Main Messages for COMESA
Eastern and Southern Africa respectively lag and lead the continent on infrastructure – prices remain very high
Regional power trade could save EAPP/NB and SAPP areas US$2.1 billion per year (and millions of tons of CO2 emissions)
Regional fiber optic network within reach for modest investment and with potential to slash costs
Regional road network in relatively good shape, particularly relative to traffic
Despite condition of infrastructure, freight moves at ‘horse-and-buggy’ pace
More competitive transport services needed to drive down high costs of road freight
Africa’s trade development requires sound ports strategy based on regional hubs, competitive transport services and improved inland linkages
Relatively advanced air transport market but still far to go on liberalization and surveillance. Safety remains an issue
Achieving regional integration for Eastern and Southern Africa would require sustained spending of US$5.5 billion a year
Efficient regional institutions are essential to deliver and share promised benefits of regional infrastructure
More coordination of the different stakeholders on common regional agendas are required.