1) The document discusses enhancing trade in Africa through improved spatial planning and infrastructure. It outlines the importance of trade for economic growth and challenges with Africa's current transportation, energy, telecommunications, and water infrastructure networks. 2) Spatial planning is described as a framework for guiding infrastructure development and land use patterns to optimize connectivity and trade. Case studies of successful infrastructure projects in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Botswana/Zambia are also provided. 3) Potential opportunities from improved spatial planning include increased regional integration, public-private partnerships, economic growth, technology adoption, and sustainable development. Challenges include insufficient funding, regulatory barriers, and lack of coordination across different stakeholders.

1. TRADE IN
AFRICA
ENHANCING TRADE IN
AFRICA THROUGH
IMPROVED SPATIAL
PLANNING
INFRASTRUCTURE
Mutabazi Sam Stewart
Conference on Land Policy in Africa, November 2023, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

2. 2
Importance of trade for economic growth and
development in Africa
1. Market Expansion
2. Regional Integration
3. Enhanced Competitiveness
4. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
5. Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction
6. Knowledge Transfer and Skill
Development

3. 3
Export & Import
The total value of exports (FOB) is US$
310,083 million. The total value of
imports (CIF) is US$ 305,528 million.
Total Food Import Bill for Africa has
increased from $10 Billion in 2002 to
$35 Billion in 2022.
Nigeria, South Africa and Angola
account for Half of Africa's total
imports
Africa's top exports include: Petroleum,
Gold, diamonds, natural gas and Coal.
$ 310,083
FOB
Exports
$ 305,528
Imports

4. 4
Spatial Planning
Making informed decisions about where and
how different activities should be located
Design, Development and Management of
Infrastructure networks
Framework for Guiding and Managing Spatial
Growth
Land Use Planning, Land use Patterns and
Zoning

5. 5
Importance of Trade
Market
Expansion
Regional
Integration
Enhanced
Competitiveness
Foreign
Direct
Investment
(FDI)
Inclusive
Growth &
Poverty
Reduction
Knowledge
Transfer &
Skill
Development

6. 6
Export & Import

7. 7
Why Spatial Planning
Space
(Land) is
elastic, use it
wisely
Unplanned
infrastructure
leads to
stuntedness
Unplanned
Development
is informality
Disorganized
Development
is Anarchy
Without
infrastructure
without
Development
Development
doesn’t just
happen. It is
planned

8. 8
Overview of Current Trade Situation in Africa
1. Diversification
2. Economic Growth
3. Poverty Reduction
4. Foreign Investment
5. Regional Integration

9. 9
Best Practices & Case Studies
BEST PRACTICES
Public-private partnerships
Stakeholder engagement
and participation
Long-term planning and
prioritization
Sustainable and resilient
infrastructure
CASE STUDIES
Mombasa-Nairobi
Standard Gauge Railway
(Kenya)
Djibouti-Addis Ababa
Railway (Ethiopia)
Kazungula Bridge
(connecting Botswana and
Zambia)

10. 10
Development and
Connectivity of
infrastructure
Identification of
Trade Corridors
and strategic
routes
Logistics and
Industrial zones
for storage,
handling
Boarder
Infrastructure to
reduce trade
barriers
Special Economic
Zones (SEZs) for
specific
incentives
Clustering
economic
activities -
Innovation hubs
Regional
Integration e.g.
AfCFTA, and
other RECs
Spatial Planning & Trade

11. 11
Transportation Infrastructure
• Roads: Many African countries face challenges
with poorly maintained or inadequate road
networks, hindering connectivity within and
between regions
• Railways: Limited coverage and outdated
infrastructure impede efficient transportation of
goods and passengers
• Ports: Capacity constraints, outdated facilities,
and inefficient operations affect maritime trade
State of infrastructure in Africa

12. 12
Energy Infrastructure
Access to Electricity
Sub-Saharan Africa has the
lowest access to electricity
globally, with rural areas
being especially underserved.
Power Generation
Overreliance on traditional
energy sources, infrastructure
deficits, and underdeveloped
renewable energy capacity
impact the stability and
affordability of electricity
supply

13. 13
Telecommunications and Information Technology
Internet Connectivity: Low broadband
penetration, limited coverage, and
high costs hinder access to
information and digital services.
ICT Infrastructure: Insufficient
telecommunications infrastructure and
inadequate data connectivity hinder
digital transformation and innovation.

14. 14
Water and Sanitation
Clean Water Access: Many African
countries struggle to provide safe and
reliable access to clean drinking water,
particularly in rural areas.
Sanitation Services: Limited access to
proper sanitation facilities, such as toilets
and sewage systems, leads to health and
hygiene concerns.

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1. Increased Investment: Governments and international
organizations should prioritize infrastructure investments,
including public and private financing options.
2. Regional Integration: Enhancing cross-border cooperation
and coordination to develop regional infrastructure projects,
promote trade, and improve connectivity.
3. Maintenance and Upgrades: Ensuring regular maintenance
and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure to prolong the
lifespan and improve efficiency.
4. Renewable Energy: Expanding renewable energy sources to
improve access to electricity while promoting sustainable
and clean energy solutions.
5. Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging partnerships
between governments, private sector entities, and
development organizations to facilitate infrastructure
development.
6. Improved Governance: Strengthening governance
frameworks, combating corruption, and streamlining
bureaucratic procedures to optimize infrastructure delivery
and maintenance.
Areas of Improvement

16. 16
Sustainable Urbanization
Improved Access to Services
Tourism and Cultural Heritage
Increased Agricultural Productivity
Enhanced Trade and Economic Growth
Improved Regional Connectivity and Integration
Climate Resilience & Environmental Sustainability
Potential Benefits of Improved Spatial Planning
of Infrastructure in Africa

17. 17
• Different countries, regions, and stakeholders is crucial to Financing
Insufficient funding for infrastructure development poses a major
challenge. Adequate financial resources, both domestic and international,
need to be mobilized to support infrastructure projects.
• Regulatory Barriers: Complex regulatory frameworks, bureaucratic
procedures, and inefficient customs processes hinder the movement of
goods and services across borders.
• Coordination and Cooperation: Achieving effective coordination and
cooperation among sure seamless connectivity and trade facilitation.
• Capacity Building: Building the technical and managerial capabilities of
government agencies and institutions responsible for infrastructure
development is essential to achieve successful outcomes.
• Environmental and Social Impacts: Infrastructure development can have
unintended negative impacts on the environment and local communities. It
is important to ensure sustainable and socially inclusive practices
throughout the planning and implementation process.
Challenges

18. 18
1. Regional Integration: Improved spatial planning infrastructure can
support regional integration initiatives such as the African Continental
Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), fostering increased intra-African trade.
2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaboration between governments
and private sector entities can leverage additional resources, expertise,
and innovation in infrastructure development.
3. Job Creation and Economic Growth: Infrastructure projects have the
potential to generate employment opportunities, stimulate economic
activities, and contribute to overall economic growth.
4. Technology Adoption: Enhancing spatial planning infrastructure provides
an opportunity to leverage technological advancements such as smart
transportation systems, digital connectivity, and automated logistics.
5. Sustainable Development: Infrastructure improvements can be aligned
with sustainable development goals, incorporating climate-resilient
design, renewable energy, and green infrastructure.
Opportunities

19. 19
Thank You
Contacts:
Mutabazi Sam Stewart
Urban Transportation Planner
Email: mutabazistewartsam@gmail.com