Road transportation is the most frequently used means of moving goods and people in many African countries. That means road infrastructure is a key driver of economic development and opportunities on the continent.
However, only around one-third of rural dwellers live within two kilometres of an all-season road—the lowest accessibility in the developing world. Insufficient funding for routine maintenance work is also speeding up the deterioration of the existing network of roads, leaving many in poor condition.
The infrastructure challenges facing African governments are considerable and will require heavy investment.
Research estimates that between £14 and 19billion per year will need to be ploughed into transportation networks. Currently, just around £4billion is being spent annually.
One African country that is making a determined attempt to modernise its road infrastructure is Cameroon.
The government has recently announced a whopping £129 million project to upgrade four major roads.
These include a road around Lékié in the Centre Region and a road linking Mbalmayo with Sangmelima in the Cenre-South region.
This year is also set to see the launch of nine major road projects, covering a total of 345 miles.
Key projects include the 111-mile Ebolowa-Kribi road via Akom II, estimated to cost £176 million, and the Lolabé-Campo expressway.
In a further boost to the country’s road network, a new 23-mile long road was opened to traffic in February.
Built by the Chinese construction company Powerchina, the road runs through dense rainforest and links Ndjole and Mankim.
The opening of the road marks a major improvement in local transportation. Connecting several key towns, the road ends years of community travel difficulties.
Narrow and pothole-ridden roads previously resulted in slow travel and high transport costs.
Now, smooth and wide roadways allow for easier travel, more efficient timber and agricultural transportation, and reduced living costs.
