East Africa prioritises road construction

Subject

East Africa road construction.

Significance

In late November, the last mile of pavement linking Kenya and Ethiopia’s national highways was completed at the border post of Moyale. With the completion of this final stretch, metalled roads now link all major East African cities. In recent years, governments across the region have placed an emphasis on road-building projects as a tool for achieving economic growth, improving national and regional integration, and gaining political advantage.

Impacts

• Successful road schemes can bolster the political support of regional leaders.
• Chinese involvement in vital road construction provides Beijing with leverage over East African governments.
• The African Development Bank has championed a continent-wide highway; East Africa is leading the way with regional developments.
• Constructing new roads brings political benefits, but maintenance of existing roads may receive lower priority.