INFRASTRUCTURE

The international community has been increasing investment in projects that promote trade facilitation and improve logistics in the developing world, including in ports. In Africa, a key motivation for such projects has been a presumption that poor infrastructure and inefficient border control agencies are the major causes of extended delays in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) ports. Based on new data and analysis, this note argues that collusion between controlling agencies, port authorities, private terminal operators, logistics operators, and large shippers is an important part of the problem.

Congo faces a unique opportunity to meet its objective of reducing poverty and enhancing social outcomes by diversifying and expanding its economy.  It reached the HIPC (Heavily Indebted Poor Countries) completion point in January, 2010, opening new perspectives for management of its public sector.  The country has been receiving and will continue to receive large volumes of oil revenues over the coming years.  With the adoption of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in 2008, Congo has a solid and credible development strategy to guide allo