Climate Change and Vulnerabilities of Critical Infrastructure in Africa: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Worldwide, climate change presents one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, with Africa emerging as one of the regions most exposed to its impacts. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, droughts, and flooding threaten not only ecosystems and livelihoods but also the integrity of critical infrastructure needed for socio-economic
development. This review paper examines the nexus between climate change and vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure in Africa, with a focus on key sectors such as energy, transportation, water supply, sanitation, and information and communication technologies. The review synthesizes current literature to highlight patterns of exposure and vulnerabilities across different
sectors, which underscores the need for integrated adaptation strategies or resilience. A city-scale assessment of climate change impact was carried out based on studies from Lokoja, Kogi State in Nigeria. Annually, the city experiences significant flooding events, leading to serious fatalities, the destruction of livelihoods, and damage to critical infrastructure. Ultimately, the paper argues that safeguarding Africa’s critical infrastructure against the evolving threats of climate change is essential for ensuring economic stability, public safety, and long-term sustainable development. Strategic pathways for building resilience suggested in the paper include strengthening institutional frameworks, mainstreaming climate risk assessments into infrastructure planning, enhancing local or community participation, and enhancing regional cooperation, among others