Africa and Asia can lead the Next Generation of Public-Private Partnerships

By Kenneth Macharia

Walking through the corridors of public health reform and trade policy negotiations across Africa, one truth has remained constant: no government or private actor can drive sustainable development alone. The scale and complexity of our challenges, from under-resourced healthcare systems to infrastructure gaps and climate resilience, require shared ambition and coordinated action. It’s time for Africa and Asia to lead the next generation of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), not as passive recipients of investment, but as architects of a new, more inclusive growth model.

Global Shocks Are Redefining Partnership Priorities

Over the past year, several events have shaken the development and investment landscape. The recent cuts and restructuring at USAID, one of the world’s largest bilateral donors, have triggered ripple effects across programs in global health, education, and infrastructure. Simultaneously, ongoing instability in the Middle East—from Red Sea shipping disruptions to rising geopolitical tensions—has begun to choke global supply chains, raising insurance costs and delaying essential goods.

In this volatile climate, traditional aid flows are uncertain, and global trade routes are being redrawn. This presents a compelling case for Africa and Asia to forge resilient, regionally anchored partnerships that are less exposed to external shocks.

AfCFTA and Regional Blocs: Unlocking Market Power

One of the most promising tools in Africa’s arsenal is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). When fully implemented, it will be the largest free trade area in the world by number of countries—covering 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion (AfCFTA Secretariat, 2023). According to the World Bank, AfCFTA has the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and boost Africa’s income by $450 billion by 2035, primarily by reducing trade barriers and increasing intra-African exports.

Regional economic communities like the East African Community (EAC), ASEAN, and the African Union’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) also present an opportunity to align investments across borders—something PPPs are uniquely positioned to do.

What Next-Gen PPPs Must Look Like

To move beyond transaction-based models, we need to reimagine PPPs as long-term, value-aligned partnerships that:

• Center local context and co-design: The best solutions are those built with communities, not just for them.

• Integrate ESG from the start: Environmental, social, and governance considerations must be core to every partnership.

• Blend capital smartly: Combining public funds, donor capital, and private investment can unlock high-risk, high-impact projects.

• Embed data and accountability: Strong monitoring frameworks build public trust and enable better decision-making.

Why Africa and Asia Must Lead

Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, while Asia is home to six of the ten largest economies globally. Both regions also have a youthful demographic, rising consumer demand, and untapped innovation ecosystems. Yet they remain underrepresented in global investment flows—largely due to risk perceptions and fragmented markets.

Now is the time to change that. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has emphasized the role of PPPs in bridging Asia’s $1.7 trillion annual infrastructure investment gap. In Africa, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 calls for bold partnerships that support inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The Role of Executive Leadership

Successful PPPs require leaders who understand both the boardroom and the cabinet table, people who can navigate public interests, private expectations, and donor priorities. As someone who has worked across these sectors and regions, I’ve seen how effective PPPs not only unlock capital, but also mindset shifts, local capability, and lasting resilience.

A Call to Action

As the world reels from geopolitical shocks and institutional realignments, Africa and Asia must step forward, not as beneficiaries, but as innovators and conveners. Governments must craft enabling environments. The private sector must take a long-term view. And development partners must move from prescriptive funding to catalytic collaboration.

Let’s define the next decade of partnerships together.

Are you building the future of trade, healthcare, and investment across Africa and Asia? Let’s connect.