Samia urges Africa to accelerate infrastructure investment for economic growth

 By Our Correspondence,

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on African countries to accelerate investment in infrastructure, saying stronger transport and logistics networks are essential to expanding trade, attracting investment and improving the continent's economic competitiveness.

Speaking at the opening of the Africa50 Annual General Shareholders Meeting and the Infra for Africa Forum in Dar es Salaam, Samia said Africa must invest in resilient infrastructure capable of supporting long-term economic transformation amid a rapidly changing global environment.

The meeting, hosted in Tanzania for the first time, marks the 10th anniversary of Africa50 and brings together African heads of state, government officials, investors, development finance institutions, and private-sector leaders to discuss infrastructure financing across the continent.

"We are continuing to invest in infrastructure that positions Tanzania as a regional transport and trade hub while attracting investment and creating greater value from our natural resources," Samia said.

She highlighted Tanzania's ongoing collaboration with the private sector in developing strategic infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, ports and airports, saying the investments are reducing transport costs, facilitating trade and creating employment opportunities.

The president said shifting global economic, political and environmental conditions require African countries to strengthen regional connectivity and build infrastructure that can withstand future challenges while supporting economic integration.

She stressed that closer cooperation between governments, private investors and financial institutions will be critical to closing Africa's infrastructure financing gap and accelerating the delivery of high-impact development projects.

Held under the theme "A Decade of Economic Impact: From Ambition to Delivery," the forum is examining ways to mobilise greater investment for infrastructure projects that can drive sustainable economic growth and regional integration across Africa.