ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The 8th PIDA Week Conference commenced on Tuesday at the African Union (AU) headquarters, bringing together experts and policymakers to accelerate Africa’s infrastructure development.
Hosted under the framework of the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisions Africa as a global powerhouse, the event highlighted both the continent’s opportunities and the hurdles it must overcome to achieve this ambitious vision.
In her opening remarks, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), emphasized PIDA Week’s evolution into Africa’s premier platform for infrastructure dialogue and strategy.
“Building upon the momentum of the 2022 Dakar Financing Summit and the launch of the PIDA First 10-Year Implementation Report in Nairobi earlier this year, we gather here to shape transformative solutions for Africa’s infrastructure landscape,” Bekele-Thomas said.
She highlighted the significance of PIDA’s second Priority Action Plan (PAP 2), which outlines 69 transformative projects spanning transport, energy, water, and ICT.
These include landmark initiatives such as the Grand Inga Hydropower Project, poised to become the world’s largest electricity generation project, and the ambitious vision of creating a navigable Nile River linking Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea.
AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Amani Abou-Zeid, outlined the significant strides made under PIDA’s framework.
She noted that PIDA projects have brought electricity to 30 million people, increasing Africa’s overall electricity access rate to 44 percent.
Additionally, the development of over 16,000 kilometers of roads and 4,000 kilometers of railway lines has improved connectivity across the continent.
“PIDA has been instrumental in advancing Africa’s digital transformation. Several countries now achieve enhanced digital connectivity via optical fiber cables, surpassing original targets,” said Abou-Zeid.
However, she underscored the importance of prioritizing climate-smart and resilient infrastructure to safeguard future generations.
Abou-Zeid announced the development of a new Continental Policy on Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, following extensive consultations among member states.
“This policy reinforces the African Union’s commitment to collaboration and partnership, addressing infrastructure gaps and creating a more resilient future,” she added.
Discussions during the conference will center on unlocking funding, enhancing policy frameworks, and leveraging technology to accelerate Africa’s infrastructure transformation.
Hosted under the framework of the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisions Africa as a global powerhouse, the event highlighted both the continent’s opportunities and the hurdles it must overcome to achieve this ambitious vision.
In her opening remarks, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), emphasized PIDA Week’s evolution into Africa’s premier platform for infrastructure dialogue and strategy.
“Building upon the momentum of the 2022 Dakar Financing Summit and the launch of the PIDA First 10-Year Implementation Report in Nairobi earlier this year, we gather here to shape transformative solutions for Africa’s infrastructure landscape,” Bekele-Thomas said.
She highlighted the significance of PIDA’s second Priority Action Plan (PAP 2), which outlines 69 transformative projects spanning transport, energy, water, and ICT.
These include landmark initiatives such as the Grand Inga Hydropower Project, poised to become the world’s largest electricity generation project, and the ambitious vision of creating a navigable Nile River linking Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea.
AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Amani Abou-Zeid, outlined the significant strides made under PIDA’s framework.
She noted that PIDA projects have brought electricity to 30 million people, increasing Africa’s overall electricity access rate to 44 percent.
Additionally, the development of over 16,000 kilometers of roads and 4,000 kilometers of railway lines has improved connectivity across the continent.
“PIDA has been instrumental in advancing Africa’s digital transformation. Several countries now achieve enhanced digital connectivity via optical fiber cables, surpassing original targets,” said Abou-Zeid.
However, she underscored the importance of prioritizing climate-smart and resilient infrastructure to safeguard future generations.
Abou-Zeid announced the development of a new Continental Policy on Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, following extensive consultations among member states.
“This policy reinforces the African Union’s commitment to collaboration and partnership, addressing infrastructure gaps and creating a more resilient future,” she added.
Discussions during the conference will center on unlocking funding, enhancing policy frameworks, and leveraging technology to accelerate Africa’s infrastructure transformation.
