline the delivery and improve efficiency across the region. You can pull information by sector, country and regional economic community.

There is an exorbitant amount of free research from this study available at www.infrastructureafrica.org. Since it was just launched, there are some hiccups with the website. Be patient. The research is worth the wait.

Since infrastructure issues are a major consideration when looking at where to invest or do business in Africa, Afribiz is dedicating the next few months to help you shape a strategic decision framework around infrastructure. We are calling this series, "Developing a Successful Business Model for Africa around the Infrastructure Issue."

Look for new strategic tools and information every week, starting November 16, 2009, at www.afribiz.info. Also, look for radio segments on infrastructure on AfribizTalk at www.blogtalkradio.com/afribiz, starting November 23, 2009. You can follow our updates in real-time at www.twitter.com/afribiz.

[Phil]

Yes - but there are other conisderations. One can look at where to invest as you say in the post but I think the wider concerns of how you deal with areas of infrastructure deficit is critical. For instance what happens to say farmers in a remote region who are currently part of a supply chain but subject to poor remuneration because of higher access/transport/volume costs. If infrastructure is brought to the areas where it is easier to perform and show project success you have a situation where the remote farmers are left further behind or lose their market all together. That is why I advocate a new paradigm in PPP.

I did write some papers for Trading Visions if you want to look in more detail http://www.tradingvisions.org/content/qa-mars-and-cadbury

[Lauri Elliott]

Thanks Phil, I agree with you. Its been difficult for business people and investors to get their hands around the infrastructure issue in Africa but I believe research like this will help them see areas of focus where they can succeed, if they take the approach of looking for locations that match their strengths and business opportunity.

[Phil]

Very good post - infrastructure and public private partnership issues are key particularly for rural communities.

I was able to make a few points on this subject to Obiageli Ezekwesili last year. Let us see how this site develops now.