Ibadan Journal of the Social Sciences
Volume 4, No. 1, 2006
Pages 14-32
DOI: 10.36108/ijss/6002.40.0120
Infrastructure Reform in Africa: What has happened and what is to be done?
Afeikhena Jerome
Department of Economics, University of Ibadan
Abstract
This study appraises the record of infrastructure reform in Africa. The results of two decades of regulatory reforms, implementation of the privatization and liberalization agenda, combined with the influx of private investment in infrastructure, have decidedly been mixed. In spite of modest achievements in network coverage and access to services especially in telecommunications, there has been a wide gap between popular perception and the reality on ground. There is now a significant base of experience around the world from which lessons can be learned. Infrastructure privatization should be viewed as a means to an end, and not an end in itself. The goal should be a more efficient, quality, service-delivery sector, that is fulfilling its social responsibilities. Privatization is only an effective means of achieving this goal in the context of appropriate market and regulatory frameworks.
Keywords: Infrastructure, reform, privatization and Africa.