A Literature Review of Public-Private Partnerships’ Role in Energizing Africa and, in Turn, Activate the African Manufacturing Revolution and Enable Economic Upliftment
Access to electricity is one of Africa’s most significant opportunities for economic growth. Governments need to work hand-in-hand with the private sector to make real progress. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer a powerful model: they bring together the necessary skills, funding, risk management expertise, and long-term operational support to build and maintain sustainable energy infrastructure. This paper examines how PPPs—especially in hydroelectric projects—can unlock Africa’s manufacturing potential, create jobs, and drive lasting economic upliftment. The research is based on a thorough review of recent and foundational literature, using databases like ProQuest, SpringerLink, and ScienceDirect. The sources span from 2004 to 2024, ensuring a mix of time-tested insights and the latest developments. Search terms such as “Public-Private Partnerships in Africa,” “energy infrastructure,” “PPP risk management,” and “sustainable manufacturing growth” guided the selection of articles and studies. By pulling together the lessons from past successes and failures, this paper shows how properly structured and managed PPPs can be a key strategy for powering Africa’s future.
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