Africa: Infrastructure is the key to poverty reduction

African infrastructure development lags behind other regions. The lack of rural roads, telecommunications, electrification and water services is weakening poverty reduction efforts. Poor infrastructure directly affects poverty and requires urgent attention. A publication from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) explores the problem of inadequate infrastructure and approaches to remedying it. Poor infrastructure affects health, education, access to markets and investment. Transport costs for individual travel and for freight are far higher in Africa than in Asia, making products less competitive.