In Part One we looked at the challenges faced, such as prohibitive transport costs (much of it owing to the time it takes to travel), red tape and poor regulations, decaying infrastructure, lack of incentive for the private sector and the shallow, isolated approach taken by so many decision makers.

A new spirit is rising from the earth of Africa; a fresh energy echoes from its drums. No longer is Africa the 'dark continent' or the seeker of teary-eyed handouts. Foreign aid is now playing second fiddle to foreign investment, and the gap widens year on year. Rightly so – Africa is open for business.

Can private finance provide the solution to efficiency and cost control within the public infrastructure milieu? ISIZA speaks with Robert Gecelter from Investec's Capital Markets division.

Blessing Manale is the CEO of the flagship Maputo Development Corridor Project – one of the sterling models of corridor developments across the continent. The project itself was founded on a rare and unprecedented level of economic cooperation between the then presidents of South Africa and Mozambique – Nelson Mandela and Joachim Chissano. The partnership set in stone a remarkable journey of successes; a journey that, under the current leadership, looks set to progress through many more horizons.

The Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative (MCLI) plays a pivotal role in promoting the Maputo Corridor as the first choice for the region's stakeholders. Established in 2003 by a group of infrastructure investors and service providers on the Corridor, this proactive private sector organisation is recognized as a model corridor management institution and is recognized both nationally and across the African continent as the spokes body for the Maputo Transport Corridor.

In early 2008, African Union (AU) Ministers talked of an industrialisation strategy for Africa, and eventually adopted a Plan of Action for Acceleration of Industrialisation. In doing so, they tapped into a rising tide of interest among African regional organisations, donors, and other developmental professionals in the concept of Development Corridors (DCs) and Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs). The plan was informed by a study, in 2006, done for the Secretariat of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

In early 2008, African Union (AU) Ministers talked of an industrialisation strategy for Africa, and eventually adopted a Plan of Action for Acceleration of Industrialisation. In doing so, they tapped into a rising tide of interest among African regional organisations, donors, and other developmental professionals in the concept of Development Corridors (DCs) and Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs). The plan was informed by a study, in 2006, done for the Secretariat of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).