The Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP) is launching a high-level webinar series on road financing. The first episode, scheduled for June 30, 2026, tackles a structural challenge that shapes the entire continent’s logistics landscape.

An African paradox: billions invested, roads still deteriorating

Roads are the backbone of economic activity. They move goods to markets, connect producers to buyers, and largely determine logistics costs across the continent. Yet across Africa, billions of dollars have been invested in road networks that too often deteriorate faster than they are maintained. The consequences are real: high transport costs, unpredictable delays, rising road accident rates, and limited access to economic opportunities for millions. The challenge is not just building roads — it is finding sustainable models to finance and preserve them over time.

The big questions at the heart of the debate

This SSATP webinar is not just another technical seminar. It is an open conversation, involving all stakeholders, around fundamental questions:

Lessons drawn from 15 African countries

Drawing on experience from 15 countries across the continent, the webinar will bring together senior government officials, road financing experts, private sector representatives and development partners. Confirmed speakers include:

Why this debate matters for logistics professionals

For logistics and freight transport professionals, road conditions are never an abstract issue. Every kilometer of degraded road translates into accelerated vehicle wear, unpredictable lead times, and additional costs that ripple across the entire supply chain. Road financing is therefore also a question of commercial competitiveness. This webinar is an opportunity to weigh in on a debate that will shape infrastructure investment priorities across Africa for years to come. Whether you are a policymaker, transport professional, private sector actor, development partner, researcher or simply a citizen interested in how public infrastructure is financed — this conversation concerns you.