The South African Cities Network (SACN) has just commissioned a study that looks into ways municipalities and sub-national entities within the Southern African region can harness financial resources to fund infrastructure development. This is borne out of the fact that Africa’s infrastructure deficit is large, growing and needs financing to close the existing substantial gaps. The study funded by the World Bank through its Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF) and the Sub-National Technical Assistance (SNTA) Program will examine the creditworthiness of the nine member municipalities of the SACN as well as municipalities across the region. These include Lilongwe, Blantyre, Windhoek, Gabarone, Maputo, Ndola, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Port Louis and Luanda. A detailed assessment of the financial position of the cities as well as their ability to support and fund infrastructure developments will be key to this process. With this assessment, tailor made technical support will be provided to chosen municipalities to assist them in improving their financial capacity and ultimately approaching capital markets to fund their considerable infrastructure needs. The study is ongoing, and will conclude in mid 2011.

For more information visit www.sacities.net.