Safwan Sobhan, Founder and Chairman of Safwan Bashundhara Global (SBG), emphasises the critical importance of infrastructure in securing the world’s future economies.
The $15 trillion global infrastructure gap
Infrastructure has always been the backbone of global economic growth. Roads, power grids, ports, energy systems, housing, and transport networks are the foundations upon which societies and industries thrive. Yet, a stark reality is emerging: by 2040, the global infrastructure investment gap is projected to reach $15 trillion.
This shortfall threatens to undermine economic growth at a time when technology, urbanisation, and climate change are placing unprecedented pressure on cities and communities worldwide. Without urgent investment in energy, transport, and resilient cities, economies risk stagnation – regardless of their advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
Technology cannot thrive without infrastructure
Speaking on the future of global development, Safwan Sobhan, Founder and Chairman of Safwan Bashundhara Global (SBG), delivered a stark message: “Technology alone is not enough to secure long-term economic growth. The nations that invest in modern energy centres, sustainable housing, and resilient urban systems will attract skilled workers, generate jobs, and create the conditions for inclusive, sustainable development. It is becoming increasingly apparent that business leaders are not setting out to meet these needs.”
Sobhan warns that an overemphasis on AI risks ignoring the physical foundations required to make technological revolutions possible. AI needs infrastructure to succeed. Without reliable, clean energy, digital networks, and efficient transport systems, the potential of automation, data centres, and advanced computing will remain constrained.
The infrastructure challenge: energy poverty and urban growth
As of June 2025, more than one billion people worldwide live in energy poverty – lacking adequate, reliable, and affordable energy for basic needs such as lighting, cooking, and heating. This makes populations more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, extreme weather events, and economic instability.
The global energy transition is one of the biggest challenges facing the built environment. By 2050, it is estimated that 73 million kilometres of power lines will need to be added worldwide. Electricity infrastructure spending must more than double by 2035 to meet surging demand.
Emerging economies in Asia and Africa face the steepest challenges but also hold vast opportunities. Countries like the UAE have already demonstrated leadership, investing more than $72 billion in renewable energy projects across Africa since 2015.
Infrastructure as the enabler of digital technologies
The role of infrastructure in powering technology is becoming clearer. AI, data centres, and cloud computing require vast amounts of energy and connectivity. Renewable energy hubs, smart grids, and sustainable transport systems are essential not only to combat the climate crisis but also to provide the stable, scalable resources that digital industries need to thrive.
Sobhan emphasises: “Investing in infrastructure today is an investment in tomorrow’s economy. Countries that fail to modernise their infrastructure will be left behind, even if they lead in technology innovation.”
Economic, social, and geopolitical consequences
Strategic infrastructure investment brings wide-ranging benefits:
- Job creation – from steel and cement to construction and engineering.
- Sustainable growth – enabling inclusive development that benefits communities.
- Capital attraction – modern, reliable infrastructure attracts global investment.
- Resilience – strong transport, energy, and digital systems safeguard nations against climate shocks and supply chain disruptions.
Beyond immediate economic impact, infrastructure determines geopolitical competitiveness. Nations with modern ports, resilient urban systems, and robust power networks are better positioned to secure supply chains, attract international businesses, and remain competitive in an uncertain global landscape.
The call to action for governments and business leaders
The warning is clear: AI will not define the future – infrastructure will. Without forward-looking investment in energy, transport, housing, and resilient urban planning, the digital economy will fail to realise its potential.
For governments, the challenge is to close the $15 trillion gap by prioritising infrastructure modernisation. For businesses, the opportunity lies in embracing sustainable construction, renewable energy, and smart city development as essential pathways for growth.
Safwan Sobhan concludes: “Infrastructure is about more than keeping pace with technology – it is about safeguarding national resilience and ensuring countries remain strong for the industries of the future.”
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