Keita: Intra-African trade remains low due to weak infrastructure

The 2025 African Caucus meeting in Bangui presented a critical platform for African leaders to address the ongoing challenge of low intra-African trade. Seedy Keita, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of The Gambia, delivered a pointed speech on the necessity of infrastructure development as a means to catalyze economic growth and regional integration across the continent.

In an interview with CNBC Africa, Minister Keita emphasized the significant role infrastructure plays in the economic lifeline of any region. He expressed concern over Africa’s considerable infrastructure gaps which are impairing trade among African nations. According to Keita, Africa needs to allocate approximately $170 billion annually to overcome these deficits and create a robust foundation for development.

“The infrastructure is the backbone of any economy,” Keita stated. “Africa has huge infrastructure deficits, particularly in transport networks. Without proper roads and bridges, trade among African countries remains limited, stifling potential economic growth and social stability.”

Minister Keita highlighted that the continent’s expansive youth population is a major advantage that requires significant harnessing. He pointed out that energy and digital infrastructure are critical components for leveraging Africa’s youthful demographic. Without addressing these areas, the innovation and potential of Africa’s youth remain untapped.

Pointing to economic models in Europe, America, and Asia, Keita noted that their success stories are heavily anchored in having developed pivotal infrastructure components. He argued that Africa must look to these models and strive to establish similar foundational developments to bolster connectivity within the continent.

Keita also stressed the necessity of approaching infrastructure development through innovative financial solutions, citing The Gambia’s successful asset recycling program involving the Senegambia Bridge. This project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), illustrates the potential of asset recycling as a methodology for generating capital and reinvestment into further infrastructure projects.

“We cannot solely rely on external funds or yearly budgets to finance our infrastructure requirements,” Keita argued. “Asset recycling allows us to securitize existing cash flows, such as those from the Senegambia Bridge, providing seed capital that can be reinvested into additional infrastructure, thereby expanding our economic capacity.”

Keita announced that since partnering with Africa 50 for managing the Senegambia Bridge under a concession period agreement, revenue collection increased by 50 to 60 percent, showing a promising model for future projects. This reinvestment approach promises a structured financial planning method toward solving Africa’s pervasive infrastructure challenges.

In essence, by unifying efforts via strategic financial initiatives and infrastructure development, Keita believes African nations can create a ripple effect of economic prosperity across the continent. Harmonized by shared interests, African countries can present a strong front in demanding support and recognition from global financial institutions, like the World Bank and IMF, to address their unique development needs.

As African leaders gather consensus around these priorities, the focus on a mix of infrastructure, human capital, and technological advancement remains essential. Addressing these would not only stabilize but potentially revolutionize intra-African trade, leading the world to view Africa not as a fragmentary entity but as a consolidated and emerging economic power.

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