Regional integration is key

There are strong indications that
African countries are starting
to take control of their own
destinies rather than waiting for
others to build infrastructure on
their behalf.
And that bodes well for the
continent’s future, says Mark
Pearson, programme director,
TradeMark Southern Africa
(TMSA).
According to Pearson, countries
are taking up the challenge of
improving infrastructure.
“There are a number of trade and
transport infrastructure projects
planned and being implemented,
especially ports, railways,
roads, power plants and power
transmission systems,” he says.
But he believes regional
integration will play a key role in
Africa achieving success.
“Low levels of regional
cooperation remains one of
the biggest obstacles,” he says.
“Infrastructure projects in Africa
can only work on a region scale and
so need to be planned regionally
and implemented nationally, but
as one project even if the project
covers more than one country.”
At the same time there needs
to be more active follow-up on
decisions made.