Climate-resilient transport infrastructure is the recipe that Africa needs to grow

A common topic that often emerges in the economic literature’s discussions on the high cost of transport in Africa is the lack and the poor status of infrastructure linking the different countries and regions in the continent. This factor is usually indicated as the main reason for the high price of African products and of the inability of Africa to compete in international markets. Instead, a less debated argument are the difficult geographical conditions faced by many African States - especially in Sub-Saharan Africa – that frequently need to cope up with floods, droughts, storms, and other natural disasters causing premature deterioration of such infrastructure and increased maintenance costs.

Droughts and high temperatures, for instance, can lower water levels in rivers and canals, making them inaccessible for waterborne transportation. Dry soil becomes more susceptible to erosion, leading to road damage, and can cause roads, bridges, and railway tracks to expand and contract, leading to structural cracks and ruin. On the other hand, floods and storms, when they do not directly damage transport infrastructure, may cause landslides or blow debris onto it, which can cause significant disruptions to transport. Coastal storms and rising sea levels can also erode coastlines, with destructive effects on coastal roads and ports.

Even though many African countries have begun investing in their transport infrastructures, still today, budget constraints and poor economic conditions to which many governments are confronted, do not allow them to put in enough effort in such improvements. Luckily, foreign investors are filling this gap. African ports are an example. Many port expansion projects over the continent are being carried out by international players from countries like the United Arab Emirates, China and more recently, Turkey.  Similar level of investments are being poured into international airports, while unfortunately road and railway networks still attract more limited funding, compared to the other modes of transport. In countries affected by harsh environmental conditions and frequent natural disasters - like most of Sub-Saharan African States - roads and railways are the infrastructure that is typically the most affected by high maintenance costs. It is therefore not a surprise if investors are less interested in financing them, knowing that the high maintenance costs of these types of infrastructure can cause a significant erosion of their profit margins.

Due to their direct exposure to these natural phenomena, roads and railways are particularly susceptible to damage from floods, heavy rains, and extreme heat. Floods can heavily damage road surfaces, while heavy rains can cause erosion and landslides disrupting road and railway transport. Extreme heat can also cause frequent cracking and deterioration of the road surface. Moreover, road and railway networks are generally very extensive in terms of length, as they cover vast areas and connect regions that are far from each other. This means larger surfaces to maintain, which significantly increases costs for the entities that have to deal with their repairs. In addition, the materials used for road and railway maintenance, such as asphalt concrete and rails, can be extremely expensive to procure or manufacture, especially when considering the large quantities needed.

This is why investing in climate-resilient infrastructure should be a priority for African governments, regional economic communities, and private investors interested to participate to infrastructure development plans in the continent. Africa not only needs more roads, railways and inland waterways, but also a strategy that ensures the use of sustainable materials and smart techniques for the development of such infrastructure. An example is the use of graphene, which is revolutionizing road construction, as this material enhances durability, strength, and longevity of roads.  By increasing the lifespan of roads, the need for frequent repairs and resurfacing is reduced, leading to lower maintenance costs and less environmental impact.  Graphene-enhanced roads can better withstand extreme temperatures and heavy rainfall, ensuring smoother and safer driving experiences. Last but not least, the reduced need for road repairs and resurfacing translates to lower carbon emissions from construction and transportation activities.

With regard to railways, an example of environmentally resilient railway infrastructure is the HS2 project in the UK, which connects Handsacre - in southern Staffordshire - to London. This high-speed rail project incorporates several features designed to withstand extreme weather events and minimize its environmental impact. Specifically, significant portions of the track have been elevated on viaducts, reducing the risk of flooding, with advanced drainage systems that have been installed to quickly dissipate water runoff, preventing waterlogging and erosion.  Moreover, tunnels have been designed to withstand flooding and are equipped with pumps to remove water.

Climate-resilient infrastructure, i.e., infrastructure that is planned, designed, built and operated with changing climate impacts in mind is crucial for Africa, due to the vulnerability of the continent to climate change impacts. By investing in environmentally resilient infrastructure, Africa can build a more sustainable future, ensuring lower repair and maintenance cost, thus making infrastructure investments more attractive, while providing a more effective response to the challenges of climate change.

Read a revised version of the article on The Habari Network.