Africa’s Future Depends on Connected Infrastructure, Says ZBCA Chief

President of the ZBCA, Dr. Tinashe Manzungu (image source)

Dr. Tinashe Manzungu, President of the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA), has called for urgent, interconnected infrastructure development across Africa, describing it as the continent’s “true scorecard” for economic transformation and inclusive recovery.

Speaking at the Master Builders Annual Congress, Dr. Manzungu emphasized that Africa’s fragmented infrastructure is a major barrier to achieving the goals of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He urged governments and regional blocs to prioritize cross-border connectivity and invest in skilled human capital to accelerate delivery.

“Delays in infrastructure delivery are no longer about planning timelines — they are costing Africa valuable time and opportunity,” Manzungu told delegates.

Africa’s Infrastructure Deficit

Africa’s population surpassed 1.5 billion in 2022, yet access to basic services remains alarmingly low. Only 31% of Sub-Saharan Africans have electricity, and just 48% access safe drinking water. According to Dr. Manzungu, the continent needs at least R150 billion annually to close its infrastructure gap, but most projects stall at the feasibility stage.

An estimated 80% of planned initiatives fail to progress, and up to 90% collapse before completion. Manzungu attributes this not only to funding shortfalls but to a critical shortage of engineers and technical professionals.

“We’re not just lacking financing; we’re lacking the capacity to deliver,” he said. “Without sufficient human capital, even well-funded ventures are bound to fail.”

Engineering Shortage: A Structural Barrier

Dr. Manzungu described Africa’s engineering deficit as a “structural barrier” to development. While Europe has one engineer per 200 people, South Africa has one per 3,100, and Zimbabwe just one per 3,400. To meet Agenda 2063 targets, Africa must train and deploy an additional 2.4 million engineers.

He also highlighted the need for regional cooperation, noting that leveraging platforms like the SADC Secretariat, East African Union, and African Business Council could help harmonize infrastructure policies and attract investment.

Trade and Connectivity Challenges

“It is currently cheaper to transport goods from Europe to Africa than within Africa,” Manzungu said. “Border controls impose excessive charges, making intra-African trade unviable.”

The AfCFTA agreement, signed by 54 African countries, aims to boost intra-African trade by reducing tariffs and improving logistics. However, Dr. Manzungu warned that without robust infrastructure — particularly in roads and railways — the agreement risks becoming symbolic rather than transformative.

The Way Forward

He called for practical, monitorable policies and public-private partnerships to ensure implementation. “Infrastructure is not just a development goal — it’s the foundation for Africa’s competitiveness,” he said.

Dr. Manzungu’s remarks come at a time when African economies are seeking post-pandemic recovery and long-term resilience. His message is clear: without coordinated infrastructure investment and skilled manpower, Africa’s ambitions will remain out of reach.