NYERERE BRIDGE: According to the organizers, an efficient transport infrastructure is critical in ensuring Africa truly benefits from its rich natural resources and the World Bank estimates that the cost of moving goods in Africa is, on average, two or three times higher than in developed countries.

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA – The 7th East & Central Africa Roads and Rail Infrastructure Summit 2016 is expected to start on September 27  in Dar es Salaam. 
Top on the agenda are discussions about the bottlenecks, challenges and the way forward since infrastructure is a key aspect for economic growth in the region.
A statement availed to the East African Business Week from Magenta Global the organizers of the summit indicates that the summit will once again provide the authoritative platform that will synergize, strategize and reshape discussions to inspire new blueprints and dissect the critical issues hampering the successful execution of planned projects in the region.
The statement added that following successful editions in Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya, the 7th East & Central Africa Roadsand  Rail Infrastructure Summit 2016 will now return to Dar es Salaam as its geographical area is more conveniently.
Statement said the summit will featuring dedicated country sessions plus insightful presentations by industry experts, that event will once again provide the a useful platform to government policy makers, politicians, contractors and engineers in the region.
According to the organizers an efficient transport infrastructure is critical in ensuring Africa truly benefits from its rich natural resources and the World Bank estimates that the cost of moving goods in Africa is, on average, two or three times higher than in developed countries.
“Improved infrastructure may increase economic growth by 2% a year. Although major challenges still exist, concerted efforts by various governments in the region bodes well for all stakeholders to radically improve the quality, connectivity and sustainability of the transport infrastructure,’
‘Projects such as the Standard Gauge, DIKKM, LAPSSET and Central Corridor signal the commitment and vision for the region that it is truly moving forward,’ the statement reads in part.
The statement noted that in Kenya, the government expects the construction of new railway from Mombasa port to the capital, Nairobi, and will boost economic growth by 1.5% annually, as it will reduce the costs of moving freight by 60%. The Infrastructure Summit, now into its seventh edition, is an important and relevant platform to get the latest update on transport and investment policies, priority projects, procurement opportunities, project partnership and investment in the emerging roads and rail transport infrastructure sector of East & Central Africa.
Improving transportation connectivity between East and Central Africa holds the key to overall development of the region, paving the way for splendid opportunities for business and trade.
Rural and landlocked countries connectivity is particularly important for Africa as agriculture is a very important economy activity while perishable products often suffered from delays and post-harvest losses in remote areas. Effective intermodal solutions are the key to increase cargo throughput of bulky goods especially the rich mining products from the regions.
Major challenges facing the land transport system in the regions include destroyed roads, ageing infrastructure, poor track condition and maintenance, low availability and reliability of rolling stock, absence of private investment in infrastructure, incompatible gauge between rails and low axle load need to be effectively address.
Meanwhile, the huge gas discoveries in Tanzania and Mozambique will be a subject of intense interest among the global energy industry players.

By Damas Makangale, Sunday, September 18th, 2016

Source: Business Week

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