Nairobi, April 11 -- Infrastructure is a critical enabler of long-term global economic growth, supporting prosperous societies, elevated standards of living, and every modern industry.

But the ongoing expansion and evolution of what infrastructure comprises has transformed its definition, demanding a fundamental mindset shift among governments, investors, and industry operators about how to fund, build, use, and maintain it.

Global population growth, economic development, and technological advances are creating massive demand for infrastructure across the world-not only more of the familiar elements but also new kinds altogether.

Traditionally, infrastructure has referred to the physical assets that have underpinned societies throughou...