Progress, challenges, opportunities and priority actions to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 9

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive industrialization, and foster innovation in Africa. Despite progress, challenges such as financing gaps, COVID-19 disruptions, and slow industrialization persist. Infrastructure investment declined by 10% in 2020 due to the pandemic, with transport, energy, and water sectors facing significant funding shortfalls. While 82% of Africans have access to 3G networks, a digital gender gap and rural connectivity issues remain. Industrialization lags, with manufacturing contributing only 10.5% of GDP, hindered by trade barriers, weak value chains, and debt distress. Opportunities lie in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which could boost intra-African trade by 28% and reduce poverty. Priority actions include enhancing blended finance, leveraging green bonds, improving digital access, and implementing industrial policies to drive structural transformation.