Early-Stage Investment Readiness for Transport Infrastructure Projects
Building a New Frontier of African Infrastructure Sponsors through Entrepreneurship and Action-Led Learning
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Rationale
Why Transport Infrastructure Projects
Transport infrastructure projects are among the most important forms of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) because they enable governments to leverage private capital and expertise to deliver essential connectivity assets—such as roads, railways, airports, and ports.
These projects enhance mobility, trade, and regional integration while reducing public fiscal pressure.
Through PPP models like concessions, build-operate-transfer (BOT), or design-build-finance-operate (DBFO), private partners design, fund, and manage transport facilities, ensuring efficiency and long-term maintenance.
Transport PPPs stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and improve service delivery, making them critical enablers of sustainable infrastructure development and national competitiveness. The objective is to improve service efficiency, accessibility, and quality, often through partnerships between the public and private sectors. The Early-Stage Investment Readiness for Transport Infrastructure Projects focuses on the following
Surface Transport Infrastructure (Roads, Bridges, and Railways)
This category covers projects that facilitate land-based movement of goods and people. It includes:
- Highways and Expressways
- Bridges, Tunnels, and Interchanges
- Railways (light rail, metro, intercity)
These projects are often structured under Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) using Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM), or Concession models.
Typical Project Finance Characteristics
- Long-term debt (15–25 years)
- Revenue sources: tolls, availability payments, or shadow tolls
- Risks: traffic demand risk, construction cost overruns, and political risk
Port and Maritime Transport Infrastructure
This includes facilities that support sea and inland water transport, covering:
- Seaports and Terminals
- Container and Bulk Cargo Terminals
- Inland Dry Ports and Logistics Platforms
Port projects usually involve long-term concessions where private investors finance, expand, and operate port assets in exchange for user charges.
Typical Project Finance Characteristics
- High capital expenditure with long payback periods (20–30 years)
- Revenue from port tariffs, cargo handling, and storage fees
- Risks: trade volume risk, regulatory risk, and currency exposure
Aviation and Airport Infrastructure
This category includes the development, expansion, and operation of airports and associated facilities:
- Passenger terminals, runways, and cargo facilities
- Air navigation systems
- Airport city (aerotropolis) developments
These projects are often structured as concessions or BOT arrangements, with revenues from aeronautical (landing, parking, passenger fees) and non-aeronautical (retail, real estate) sources.
Typical Project Finance Characteristics
- Medium-to-long-term financing (10–20 years)
- Diversified revenue streams reduce demand risk
- Requires strong regulatory framework and traffic growth projections
Programme Objectives
The Programme aims to help with Early Stage Investment Readiness for Healthcare Infrastructure Projects to typically meet the following Bankability objectives
How Transport Infrastructure Projects can be characterized by a high degree of revenues predictability under a (partial or full) Contracted Revenue Arrangement with a creditworthy counterparty
How Transport Infrastructure Projects can be delivered under a fixed construction price and schedule with a Building (or EPC) Contractor with clear strategies for Optimal Operations during Post-Construction
How Transport Infrastructure Projects can be governed independently with strong Governance Systems and operate in an environmentally sustainable manner from development stage to post-construction phase
Get Involved
Participate as a Partner
As a partner in the Early Stage Infrastructure Investment Readiness (ESIR), you can contribute as a sponsor. Support the development of future African Project Sponsors by sponsoring participants, or offering employment opportunities to sector or institution graduates. You can also nominate young professionals from your organization to participate in the program for free.
Be a Speaker
The ESIR is a platform for you to share your leadership insights on infrastructure development in Africa.
If you would like to be a speaker, please send us your biography and expertise. This information will help us determine the session topics that best align with your experience and knowledge, allowing us to collaboratively define the most impactful sessions for you to contribute to.
Become a Sponsor
By becoming a sponsor, you play a crucial role in its success. your contributions can support scholarships, program materials, networking events, and mentorship opportunities.
Your sponsorship of ESIR helps nurture the next generation of infrastructure leaders in Africa, empowering them to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond.
Ready to find out more about getting Involved?
Contact us today for more information !
