APD 2025: "Power remains the continent’s most pressing infrastructure gap" – Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang

Vice President of Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has underscored the urgent need for Africa to address its power deficit, describing energy infrastructure as the continent’s most pressing challenge.

Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2025, she stressed that Africa’s aspirations for a unified market can only be realized through strategic investments in infrastructure, particularly in the power sector.

“Power remains the continent’s most pressing infrastructure gap, with over 30 countries experiencing frequent power outages. To address this, stronger partnerships between the government and private sector are necessary,” she stated.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that Ghana has made significant strides in infrastructure development, citing modernized ports, expanded road and railway networks, and increased energy investments.

However, she emphasized that more efforts are needed across the continent to enhance regional connectivity and facilitate trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

She highlighted the critical role of digital infrastructure in Africa’s transformation, pointing out that mobile technology has revolutionized financial inclusion through mobile money platforms.

However, she cautioned that Africa must go beyond celebrating its progress and take decisive action to bridge the infrastructure gap hindering economic growth.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also called for inclusive and representative policies, particularly to support women, who dominate cross-border trade but face cumbersome regulations and inadequate infrastructure.

The Vice President concluded by urging African leaders to adopt a coordinated policy approach to infrastructure development, ensuring sustainable energy access, efficient transportation networks, and a digitally inclusive economy.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith