Top 10 African countries with the longest road networks

Roads are often referred to as the "nerves" of an economy, and for good reason. They form the backbone of a country’s infrastructure, boosting the movement of goods, services, and people.

• Business Insider Africa presents the 10 African countries with the longest road networks.
• The list is courtesy of Global Firepower.
• South Africa has the most extensive road network in Africa, covering 750,000 km, and ranks 11th globally.

Roads are not just physical pathways but vital economic arteries that stimulate growth, development and prosperity. They link up producers with markets, get workers to their jobs, help students get to school, and even get the sick to the hospital.

Just like other parts of the world, Africa depends a lot on road infrastructure to link its regions and support trade within and between its 54 countries.

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Roads are the primary mode of transport on the continent, and it carries 80 per cent of goods and 90 per cent of passenger traffic. However, Africa faces a huge road infrastructure deficit, leading to increased transaction costs and a low level of intra-Africa trade, which sits at just 18% of total goods traded on the continent.

Now, many countries are putting money where the asphalt is. The primary motivation behind these investments is the understanding that well-developed roads translate to economic growth, job creation, and well-connected communities.

Countries vary in their road quality and network length, reflecting diverse levels of infrastructure development.

According to a report by Global Firepower, South Africa has the most extensive road network in Africa, covering 750,000 km, and ranks 11th globally. Nigeria follows with 195,000 km, placing it 29th, while Kenya has 161,452 km, ranking 32nd.

Below are the top 10 African countries with the longest road networks:

Rank	Country	Roadway coverage in kilometres	Global rank
1	South Africa	750,000km	11th
2	Nigeria	195,000km	29th
3	Kenya	161,452km	32nd
4	Democratic Republic of Congo	152,373km	34th
5	Tanzania	145,203km	35th
6	Mali	139,107km	38th
7	Ethiopia	120,171km	41st
8	Algeria	104,000km	46th
9	Zimbabwe	97,267km	49th
10	South Sudan	90,200km	55th