Africa will need to accelerate infrastructure investment, industrial development and access to finance to turn expanding digital connectivity into broader economic transformation, according to the 2026 Africa Sustainable Development Report.
The report, jointly produced by the African Union, African Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, assesses progress under Sustainable Development Goal 9 covering industry, innovation and infrastructure.
ICT access provides a foundation
Access to information and communications technology is assessed as on track, providing a positive foundation for Africa’s digital and industrial ambitions. The report says other targets linked to clean and sustainable industry, research and development, resilient infrastructure and technology development require faster progress.
Targets associated with infrastructure development, industrialisation and access to finance are classified as showing reverse trends, highlighting where the next phase of investment and policy action needs to be concentrated.
Building the foundations for industrial growth
Africa’s industrial ambitions increasingly depend on transport and energy infrastructure, access to long-term finance, research capacity, technology adoption, skills and regional market integration moving together.
The report places these priorities within a broader environment of limited fiscal space and persistent financing constraints, increasing the importance of mobilising private capital alongside public investment.
AfCFTA raises the opportunity
The African Continental Free Trade Area creates a larger market for African producers, but the report’s findings underline the infrastructure and productive-capacity investments required to build competitive regional value chains.
Reliable power, transport, finance and industrial capacity will be central to translating trade integration into manufacturing growth, investment and jobs across the continent.
Source: 2026 Africa Sustainable Development Report, jointly produced by the African Union, African Development Bank, UNDP and UNECA.
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