Disaster Resilience, Funding Trends & Accra-Kumasi Expressway
The latest news from Ghana's major road plans, global disaster resilience efforts, and key investment trends.
Top Story: Ghana Paves the Way for New Accra-Kumasi Expressway
Accra, Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama has announced that feasibility studies and design work for a new Accra-Kumasi Expressway are set to begin, with the goal of cutting sod for construction early next year. This ambitious project is a cornerstone of the government's "Big Push" initiative for the Ashanti Region, aiming to significantly improve connectivity between Ghana's two largest cities. The broader initiative also includes the completion of the Kejetia Market Phase 2, a new Kumasi Outer Ring Road, and expansions to Prempeh International Airport, signaling a strong commitment to infrastructure development in the region.
Read More: Sod-cutting for new Accra-Kumasi Expressway set for early next year - Mahama
Trends to Watch
1. Resilient Infrastructure & Disaster Risk Reduction Takes Center Stage
The global infrastructure community converged in Geneva for the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR 2025) from June 2-6. A primary focus was on building more resilient infrastructure and accelerating efforts to reduce disaster risks worldwide. Discussions highlighted the critical role of data and technology (including AI), integrated risk governance, and increased investment in prevention and early warning systems. The importance of "Build Back Better" strategies and climate-resilient infrastructure development were also emphasized, particularly for regions prone to natural disasters. The African Union Commission played a significant role, consolidating a continental voice for disaster risk reduction.
Summary: Global leaders at GPDRR 2025 stressed the urgent need for resilient infrastructure, better data utilization, and increased investment in disaster prevention to mitigate the impact of natural hazards.
Read More: GP2025 Agenda | Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction
2. African Development Bank Recognized for Landmark Suez Wind Project
The African Development Bank (AfDB) was honored with the "Infrastructure Deal of the Year" award at the African Banker Awards 2025 for its crucial role in financing the 1.1 GW Suez Wind Power Project in Egypt. This project, the largest wind energy initiative in Africa to date, signifies a major step forward in the continent's clean energy transition and underscores the AfDB's commitment to sustainable development through strategic financial engineering and collaborative partnerships.
Summary: The AfDB received a prestigious award for its financing of Egypt's massive Suez Wind Project, highlighting the growing investment and focus on renewable energy infrastructure in Africa.
3. Digitalization and AI Driving Infrastructure Demand
The accelerating adoption of AI across industries is creating unprecedented demand for computing power and storage, leading to a surge in data center development. This trend is consequently driving significant investment in power generation and grid connection capacity, as reliable and robust energy infrastructure becomes essential for supporting the digital revolution.
Summary: The rise of AI is fueling a boom in data center construction, leading to increased demand and investment in energy infrastructure to power these crucial digital assets.
Read More: Artificial intelligence driving infrastructure demand - Raxio - The Observer
In Other News
1. Northern Corridor States Enhance Negotiation Skills for Megaprojects
From June 4-6, Nairobi, Kenya, hosted a regional workshop organized by the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), in collaboration with GIZ and the CONNEX Initiative. The workshop focused on strengthening negotiation and contract management skills for sustainable infrastructure development in megaprojects. This initiative aims to equip policymakers and industry experts in Northern Corridor Member States with the expertise to secure fairer and more effective contracts, bridging the resource and expertise gap often faced by governments when dealing with private investors.
2. ADB Supports Resilient Connectivity in Eastern Thailand
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Thailand formalized a $68.74 million loan agreement to provide resilient connectivity infrastructure to the U-Tapao Airport in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This project will enhance access roads and support the development of climate impact monitoring systems, demonstrating a commitment to climate-resilient infrastructure that also contributes to a low-carbon transport system.
Read More: ADB Supports Resilient Infrastructure Development in Eastern Thailand | Asian Development Bank
3. FIDIC to Release New Report on Sustainable Infrastructure in Emerging Economies
The International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) is set to launch its first "State of the World" report for 2025 on June 25, titled "Infrastructure Adaptation for Emerging Economies – Scaling Sustainable Solutions." The report will offer a clear analysis of infrastructure gaps in the Global South and propose actionable pathways to build resilient, inclusive, and future-fit infrastructure, addressing challenges like rapid urbanization, climate risks, and socio-economic transitions.
The Week’s Infrastructure Number
$3.7 Trillion
This is the estimated funding gap for U.S. infrastructure over the next 10 years (2024-2033) needed to achieve a state of good repair across all 18 infrastructure categories, if current federal investment levels continue. This figure from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)'s 2025 Report Card underscores the significant investment still required to modernize and maintain critical infrastructure. ASCE's 2025 Infrastructure Report Card
Open Architecture Competitions on SeekFanatic
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The Nomadic Artist Residency Spaces competition invites architects, designers, and visionaries to develop innovative and impactful mobile artist residencies. Art has the power to transform communities, and this competition seeks to create self-sufficient, transportable living and working spaces that allow artists to engage deeply with diverse environments and underserved communities.
Submission deadline: 1 July 2025. Join the competition.
Underground Co-Working and Innovation Hub. Design an innovative, eco-friendly co-working space located underground. This competition challenges architects and designers to create a subterranean hub that utilizes natural resources like geothermal energy, fostering a creative environment for entrepreneurs and creatives.
Submission deadline: 1 August 2025. Join the competition.
The Best 2025 Architecture Thesis Award. As the academic year draws to a close, the architecture community eagerly anticipates the unveiling of the most innovative and groundbreaking architectural theses of 2025. The Best Thesis Awards 2025 aims to recognize exceptional talent and celebrate the culmination of years of dedication and hard work by final-year architecture students.
Submission deadline: 30 November 2025. Join the competition
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