Why African infrastructure projects fail to secure funding

In a previous article, it was established from research that private investors globally have at least US$500 billion in funds under management which they desire to deploy in the development of infrastructure projects across Africa. Africa being the continent that needs this most is ironically the continent that spends the least on the development of its infrastructure. The potential and scope for funding African infrastructure is enormous; however such potential is hamstrung by the state and management of public finances and the debt levels of African governments.  Statistics show that less than 10% of infrastructure projects in Africa reach completion and that 80% fail at the feasibility and business planning stage. Projects fail for various reasons the biggest being limited capabilities, which include the ability to draw up realistic budgets, designs, and implementation of the said infrastructure projects with commercial potential due to short political cycles that challenge commitments to long-term infrastructure projects.   In China, which has exceptionally advanced infrastructure systems, it is not surprising to find development plans for the next 100 years. This is regardless of the political dispensation of the day. The agenda for national development takes precedence over the politics. Unfortunately, in much of Africa this dynamic is