The 8th Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Week kicked off on Tuesday at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a focus on reshaping the continent’s infrastructure landscape. This important gathering brought together experts and stakeholders from across African countries to deliberate on the future of infrastructure development and its role in advancing the continent’s ambitions.
As Africa continues to navigate the challenges of development, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 provides a roadmap for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse by the year 2063. The infrastructure sector plays a crucial role in this transformation, as it connects economies, fosters trade, and promotes sustainable development across all sectors of society. With this in mind, the PIDA Week serves as a key platform for finding solutions to infrastructure gaps and challenges while harnessing opportunities for growth.
In her address at the opening session, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), emphasized the importance of PIDA Week in driving Africa’s infrastructure agenda. “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.
One of the central topics of discussion during this year’s PIDA Week is the second Priority Action Plan (PAP 2), which includes 69 transformative infrastructure projects spanning sectors such as transport, energy, water, and information and communication technology (ICT). These projects aim to tackle some of the most pressing infrastructure needs on the continent, such as the expansion of energy access, improvement of transport systems, and enhancement of digital connectivity.
A key highlight of PAP 2 is the ambitious Grand Inga Hydropower Project. Once completed, this project is set to become the world’s largest electricity generation initiative, with the potential to produce up to 40,000 megawatts of power. This monumental project, along with other energy initiatives, aims to boost electricity access across the continent. In addition, the vision of a navigable Nile River that will connect Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea holds the promise of transforming regional trade and transport.
Amani Abou-Zeid, the AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, noted the critical role that PIDA has played in creating a framework for infrastructure development across Africa. Since its inception, PIDA has led to significant progress in the development of roads, power generation, water systems, and digital infrastructure. More than 16,000 kilometers of roads and 4,000 kilometers of railway lines have been constructed, improving connectivity across the continent.
Through these projects, nearly 30 million people have gained access to electricity, raising Africa’s overall electricity access rate to approximately 44%. The digital transformation driven by PIDA has also been remarkable, with many countries now achieving greater digital connectivity through the expansion of optical fiber cables. These advancements are contributing to Africa’s growing digital economy and the ability to connect its people to the global market.
However, as Africa continues to develop its infrastructure, there is a growing emphasis on building climate-smart and resilient infrastructure. This focus ensures that future generations will benefit from infrastructure that is sustainable, adaptable to climate change, and capable of withstanding the pressures of an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world.
To achieve this, the African Union has worked to develop a Continental Policy that will guide the continent’s infrastructure development in a sustainable direction. This policy, which has been validated through extensive consultation workshops, is designed to foster collaboration and coordination among African countries, ensuring that infrastructure projects are aligned with the long-term vision of a resilient and sustainable Africa.
As PIDA Week continues in Addis Ababa, the discussions and deliberations on these critical projects and policies are expected to shape the future of Africa’s infrastructure. The continent stands at a crossroads, and with determination, collaboration, and the right investments, it has the potential to unlock a new era of prosperity for its people and the world.
In conclusion, the 8th PIDA Week represents a significant step toward the realization of Africa’s ambitious infrastructure goals. The momentum gained through the implementation of PIDA’s action plans, coupled with new policy frameworks, is helping to lay the groundwork for a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous Africa by 2063.
