Private Activity in Infrastructure in the Middle East and North Africa Remained at low Levels in 2010

Abstract

In 2010, three infrastructure projects with private participation reached financial or contractual closure in three low- and middle-income countries, involving investment commitments of US$1.1 billion. Infrastructure projects implemented in the 1990-2009 period attracted new investment of US$5.8 billion, bringing total investment commitments (hereafter, investment) to infrastructure in the region to US$6.9 billion in 2010. This level of investment is similar to the one reported in the region in 2009 (US$6.8 billion). However, private activity by number of projects is one third of the one reported in 2009 during the previous year (nine new projects in 2009).