A study into Africa's logistical nightmare
Africa’s transportation systems are both frustrating and risky, which means people spend more money using them. One study by the United Nations Trade and Development (Unctad) last year found that poor transport infrastructure in Africa significantly hinders trade by increasing costs, reduces competitiveness, and limits market access, all contributing to povertyPoor connectivity means road transport costs account for about 29 percent of the price of goods traded within Africa, compared to just 7 percent for those traded outside the continent,” the UNCTAD report observed. Another report by the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afrexim), looking into 54 African countries, said paving a kilometre of road had a direct proportional improvement in trade.“The analysis on the 54 African states over the period 2003-2020 shows that transport infrastructure development has a positive and significant effect on intra-African trade. A 1-point improvement in transport infrastructure development is assoc...