Public-private partnerships (PPPs) represent a strategic option for African states seeking to finance and implement essential infrastructure without having to immediately mobilize all public resources. They allow for the attraction of private capital, the integration of specialized technical skills, and sometimes the introduction of organizational or technological innovations that would not be available in the public sector. In countries with limited budgets, these mechanisms offer a way to rapidly deploy road, energy, health, or digital projects. In practice, only certain countries, such as South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt, account for the majority of successful projects, thanks to stronger regulatory frameworks and improved contract management capabilities.

However, these arrangements have long-term financial implications. States often commit to periodic payments or guarantee certain revenues to private investors, which can strain public finances if projects do not generate the expected returns. According to the World Bank, implicit commitments linked to PPPs in some African economies sometimes represent more than 5% of GDP, a level that can limit budgetary flexibility for other priority expenditures. Contractual complexity and potential renegotiation clauses add further risk, often difficult for public administrations to measure. This budgetary burden must be considered in light of the continent's infrastructure deficit, estimated at over USD 100 billion per year, which explains the appeal of PPPs as an essential lever.

Strengthened governance, rigorous due diligence, and continuous project monitoring are essential to mitigate these risks. Successful examples demonstrate that PPPs can combine efficiency and financial accountability when contracts are transparent and performance is strictly controlled. Publication of commitments, balanced risk sharing, and independent audits of results are crucial to preventing excessive budgetary burdens. By integrating these mechanisms into national strategic planning, governments can leverage private capital while minimizing budgetary exposure, thereby contributing to sustainable infrastructure and economic growth.