<P> The seemingly intractable nature of Africa's poverty has led to debate concerning its root causes . Endemic warfare and unrest, widespread corruption, and despotic regimes are both causes and effects of the continued economic problems . The decolonization of Africa was fraught with instability aggravated by cold war conflict . Since the mid-20th century, the Cold War and increased corruption and despotism have also contributed to Africa's poor economy . </P> <P> According to researchers at the Overseas Development Institute, the lack of infrastructure in many developing countries represents one of the most significant limitations to economic growth and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Infrastructure investments and maintenance can be very expensive, especially in such areas as landlocked, rural and sparsely populated countries in Africa . </P> <P> It has been argued that infrastructure investments contributed to more than half of Africa's improved growth performance between 1990 and 2005 and increased investment is necessary to maintain growth and tackle poverty . The returns to investment in infrastructure are very significant, with on average 30--40% returns for telecommunications (ICT) investments, over 40% for electricity generation, and 80% for roads . </P> <P> In Africa, it is argued that to meet the MDGs by 2015, infrastructure investments would need to reach about 15% of GDP (around $93 billion a year). Currently, the source of financing varies significantly across sectors . Some sectors are dominated by state spending, others by overseas development aid (ODA) and yet others by private investors . In sub-Saharan Africa, the state spends around $9.4 billion out of a total of $24.9 billion . </P>

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