Transport infrastructure and trade in Africa “driving Africa’s trade through improved cross-border roads” : issues paper

Abstract

This paper examines the contribution of transport infrastructure, particularly roads, to cross border trade. It also explores how mainstreaming trade in the continent’s transport projects could boost their bank-ability and facilitate resource mobilization, especially in the context of Aid for Trade (AfT). Section 2 of this paper examines the relationship between infrastructure and economic development, focusing on trade, from a theoretical perspective but also highlighting empirical evidence from research in this area. Section 3 reviews efforts to improve Africa’s infrastructure, and Section 4 explores the prospects of harnessing the Aid for Trade (AfT) initiative to improve Africa’s infrastructure. Section 5 concludes the paper.