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Infrastructure

Infrastructure refers to the fundamental physical and organisational systems and facilities necessary for the operation of a society, economy or enterprise. It encompasses a broad range of sectors including transport (roads, railways, ports and airports), energy (power generation, transmission and distribution networks), water and sanitation (treatment plants, pipelines and sewerage systems), telecommunications (fibre-optic networks, mobile towers and data centres) and social infrastructure (schools, hospitals and public buildings). In the African context, infrastructure development is widely recognised as a critical enabler of economic growth, industrialisation and poverty reduction. Many African countries face significant infrastructure deficits, with inadequate road networks, unreliable electricity supply, limited access to clean water and underdeveloped digital connectivity constraining business activity and quality of life. Governments, development finance institutions and private investors are increasingly prioritising infrastructure projects to address these gaps, often through public–private partnerships and regional integration initiatives. Infrastructure investment is capital-intensive and typically requires long-term planning, regulatory frameworks and maintenance programmes to ensure sustainability. Challenges such as loadshedding in the electricity sector highlight the consequences of underinvestment and ageing infrastructure. The African Union's Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa and various national infrastructure plans aim to coordinate and accelerate the delivery of critical projects across the continent. Infrastructure quality and availability are key determinants of competitiveness, trade facilitation and the ability to attract foreign direct investment.

Latest Articles in 60 Seconds

Project complexity threatens infrastructure delivery across Sub-Saharan Africa

Projects are five times more likely to succeed when complexity is managed effectively, according to June 2026 research from the Project Management Institute. The study finds that 81% of project professionals globally believe projects have become more complex in recent years, with Sub-Saharan Africa experiencing missed delivery deadlines at 44% compared with a 35% global average and stakeholder decision-making delays at 41% versus 34% globally.

Traxtion closes R1.4-billion equity raise for South African rail expansion

Independent railways operator Traxtion has concluded an $86-million equity capital raise involving STANLIB Infrastructure Investments, Standard Bank and Harith funds, positioning the company for further investment as South Africa's rail sector opens to competition. The transaction closes the equity required for Traxtion's previously announced R3.4-billion rolling stock investment programme, which includes 46 refurbished locomotives and 920 wagons, with the first eight locomotives due to arrive in Durban in August.

Construction sector faces skills shortage despite 130 000 new jobs created

South Africa's construction sector created 130 000 new jobs in the third quarter of 2025, nearly half of all new employment generated nationally during that period, but the industry faces a dual challenge of too few experienced professionals entering the pipeline and an accelerating loss of those already in it. Senior roles including contracts managers, site agents and senior site agents are among the most difficult to fill, with companies investing in in-service training programmes and mentorship to address the gap.

AfriSam

Press Office - AfriSam

Infrastructure Updates


Infrastructure, procurement policy and industrialisation in the spotlight
Infrastructure, procurement policy and industrialisation in the spotlight
26th June 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the increased attention being given to the link between infrastructure delivery, procurement policy and industrialisation in South Africa, as well... 


Tender for ECD Infrastructure Implementation Consultant
Tender for ECD Infrastructure Implementation Consultant
26th June 2026

Implementation Consultant (Firm) for the procurement of building infrastructure linked to early childhood centres in South Africa 


A construction site at dawn
More action, less talk – consulting engineers’ body
26th June 2026 By: Halima Frost

Despite numerous government announcements and budget allocations earmarked for new infrastructure projects in South Africa, the country’s engineering sector, now more than ever, requires action... 


Khewija GIBB Alliance (KGA) MD Carl Pretorius
Complex projects undermined by fragmented processes
26th June 2026

As South Africa ramps up infrastructure investment and increases private sector participation, projects are becoming more complex, multi-stakeholder dependent and time sensitive, says... 


a man and woman stood shaking hands
Networking platform successfully connects graduates to recruiters
26th June 2026

Since its launch in June 2022, civil engineering professional body South African Institution of Civil Engineering’s (SAICE’s) newest engineering community platform SAICE Connect has proven to be a... 


