ECOWAS Pushes PPP Reforms to Bridge West Africa Infrastructure Gap

ECOWAS public‑private partnerships infrastructure financing West Africa unsolicited proposals

At the ECOWAS Infrastructure Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Director‑General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Jobson Ewalefoh, urged West African governments to expand public‑private partnerships (PPPs) as a core strategy to address the continent’s $68‑108 billion annual infrastructure financing shortfall. He highlighted the role of unsolicited proposals—private‑initiated projects that fund their own preparation—to reduce public burdens and accelerate delivery of roads, rail, water, energy and housing assets.

The fifth ECOWAS regional PPP forum adopted around twenty recommendations aimed at harmonising regulatory frameworks, improving project preparation, and integrating environmental, social and governance criteria. Participants called for transparent assessment of unsolicited proposals, greater involvement of SMEs, women and youth, and the creation of innovative financing and risk‑sharing instruments. The forum also urged regional and international financial institutions to boost technical and financial support for key infrastructure sectors.

Sources

Africa: Governments Cannot Bridge Infrastructure Gap Alone, Says ICRC - REGTECH AFRICA [regtechafrica.com]

6 days ago

ECOWAS Adopts Recommendations on Accelerating Infrastructural Development - Voice of Nigeria [von.gov.ng]

8 days ago