Major differences exist between African countries, but they also have several common problems which suggest the need for study. These include poorly developed industrial and agricultural sectors, high population growth rates, severe shortages of professional, managerial, technical, and financial resources, and an inefficient transportation system. Africa has a large number of developing countries with varied backgrounds and varying levels of infrastructure development. Many of its nations are characterized by sparsely populated rural areas which are virtually inaccessible by motor vehicles. Thus, leaders of African nations face serious problems with respect to using available resources to foster economic growth and improve the quality of life.
Economic development occurs when the income level and productive output of an area increase.
The benefits of transportation improvements are related to the reduced costs associated with transportation. That is, if a transportation improvement is provided, the result should be reduced transportation costs to the area. Reduced transportation costs, then, should lead to greater productivity and increased economic growth. Most of the literature on transportation's contribution to economic growth has focused on well developed nations, the U.S. in particular. Typically, transportation has been viewed as an enabling, but insufficient factor leading to economic development.