The delivery of electricity and transport – including both road and rail infrastructure – will be the determining factor in Africa’s success story, according to Thalma Corbett, chief economist for NKC Independent Economists. “There are significant infrastructure shortfalls, especially when it comes to transport, water and power. In East Africa for example they depend on hydro-electricity so whenever it does not rain enough they do not have enough electricity. And with many of these countries dependent on mining, which in turn is dependent on energy, it makes for major risk.” She said while improving energy resources was a priority for many African countries, it would have to top the agenda for years to come. “Finding other sources of energy is going to have to be a priority going forward.” Corbett said what was encouraging was the substantial wind and solar electricity potential on the continent – especially in southern Africa.
