Africa’s Infrastructural Revolution/May ’29 -By Richard Odusanya

Across the continent of Africa, economic growth and development have gained significant momentum in recent years. But with growth comes a challenge: building and funding the infrastructure to support it. Therefore, it throws-up some pertinent question: the first question which is where will the funding for Africa’s infrastructure come from?

Secondly, with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) underway, another question that remains largely unanswered pertains to the extent to which Africa has positioned itself to take full advantage and the implications of the 4IR for Africa, given the capacity of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to change and shape the continent of Africa?

Third and most importantly, in all honesty, does Africa appear like investment destination of choice without Infrastructural Revolution? The three questions and perhaps many more are likely to be agitating the minds of our compatriots home and abroad.

Undoubtedly, Africa is in dire need of modern railway infrastructure to propel the continent to rapid development. In addition, transportation costs keep rising due to fluctuating fuel prices. Therefore, for the purpose of maximization in infrastructure, it is clear that there is a need for massive investment in key transportation areas, particularly, the rail sector in Africa. Railways are critical to creating continental value chains and trade corridors.

As such, failure to achieve the set goal will be considered failure of leadership in Africa. Because railroads provide a means for goods to be transported from one location to another, as well as allowing for the transfer of information and knowledge across different countries in the continent.

Furthermore, efficient rail transportation in Africa, particularly, in these era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Railways has the potential to transform Africa’s economy, increase its productivity and enhance its global trade. In doing so, it would dramatically improve the wellbeing of African citizens. Study shows that the lack of physical infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa is still keeping many investors at bay. Let me share an example: the cost of transportation in Africa is on average 50 – 175% higher than other parts of the world as a result of poor infrastructure.

Additionally, about 60,000km and 100,000km of new roads are required to provide effective intra-continental connectivity in Africa by 2030. The current pace of infrastructure development in Africa cannot keep up with rising demand from communities and markets, subsequently having an impact on Africa’s competitiveness and participation in global markets. Particularly, in these era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Consequently, the poor state of infrastructure has led to the reduction of national economic growth by 2% annually in most African countries and as much as 40% reduction in industrial productivity. This means that with proper arrangements, railroads can help create regional integration, which in turn accelerates inclusive economic growth through increased efficiency and lower costs as the continent takes advantage of the 4IR.

Let me at this point reminiscence and flash back to May 29, 2023. In my contribution through an article that was specifically dedicated for the inauguration of the new government then with the title: “Nigeria We Hail Thee’ or ‘Arise O Compatriots” of which was widely published by local and international media organizations, the contribution was targeted at reawakening our consciousness as a people and as a nation. Thankfully, it received the attention of the government and a few days ago was passed to law by the Federal House of Representatives (HoR).

Also, as a patriot, my prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT), which goes thus: “Today as the destiny of Nigeria is handed over to President Tinubu. I join my faith with millions of our compatriots home and abroad in praying for the wisdom of king Solomon, knowledge and understanding to pilot the affairs of the nation to heal the wounds, embrace all entities for a feel of inclusiveness and to move the nation to a progressive development” in this vein,   it is important to join hands together for the purpose of rebuilding hope and trust in ourselves.

Before I proceed, I need to be clear: Nigeria is currently experiencing its worst economic crisis in a generation, this is based on empirical evidence. One year down the line, Nigerians may still not have experience significant change. But, it is not all doom and gloom for Nigeria. For example, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.98% (year-on-year) in real terms in Q1 2024. This growth rate is higher than the 2.31% recorded in the Q1 2023 and lower than Q4 2023 growth of 3.46%. ~ Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Lest I forget, Nigeria, at some point in history, was a country where foreigners used to come for medical and educational tourism in the 60s and 70s, has now become a shadow of its old self. Long-story-short: the foundation of where we are today, as a nation was recklessly laid by successive administrations through profligacy recklessness and corruption. Obviously, It didn’t start on May ’29, 2023. Yes, we made mistakes, but there’s no point in crying over spilled milk. We’ve got to move on, rebuild our nation from the ruins of the past. This is where the campaign about Mind Restructuring becomes inevitable.

Undoubtedly, Nigerians are going through tough times. However, the situation that we found ourselves, in all honesty are basically self inflicted. Yes! The nation is bleeding and there is hunger in the land. Somehow, there is great advantage for nations that produces good citizens and leaders, but, sadly, becomes a pipe dream for Nigerians. The attributes of good citizens and leaders are a combination that has eluded Nigeria for very long time. Even those who are not yet Presidents want to live in opulence without the commensurate effort at earning what is required for such a life!

Therefore, it is time, for us to begin to interrogate issues with open minds. Somehow, those who are not Presidents, or governors, when making choices, mostly gravitate towards what they condemn. Those who live on others, as many Nigerians like to do, would live on the State if they get the opportunity. Because majority of our people want to live rich without the resources to do so, and then we complain about so-called leaders, who are nothing but a reflection of the society that raised them. This is the sad realities of our beloved country Nigeria.

In conclusion, and to further drive home the point of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, AFRICA’S INFRASTRUCTURAL REVOLUTION and the Nigerian DEBACLE. Permit me to share with you the profound words of Orji Uzor Kalu, the senator representing Abia North Senatorial District. Speaking on the floor of the Senate chamber, a couple days ago. OUK, eloquently posited: “If we don’t revamp the steel industry in Ajaokuta, Kastina, Alaja, Jos and Aluminum in Akwa Ibom, there’s no way we can talk of industrialization in Nigeria.”

OUK continued: “Aba and Nnewi has the human resources to engage in any form of manufacturing but the steels are not available. There is nothing that can stop Nigeria from dedicating a one year budget to rebuild our steel industries. The job creations we are always talking about lies in the steel industries. The country can be great if we do the right thing”

In my view, one of the right things is to improve upon the content and quality of our human capital especially at the low-income levels because, in the final analysis, they are the ultimate users of this infrastructure and can make or break them

Finally, I like to make specific reference to the speech of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, president of the Republic of Uganda, who in an address to the ‘AFRICA HEADS OF STATES SUMMIT’ in a 19:06 video clip Museveni succinctly captured the essence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the African context and how best to reason and think developmentally.

Also, on this’d 25 May, ‘Africa day 2024.’ I am privileged and honoured to dedicate this article “Africa’s Infrastructural Revolution..” a day which commemorates the historic event in 1963, when African nations came together to form the Organization of African Unity, the precursor to the African Union (AU). It is a day to celebrate the many successes and progress made throughout the continent while recognizing each nation’s challenges.