An efficient road network is vital for a country’s economic growth and social development because roads connect people to markets, schools, hospitals, and jobs. They also allow for the transport of goods, which boosts trade and industry.
For a continent as large as Africa, having a well-developed road network is key to unlocking its full economic potential.
While many African nations are still working to expand and improve their infrastructure, some countries have built vast road networks.
Below are the countries with the longest road networks in Africa.
1. South Africa
Road Network: 750,000 km
South Africa has the longest road network on the African continent. Its road network is more than twice the length of any other country’s road system in Africa. It has a mix of paved and unpaved roads, from major national highways to local rural routes.
Despite its vast road network, the country faces significant challenges. The country faces serious underfunding for maintenance and this resulted in the deterioration of many roads, especially in rural areas. It has also resulted in widespread potholes and structural damage, which increase travel times and vehicle operating costs.
Many reports have shown that the government is now focused on rehabilitation and maintenance. Significant funds are being allocated to repair and upgrade existing roads.
2. Nigeria
Road Network: 195,000 km
Nigeria has the second-longest road network in Africa. As the continent’s most populated country, its road network is critical for moving people and goods. These roads are essential for linking major cities, seaports, and commercial centers.
The road network in Nigeria, however, like in South Africa, is in a dire state. Many key highways suffer from a lack of maintenance which leads to heavy traffic congestion and frequent accidents. Poor road conditions and security issues are also major problems that affect the movement of people and goods.
The Nigerian government is making efforts to address these issues, the government is working on various projects to improve road infrastructure.
3. Ethiopia
Road Network: 180,000 km
Ethiopia has been making a strong push to develop its road network. Ethiopia is a landlocked country, therefore roads are its lifeline to seaports in neighboring countries and this makes the government prioritize road construction for it to connect different regions and boost economic development.
Despite significant progress, the road network still faces challenges. A large portion of the roads are unpaved. This makes travel difficult, especially during the rainy season, even though the country is working to improve the quality of its roads to support its growing economy.
Ethiopia has ambitious plans for its roads. The government has a long-term plan to build and improve thousands of kilometers of roads including building major expressways to connect with neighboring countries.
4. Kenya
Road Network: 161,000 km
Kenya’s road network is a key part of East Africa’s transport system and it is vital for trade and tourism. The country’s major highways, such as the Thika Superhighway and the Nairobi Expressway, have improved travel around the capital. These roads have made it easier to do business and get to different parts of the country.
However, challenges remain. Poor planning and inadequate maintenance have led to some roads being in bad condition. The road network also faces problems like traffic jams in urban areas which in many times slow down business and increase costs.
The Kenyan government has launched several projects to address these issues and it is using new methods to maintain roads and are building new highways.
5. DR Congo
Road Network: 152,000 km
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a vast land area. So its road network is essential for connecting its different regions.
However, like other African countries the road network is in very poor condition. Many roads are just dirt tracks. They become impassable during the rainy season. This makes it hard to transport goods and provide basic services.
Several reports have shown that many of the country’s roads exist only on paper and this lack of proper roads has created a major barrier to economic development. It also makes it difficult to deliver humanitarian aid to remote areas.
The government, with help from international partners, is working to improve the road network. They are building and rehabilitating key highways.
6. Tanzania
Road Network: 145,000 km
Tanzania has one of the longest road networks in East Africa. Its location makes it a transport hub for neighboring countries. The country’s roads connect its major ports to landlocked countries and this makes its road network very important for trade in the region.
The country’s roads have seen a lot of improvement in recent years. However, some roads still need repair. The government has focused on building new roads and improving old ones and this has helped to connect rural areas to markets and improve people’s lives.
The government of Tanzania has ambitious plans for its road network. It is working on major road projects to improve connectivity.
7. Algeria
Road Network: 141,000 km
Algeria has a large road network that connects its cities. Many of its roads are of good quality. The country has a major highway system, including the East-West Highway. The government is working to improve the road network. It is upgrading its roads and building new ones. Also, they are trying to improve things like mobile coverage on roads.
The government’s focus on road infrastructure is part of its plan to improve the country’s economy. Better roads will help to boost trade and make it easier to get around the country.
8. Mali
Road Network: 139,000 km
Mali is also a landlocked country, so its road network is important for its economy. The country’s main transport routes connect with neighboring countries and this gives Mali access to seaports and the roads help to move goods and people.
However, the roads in Mali face many challenges like many countries in Africa. The road network is not fully developed; political and security issues have also affected the roads and this has made travel difficult in some parts of the country.
The Mali government is working on new projects to improve the road network. They are building and repairing roads to connect different regions and aim to improve road safety and make travel easier for everyone.
9. Zimbabwe
Road Network: 97,000 km
Zimbabwe’s road network is a vital part of its transport system. It is important for trade and for people to get around. The country’s roads connect its cities and towns. However, the road network has been in decline for many years.
A lack of money for maintenance has been a major problem. Many roads are in very bad condition. There are many potholes. This has made travel difficult and dangerous. It has also increased the cost of doing business.
The government is now trying to raise money to repair the roads. They are using a system of road tolls to get the funds needed for repair work. The goal is to restore the road network to a good condition which will help the country’s economy grow again.
10. South Sudan
Road Network: 90,000 km
South Sudan’s road network is still developing. After decades of conflict, the country’s infrastructure is in very poor condition. The road network has limited coverage. Many roads are unpaved. They become impassable during the rainy season. This makes it hard to deliver services and goods.
The poor state of the roads is a big problem for the country. It makes it hard to move around and still makes it hard for farmers to get their crops to markets which hold back the country’s economy.
The government, with the help of international partners, is working to improve the road network. They are building new roads and repairing old ones with the hope to create a better network that can support the country’s development and help people get to where they need to go.
