MP Joana Gyan Cudjoe Urges “Calculated Risks” on China Loans, EU Grants to Close Africa’s Infrastructure Gap

Ghana’s Amenfi Central Member of Parliament Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe has called on African governments to take “calculated risks” in accessing both Chinese loans and European Union grants to fast-track infrastructure development across the continent.

Speaking this week at the 2026 Africa Days forum in Brussels, the MP said Africa cannot afford to delay critical projects while waiting for “perfect” financing terms.

“If we wait only for ‘perfect’ money, our roads, rail lines, hospitals and digital infrastructure will keep waiting too,” she told delegates during a session on _Financing Africa’s Infrastructure Gap_.

“Risk Taken vs. Opportunity Lost”
Hon. Gyan Cudjoe, who attended as part of Ghana’s delegation alongside NDC General Secretary Hon. Fifi Kwetey, argued that the continent must diversify its funding sources while managing risk.

“We should take calculated risks in accessing China loans where the terms support projects that create jobs and local value. At the same time, we must leverage EU grants and concessional funding for areas like green energy, health and education,” she said.

She stressed that risk should not be avoided but managed through transparent negotiations, clear economic returns, and guarantees of technology transfer and local participation.

“For constituencies like mine in Ghana, the difference between a risk taken and an opportunity lost is a bridge built, a market connected, or a factory powered,” she added.

Debate on Financing Options
Her remarks drew responses from African leaders, EU policymakers, and development partners at the forum. Several participants agreed on the need for balanced partnerships that protect Africa’s long-term interests while closing the infrastructure deficit.

The Africa Days forum gathers African and EU stakeholders annually to discuss financing, trade, infrastructure, and development cooperation. This year’s event focused heavily on sustainable funding models for roads, rail, digital networks, and energy.

The forum concluded with a joint call for “stronger, balanced partnerships” between Africa and the European Union.