CREAMER MEDIA: PROJECTS IN PROGRESS 2026
Projects in Progress 2026
26th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

South Africa’s economy continues to face challenges, including slow growth, high unemployment and pressure on important services such as electricity, transport and water. New infrastructure... 


CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards demonstrate what's possible when engineers lead
25th June 2026

As the country seeks to unlock economic growth, improve service delivery and address decades of infrastructure backlog, Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) is once again shining a spotlight on... 


Projects are five times more likely to succeed when complexity is managed effectively, PMI research finds
Projects are five times more likely to succeed when complexity is managed effectively, PMI research finds
23rd June 2026

As the region accelerates digital transformation, infrastructure development, energy expansion, and public-sector modernisation, new global research from Project Management Institute (PMI) reveals... 


South Africa's construction boom is coming and the industry must invest in people now
South Africa's construction boom is coming and the industry must invest in people now
22nd June 2026

As South Africa marks Youth Month, the construction sector finds itself at a critical inflection point: infrastructure investment is accelerating, but the skilled professionals needed to deliver it... 


Traxtion CEO James Holley
Traxtion says R1.4bn equity raise positions it for more rail investments as market opens
19th June 2026 By: Terence Creamer

Independent railways operator Traxtion has concluded an $86-million (R1.4-billion) equity capital raise, which the company says has created the financial platform for yet further investments into a... 


Infrastructure development at speed – the digital twin advantage
Infrastructure development at speed – the digital twin advantage
17th June 2026

By: Johan Potgieter - Cluster Industrial Software Lead at Schneider Electric Large infrastructure projects have a stubborn reputation. Globally, major capital works such as transport corridors,... 


Africa PPP 2026 to Spotlight Bankable Infrastructure, Domestic Capital and Project Delivery
Africa PPP 2026 to Spotlight Bankable Infrastructure, Domestic Capital and Project Delivery
17th June 2026

The 16th edition of the Africa PPP Infrastructure Finance, Investment & Partnerships Summit (Africa PPP 2026) will return to Nairobi with a focus on turning infrastructure ambition into bankable... 


The Next Generation of Builders Needs Digital Skills from Day One
The Next Generation of Builders Needs Digital Skills from Day One
15th June 2026

South Africa's construction industry has spent years grappling with skills shortages. Now, a less visible challenge is emerging. As project environments become increasingly digital, many young... 


Can residents compel multiple state entities to fix failing infrastructure?
Can residents compel multiple state entities to fix failing infrastructure?
10th June 2026

By: Richard Hoal - Partner: Construction, Engineering and Insurance Law, Cox Yeats Residents across South Africa face chronic infrastructure failures. Flooding, exposed sewer lines, collapsing... 


Big 5 Construct South Africa, South Africa Infrastructure Expo, featuring Transport Evolution Africa open next week in Johannesburg
5th June 2026

Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure Expo, featuring Transport Evolution Africa, open next week, from 9 – 11 June at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg,... 


Image of Canninah Dladla
Revealing Africa’s great potential
2nd June 2026

By Canninah Dladla, Cluster President for SSA at Schneider Electric The well-known Richard Mullin quote: The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa, for he has so much to look... 


Image of Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo
Africa’s infrastructure future will be decided by execution
1st June 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

Africa has no shortage of infrastructure plans or vision; however, infrastructure delivery requires more than ambition: it requires execution, Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo... 


DBSA chief economist Zeph Nhleko
Opinion: Defining the low investment, low economic growth challenge in South Africa
29th May 2026

In this article by Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) chief economist and group executive Zeph Nhleko, he highlights infrastructure investment as the central lever to break South Africa’s... 


People at a stand at the events
Nigeria HVACR expo draws strong industry participation
29th May 2026

More than 2 800 industry professionals attended the inaugural editions of West Africa Infrastructure Expo and HVACR Nigeria, which were held over three days at the Landmark Centre, in Lagos,... 


Magazine cover image
Technology can bolster workplace safety when paired with human accountability
29th May 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Organisations in South Africa’s industries such as mining and infrastructure are increasingly adopting technology solutions to enhance workplace health, safety and security, there is a clear need... 


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