The continent has fixed its eyes on the AU’s Agenda 2063.
The agenda seeks to transform Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.
Delegates pose for a photo after the opening session of the 8th PIDA Week at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia/PIDA
The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Week Conference was officially opened on Tuesday at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
During the opening session, experts from across African member countries met to chart a way forward for Africa’s infrastructure development.
This is even as the continent fixes its eyes on the AU’s Agenda 2063 which seeks to transform Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.
This agenda brought together African countries to forge a way forward while discussing the continent's challenges and opportunities.
Addressing the opening session, the African Union Development Agency, (AUDA-NEPAD) CEO Nardos Bekele-Thomas said that PIDA Week has become a premier platform for infrastructure development on the continent.
“Building upon the momentum of the 2022 Dakar Financing Summit and the 2023 launch of the PIDA First 10-Year Implementation Report in Nairobi, we convene here in Addis Ababa to deliberate on solutions that will reshape the infrastructure landscape and advance our collective vision for the continent,” she said.
She described the current priority action plan which is the second action plan (PAP 2) by PIDA, saying that even though the progress of PIDA over the past decade is a testament to what Africa can achieve through determination and Collaboration, PAP 2 encompasses 69 transformative projects across transport, energy, water, and ICT.
“These include monumental initiatives like the Grand Inga Hydropower Project, which, when completed, will be the world’s largest electricity generation project, and the vision of a navigable Nile River connecting Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea,” she said.
The AUC Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Amani Abou-Zeid during the opening session of the 8th PIDA Week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia/PIDA
The AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Amani Abou-Zeid on her part noted that PIDA has been crucial in creating a framework that drives infrastructure development across Africa.
A range of projects have been successfully implemented, enhancing road networks, boosting power generation and transmission, developing water supply systems, and expanding digital infrastructure.
“Through PIDA projects, nearly 30 million people in Africa have gained access to electricity, bringing the continent's overall electricity access rate to approximately 44 per cent.
Since the start of PIDA, more than 16,000 kilometres of roads and 4,000 kilometres of railway lines have been developed across the continent.
"PIDA has also played a significant role in Africa's digital transformation, with the augmenting number of countries achieving digital connectivity via optical fiber cables, exceeding the original goals,” she pointed out.
As Africa continues to build its infrastructure, there is a need for the continent to do so while ensuring that they are climate-smart and resilient infrastructure for the sake of its future generations.
This, the AUC has done by having countries agree on one Continental Policy that will ensure that this is achieved.
“After several consultation workshops, I am glad to announce that the validation meeting of this important framework was just held last week. The new continental policy is coming to underscore the African Union's strong dedication to enhancing collaboration and coordination of partnerships throughout the continent, working to close gaps and establish pathways toward a more resilient future,” Abou-Zeid revealed.
