The article discusses how Africa's next wave of infrastructure investment will be led by energy, transport, and logistics.Bowale Odumade, founder of SeedTree Capital, emphasizes that reliable electricity is Africa's most urgent infrastructure priority.She warns that without addressing power deficits, economic transformation will remain constrained.

The African Development Bank estimates an annual infrastructure financing gap of over $100 billion, with inadequate electricity, inefficient transport systems, and weak logistics networks hindering productivity and trade.Odumade highlights the need to mobilize finance for projects and connect power to consumers and industries.She argues that improving electricity supply will have ripple effects across sectors, reducing costs and boosting competitiveness.

Transport and logistics are also identified as key investment areas, with upgrading ports, roads, and rail networks essential for reducing business costs and expanding regional trade.

The article notes that infrastructure investments should be viewed as interconnected assets, enabling broader economic transformation through industrialisation and manufacturing growth.Despite existing domestic capital pools, the disconnect lies in a shortage of well-prepared projects rather than funding.Policymakers are urged to prioritize project preparation and public-private partnerships to attract investment.