Sustainable Future lies on unlocking Africa’s Infrastructure Potential – Expert

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

A Chartered Surveyor and Civil Engineer, Engr. Babatunji Adegoke has stressed that in order to achieve a sustainability future Africans must work collaboratively to unlock their potential

Recall that the African Development Bank Group has granted a $100 million loan to the Emerging Africa and Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF) to support the development of sustainable infrastructure across Africa. This funding will help attract private investment and support projects in renewable energy, digital connectivity, transport, and other key sectors that promote inclusive growth and climate resilience.

Speaking as one of the panelists at the Economist Impact 2nd Annual Sustainability Week Africa in Cape Town, he underscored the need for strategic prioritization, local ownership, transparency, and accountability in infrastructure development, as well as effective governance and institutional coordination .

He said, “I always argue that Africans have already adopted sustainability right from the era of our forefathers they use red and bricks to build our homes, and we use natural sunlight.

“We have been adopting sustainability right before now although there is room for improvement and to adopt practices, professional ideas from other places including Europe.”

He appreciates the organisers, Economist *Impact 2nd Annual sustainability week Africa for the success of the conference noting that he wasn’t invited not just a speaker but a collaborator where professional ideas, partnership with colleagues can be achieved.

“We proved that sustainability is our path to progress and profit. We show that African solutions for African challenges are not just possible but they’re already being built as this just the beginning of new opportunities. “

Engr. Adegoke highlighted three takeaways at the conference arguing that there must be a shift old methods to investment as the conversation is not about longer is longer about problem but about profitable sustainable projects ready for funding.

The astute project manager said “we are moving beyond theories but tangible innovations like prefabrication and waste recycling that can cut costs and emissions.

“The energy room has proven that collaboration isn’t our greatest assets from policy makers to business leaders but we are uniting around the common vision. The key message is that African sustainability future is not a distance dream it’s a project in progress which I’m proud to be managing part of it.”

He emphasized that unlocking Africa’s infrastructure potential can drive economic growth, improve living standards, and enhance the continent’s global competitiveness.

The expert tasked on government, private sectors to prioritize investment in sustainable infrastructure which can help Africa leapfrog traditional development pathways and transition to a low-carbon economy.

He noted that African problems can only be solved by Africans although giving opportunities to tap from the developed nations.