Nat’l Tymes News Desk
AFRICA risks slowing its development if it does not urgently close its huge infrastructure deficit, Prof. Joshua Alabi has warned global leaders.
Speaking at a T20 side event during the G20 Summit in South Africa, held at the Capital Empire Hotel on 29 November 2025, the Board Chairman of GCB Bank PLC said Africa’s yearly infrastructure gap—currently estimated at US$108 billion—cannot be addressed through traditional funding approaches alone.
Prof. Alabi, who delivered a keynote paper on “Building Sustainable Collaboration: De-risking and Blending for Bankability,” called for stronger partnerships, increased domestic capacity, and innovative financing solutions to help African countries secure the investments needed for roads, ports, energy, water systems and other critical projects.
He pointed to Ghana’s experience with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) as proof that de-risking tools and blended finance models can attract significant capital and drive long-term economic transformation across the continent.
The event, organised by the African Think Tank for Infrastructure Development, focused on the theme “Enhancing Africa’s Infrastructure Gap: Transformation Through Investment and Partnership.” It brought together high-level leaders and experts to discuss how Africa can reposition itself as a competitive destination for infrastructure financing.
Other key speakers included H. E. Maj. Gen. Chris A. Garuba (Rtd.), Chairman of the African Think Tank for Infrastructure Development; His Eminence Nteyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, President General of Akwa Ibom State; Dr. Nthabiseng Moleko, Chairperson of South Africa’s National Empowerment Fund; and Mr. Tomohiro Ishikawa, Chief Regulatory Engagement Officer at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.
They all agreed that Africa must adopt bold strategies, deepen collaboration, and leverage both local and international partnerships to unlock the continent’s full infrastructure potential.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
