Top 7 African Countries with Quality Road Networks

Most African countries are at the bottom of the global infrastructure development index. But in reality, the situation is not as dire as it sounds. A few African countries have become a model for others in terms of infrastructure, especially quality road networks.

In fact, in 2013, African Development Bank’s Review said Africa is the fastest-growing continent in the world. 

“More than two-thirds of African countries have improved their quality of governance, leading to a better business climate, improved basic services and expanded economic opportunities,” the report said. 

Just as there cannot be economic development without proper infrastructure, the need for good roads in Africa cannot be overemphasised.

According to the Global Economic data in 2019, here are some African countries with quality road networks.

Namibia

Namibia has the most outstanding road quality in Africa and is ranked 22 globally. The country has an average point of 5.30 on the 7-point scale used to collect the data.

Namibia attained this through the Roads Authority established in 2000. The Windhoek Flyover is regarded as one of Namibia’s top roadways. The condition of the roads has caused travellers to compare it to some roads in Europe.

Aside from the lack of potholes on its roadways, the country has side pathways, clean streets, and high-quality, attractive structures.

To maintain the excellent standard of the roads, the government has made significant investments and has a specialised team of road managers assigned. One benefit of having good roads is that it lowers overall transportation costs.

Egypt

From 2006 to 2019, Egypt had an average value point from 3.47 to 5.1 in 2019. The lowest point was 2.74 in 2013. Point 5.1 ranked the country 29th of 141 countries in the world.

Rwanda

Rwanda is not just known for its clean atmosphere, but it is also home to some of Africa’s finest highways. In 2019, the East African country scored 4.8, putting it in 39th place globally. 

From 2010 to 2019, the average value point was 4.76. The government’s efforts and help from China, the European Union, and others have contributed to the country’s current road and infrastructure quality.

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Mauritius

Mauritius, also known as Africa’s most democratic country, has good roads that have also contributed to the country’s economic growth. The well-managed roads have been beneficial to the tourist centred Island country.

As of 2022, the country has 2,852 kilometres (1,922mi) of roads, of which 1,140 kilometres (710ml) are main roads, 913 kilometres (567 ml) are secondary roads, 104 kilometres (65 ml) are motorways, and 615 kilometres (382ml) are made up of other types of roads.

The nation’s average value points were 4.45. In 2019, the country had 4.7 points and ranked 42 globally.

Morocco

Through the government’s rural infrastructure development, the country has been able to have more international standing, beating countries such as Belgium, Ireland, and Italy.

The country’s average value points were 4.02. It had 4.7 in 2019 and ranked 43.

South Africa

South Africa is one of Africa’s most developed countries with well-developed infrastructures. Some of its best roads are in major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. 

Also, the country has some breathtaking upcountry roads. The N2 is South Africa’s longest road, measuring 2,255 kilometres in length (1,401 miles). It connects Cape Town with Ermelo via Port Elizabeth, East London, and Durban.

With a score of 4.5, the country ranked 51 out of 141 nations in 2019, with an average value point of 4.77.

Kenya

Kenya is the second East African country on the list with some of the best roads in the region. The country scored 4.1 in 2019. The average value from 2006 to 2019 was 3.67, with the lowest value of 2.22 in 2006 and the highest of 4.3 in 2017. The country ranked 64.

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