Lisa Mugo
Africa’s story is changing, and its roads are a clear exhibit of that transformation. Once known for potholes and rough terrain, the narrative is being rewritten. Today, several nations are boasting expressways, smart traffic systems, multilane highways, and thousands of kilometers of seamless connectivity.
These top ten countries are proving that infrastructure is no longer a luxury, but the foundation of economic growth. These rankings have taken into account several factors such as road quality, maintenance, intercity access, and total road network coverage.
1) NAMIBIA 🇳🇦
This country has consistently been ranked as having the best road quality in Africa. It has also been ranked as having one of the best roads globally, surpassing infrastructural giants such as China in some rankings. Boasting over 49,000 kilometers of well-maintained roads. The C14 and B1 roads, which pass through the Namib Desert, are famous for being well-engineered and smooth.
2. EGYPT 🇪🇬
With structural improvements and transformation over the last decade, Egypt is one of Africa’s powerhouses when it comes to roads. The country’s road network connects major cities such as Cairo, Alexandria, and Aswan through modern highways and ring roads. Egypt’s commitment to improving transport efficiency has significantly reduced travel times, boosted trade, and strengthened its position as a key gateway between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
3) BENIN 🇧🇯
Benin made headlines in 2024 for its rapid infrastructure development as it positions itself to become a logistics hub for West Africa. Major road projects linking Cotonou to landlocked neighbors such as Niger and Burkina Faso have improved regional trade routes.
4) RWANDA 🇷🇼
Ranked as one of the cleanest countries in Africa, Rwanda has heavily invested in its infrastructure as the road network has expanded into rural areas, linking districts, provinces, cities, and neighboring countries. The government sees roads as central to economic growth, tourism, and regional trade.
5. MAURITIUS 🇲🇺
Despite being small in size, the island’s road system has connected every corner of the country with smooth and well-marked routes. The government continues to invest in road safety and congestion management, with projects such as the A1–M1 bridge and the Metro Express improving mobility and reducing travel time.
6) CÔTE D’IVOIRE 🇨🇮
Once known for deteriorating infrastructure, Côte d’Ivoire has transformed its road network over the past decade. Projects like the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway and the Yamoussoukro-Expressway are part of a wider push to improve trade and mobility in West Africa.
7) KENYA 🇰🇪
Kenya has emerged as a regional transport hub, boasting one of East Africa’s most advanced road networks. The ‘Vision 2030’ plan to improve infrastructure has seen the country make major strides in development. The construction of the Express Way and Thika Super Highway has ensured that major cities have remained connected.
8) MOROCCO 🇲🇦
Morocco’s road infrastructure is among the most developed in Africa, with extensive highways connecting key cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. The government’s long-term investment in road expansion and maintenance has positioned the country as a model for North African transport efficiency.
9) TANZANIA 🇹🇿
The East African country has played a major role in linking East and Southern Africa through major transport routes. Over the past decade, the government has invested heavily in upgrading trunk and regional roads that connect the country to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zambia.
10) SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦
South Africa boasts well-developed highways and major roads connecting Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, with highways and national routes, such as the N1, N2, and N3, forming the backbone of regional trade.
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