Using Rwanda and Egypt as Case Studies:
Any nation’s economic progress must include the development of its infrastructure. However, a lack of resources, finance, and technical experience frequently impedes the development of infrastructure in third-world nations. In spite of these difficulties, some nations have launched infrastructure-building initiatives and had remarkable success. In this blog post, we’ll look at two examples of third-world nations’ successful infrastructure development initiatives: Rwanda and Egypt.
Case Study 1: Rwanda’s Infrastructure Development Project
Rwanda is a small landlocked country in East Africa that has made remarkable progress in infrastructure development over the past few decades. In 2000, only 6% of the population had access to electricity, and the country had only 6,500 phone lines. However, through a concerted effort by the government and private sector, Rwanda has made significant strides in infrastructure development.
One of the key infrastructure development projects in Rwanda is the construction of the Kigali Convention Centre, which was completed in 2016. The convention center is a state-of-the-art facility that has put Rwanda on the map as a destination for international conferences and events. The project was funded through a public-private partnership and was completed on time and within budget. The convention center has not only created a world-class facility but has also generated jobs and revenue for the country.
Another is the Kigali International Airport. The International Airport has undergone a major expansion and renovation in recent years. The new terminal, which opened in 2019, can handle up to 4.5 million passengers per year and features modern amenities like duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Also In 2018, the Rwandan government launched the Rwanda Innovation Fund, which provides funding and support to entrepreneurs and startups in the country. The goal is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship and to help create new businesses and jobs.
Case Study 2: Egypt’s Infrastructure Development Project
Egypt is a country with a long and rich history, but it also faces many challenges in terms of infrastructure development. The country has a rapidly growing population, which puts a strain on existing infrastructure. To address these challenges, the Egyptian government has undertaken several infrastructure development projects, including the construction of a new capital city.
The new capital city is built from scratch and will be in the East of Cairo. The city will house government buildings, residential areas, and commercial districts. The project is estimated to cost $45 billion and is being funded by Chinese investors. The new city is expected to alleviate the population density in Cairo and provide a modern, sustainable living environment for Egyptians. Similarly, The expansion of Cairo Metro is underway with the construction of Line 3. The lines will run from Cairo International Airport to Imbaba in the west of the city. When completed, Line 3 will be the longest metro line in Africa, with a length of around 47km.
The New Cairo Sewage Treatment Plant, which is one of the largest in the world, was opened in 2019. It has the capacity to treat up to 500,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day, which will help to improve the quality of the water in the Nile River.
Related: How to Improve National Infrastrastructure in developing countries
Challenges Faced During Infrastructure Development Projects in Third World Countries
While Rwanda and Egypt have made significant progress in infrastructure development, they have also faced many challenges. In third-world countries, infrastructure development is often hindered by a lack of funding, technical expertise, and political stability. Additionally, corruption and red tape can slow down infrastructure development projects and make them more costly.
Lessons Learned and Future Recommendations for Successful Infrastructure Development Projects
Despite the challenges, Rwanda and Egypt’s infrastructure development projects have been successful. There are lessons to be learned from their experiences.
One key lesson is the importance of public-private partnerships in financing infrastructure development projects. These partnerships can bring together the expertise and resources of both the public and private sectors. Which will result in more efficient and cost-effective projects.
Another lesson is the importance of investing in technical expertise and education. Developing countries often lack the technical expertise needed to design and implement complex infrastructure projects. By investing in education and training, countries can build a skilled workforce that can take on these projects.
In conclusion, infrastructure growth is an essential part of economic development in third-world nations. As Rwanda and Egypt have demonstrated, infrastructure development initiatives may be successful and result in positive change with the correct strategy and funding. Other developing nations can have comparable success by studying their mistakes, investing in public-private partnerships, and hiring technical professionals.
