A World Bank report has highlighted significant transportation inefficiencies in Africa, leading to substantial food losses. The report indicates that 37% of locally produced food is lost during transit due to slow processing times, inadequate infrastructure, and non-tariff barriers.
The report titled "Transport for Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: Strengthening Supply Chains" suggests that focusing on investments in 50 key transportation hubs—comprising ports, border crossings, and road segments—could reduce food waste and enhance supply chains. This improvement could benefit the 58% of Africans currently facing food insecurity.
“Food insecurity in Africa isn’t just about producing more—it’s about fixing the broken systems that prevent it from getting where it’s needed most,” stated Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director at the World Bank. He added that by investing in transportation improvements, bottlenecks can be removed, costs reduced, and access to food made more reliable for millions.
The report identifies inefficient transport as a critical contributor to food insecurity alongside conflict, extreme weather, and economic instability. It notes that African food supply chains are significantly longer than those in Europe, resulting in delayed deliveries and increased prices.
Charles Kunaka, World Bank Lead Transport Specialist and main author of the report, stressed the importance of addressing transport issues to solve Africa's food insecurity crisis. He stated: “With coordinated investments in critical infrastructure, we can create a more resilient food system that ensures every African has access to the food they need to thrive.”
To tackle these challenges, the report recommends targeted investments such as upgrading ports and expanding road networks. These efforts not only improve logistics but also generate employment opportunities.
The World Bank has committed $45 billion towards initiatives aimed at enhancing food and nutrition security across 90 countries. In Ethiopia specifically, a $300 million roads development program is underway to improve rural connectivity and support economic growth.
Additionally, over the past decade, the World Bank Group has collaborated with several African nations to upgrade port infrastructure. Notable projects include the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project with a $345 million International Development Association grant and efforts to bolster Djibouti's role as a major port through the Djibouti Regional Economic Corridor initiative.