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Top 10 African countries with the largest private infrastructure investment

Private infrastructure investment has enormous potential for addressing the infrastructure deficit in low- and middle-income nations.
10 African countries with the largest private infrastructure investment
10 African countries with the largest private infrastructure investment
  • Business Insider Africa presents the 10 African countries with the largest private infrastructure investment.
  • 68 countries received investments across 322 projects, with some achieving their first private participation in infrastructure transactions in over a decade.
  • This list is courtesy of a report from the World Bank.

While governments play an important role in infrastructure development, the limited availability of financial resources necessitates the engagement of private investors.

This is where private infrastructure investment becomes pivotal in the economic development of these countries. Private investors offer cash, expertise, and flexibility to infrastructure development, augmenting public funds and easing fiscal limitations.

Furthermore, their profit-driven strategy promotes accountability and encourages innovation, resulting in cost-effective and high-quality infrastructure solutions.

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2025-07-11T07:58:31+00:00
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on Thursday solidified this vision by signing an agreement with COLAS, a prominent UK-based global infrastructure firm, marking the official commencement of the Kampala City Roads and Bridges Upgrading Project (KCRBUP). ‘
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago at the project signing

Any economy is based on its infrastructure, which includes its water supply, electricity systems, transportation networks, and telecommunications.

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A lack of infrastructure may be a major obstacle to Africa's growth, hindering industrialization and making it more difficult to access basic services. Fortunately, this is a problem that private investors have taken an interest in, and over the years they have made significant contributions.

A report by the World Bank, noted that the private sector infused $86B into infrastructure development in low- and middle-income nations in 2023. This unfortunately represented a 5% decline in investment compared to the year prior.

“In 2023, 68 countries received investments across 322 projects, compared to 54 countries and 260 projects in 2022. Guinea Bissau, Libya, Papua New Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Suriname achieved their first private participation in infrastructure (PPI) transactions in more than a decade,” the report reads.

With that said, here are the 10 African countries with the highest private infrastructure investment.

10 African countries with the largest private infrastructure investment

RankCountryPPI investments (USD millions)
1.Egypt2,306
2.South Africa1,044
3.Senegal316
4.Tanzania308
5.Tunisia292
6.Democratic Republic of Congo287
7.Ethiopia282
8.Guinea227
9.Cabo Verde154
10.Ghana137

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